Barefooting horses is not a new concept. But it’s rapidly gaining momentum in Australia and overseas. 

Traditionally we have kept our horses shod because we think that shoes protect their feet. But what if shoes didn’t really protect their feet? What if we found out that shoes actually damaged their hooves, legs and skeletal system by increasing jarring and limiting circulation in the foot? What if we found that shoeing prevented the hoof working the way nature intended? Imagine how you would feel running around all day with plates of metal nailed to your shoes?

PICTURED RIGHT: "This crack has been a problem for years. It is caused by the toe being too long and the heel too high. With proper hoofcare it should grow out in 8 to 10 months."

The hoof is a three-dimensional structure incorporating multiple geometric shapes (cones, domes, triangles, arches), each with its own properties of strength and flexibility. It has a complex hydraulic system of blood flow feeding the frog, sole corium, lamina, lateral cartililages etc. Each of these anatomical parts is composed of a different material, with unique properties for shock absorption and energy dissipation.  They provide the foundation for a column of bones and joints aligned in a slightly offset position and leaf-spring arrangement. The interaction of these structures allows the horse to absorb and dissipate shock waves. But it depends on a healthy hoof to do it.

Scientists now know that horses were never meant to walk on the walls of their hooves. But that is effectively what we are asking our horses to do - by nailing the shoes to the wall.  Researchers & some vets (including Dr Robert Bowker, head of the  Equine Foot Laboratory at Michigan State University, and Dr Tomas Teskey DVM) are now advocating barefoot trimming as a kinder way of keeping our horses. Even many farriers say its better to leave your horse unshod for part of the year, to improve hoof quality.

With barefoot hoof care you can now remove your horse’s shoes, and -  using the latest, lightweight hoofboots - still keep riding.  You may not even NEED boots, depending on the history and condition of your horse’s hooves and the work you are asking him to do. You’ll find it’s better for your horse, it costs you less in the long run, and  you’ll never have to wait for a farrier again!