English
Keeping horses barefoot is gaining in popularity because of the benefits in hoof health and movement it can provide some horses.
Barefoot hoof trimming is designed to maximize the biomechanical efficiency of hoof function. It is favoured among horse owners who prefer more natural management of their equine companions.
When the barefoot hoof is in contact with the ground, blood flow increases within the hoof because the heel can expand in an unrestricted manner. In contrast, shoes prevent full natural expansion within the hoof capsule that occurs with ground contact.
Horses with barefoot hooves may develop a thicker, more fibrous digital cushion and thicker sole in comparison to those that are shod.
Because of these and other changes in their hooves, concussive energy is more efficiently dissipated within the hoof rather than being transmitted into soft tissues and bony structures.
Transitioning horses to barefoot takes time. Working in conjunction with a certified trimmer and veterinarian is recommended to facilitate a successful transition.
Equine Hoof Anatomy
The equine hoof is a living organ that is designed to flex and absorb shock. It contains several structures that synergistically work together to enable movement of the foot.
The hoof capsule protects the coffin bone, also referred to as the pedal bone or P3. This capsule consists of highly vascular soft tissues on the inside (the corium).
The outermost layer of the hoof structure is comprised of a hard wall that protects the inner tissues including the laminae (laminar layers) of the foot. This outer layer also includes the frog, the bars, and the sole.
Multiple structures of the hoof are responsible for absorbing the impact of the hoof hitting the ground. They work together to distribute these concussive forces to prevent stress in the joints.
The frog, a soft pad located on the centre of the hoof sole, reduces shock forces within the hoof.
The digital cushion is a tough, fibrous internal structure that also absorbs concussive energy. When bearing weight, the heels and bars of the hoof expand in a sideways direction to facilitate additional shock absorption.
Barefoot Trimming
Attaching shoes to the equine foot to protect the hoof capsule is a centuries-old practice carried out since at least 400 B.C.
Most competition and pleasure horses are shod with shoes made of metal or another dense material to protect hooves from damage, provide support to the foot, and provide optimal traction.
Recently, there has been a trend among owners and riders to keep horses barefoot instead of shod.
Proponents of barefoot hoof care regimes believe this approach stimulates better hoof growth because the hoof in its natural state makes direct contact with the ground surface that horses are working or performing on.
Barefoot proponents believe that the sole of a horse’s foot reflects his or her health status.
According to barefoot trimming experts, a healthy equine foot should exhibit a slight concavity. This is naturally achieved if the epidermal and dermal layers of the hoof laminae are tightly connected. [1]
In other words, horses that are flat-footed may have sinking. Flat soles are also commonly seen in horses that have long toes and underrun heels. Also, horses wearing shoes continuously are deprived of the weightbearing benefits of the sole, frog and digital cushion. This results in the hoof wall having to carry all of the horse’s body weight. Over time, this can lead to sinking/distal descent. [2]
A barefoot trim, also referred to as a physiological trim, aims to promote healthy hoof development. This hoof care regime typically involves trimming the bars and walls of the hoof above the live sole and blending any flares in the hoof. Loose or dead material on the sole and the frog are also removed. The outer hoof should conform to the internal structures like a sock fits your foot.
Hooves trimmed according to barefoot methods are bevelled on the bottom edge of the hoof wall to create a mustang roll. This roll on the edge allows for the hoof to easily break over the ground when contact is made.
Research
Research studies have examined the functional and morphological differences between shod and barefoot hooves. Multiple differences have been observed.
One study investigated the effects of barefoot trimming on hoof morphology in seven horses over a 16-month period. Morphology was measured with lateral, dorsal, and solar view photographs and lateromedial radiographs taken at 0, 4, and 16 months. [3]
Beveling the toe and involving the frog and bars in the weight-bearing function of the hoof resulted in the elevation of the heel angle and the angle of the pedal bone in relation to the sole.
Researchers concluded these changes may be beneficial in treating under-run heels and achieving an optimal angle of the pedal bone. [3]
A separate study of 98 shod and 69 barefoot-managed hooves showed significantly fewer underrun heels, steeper heel angles, wider heels, increased splaying, increased flaring, and larger frog size compared to the hooves of shod horses. [4]
What's your top priority with your horse's health?
What's your top priority with your horse's health?
Physiology of Barefoot Hooves
Research indicates that certain types of horseshoes restrict heel movement. Bare hooves can flex to a greater degree compared to hooves that are shod. [5][6]
As the hoof lands heel first on the ground, the hoof capsule expands. This allows the hoof capsule to fill with blood which flows into the tissues and nerves of the foot. This also serves as a shock-absorbing mechanism to cushion the structures within the hoof capsule.
Shoes are applied to the hoof while in a contracted state, held up and not bearing weight. Once the shoe is applied, the hoof is unable to expand normally, potentially predisposing the foot to pathological processes.
Dr. Robert Bowker is a veterinarian and the director of the Equine Foot Laboratory at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Michigan State University. Bowker says that the equine foot should be trimmed so the rear portion of the foot, including the frog, contacts the ground. [7]
He has found that blood flow within the back part of the foot is a key mechanism for dissipating energy.
The equine foot is continuously adapting and reacting to environmental conditions. Horses’ hooves are sculpted by their environment, and not only by genetic influences.
Dr. Bowker hypothesizes that contact with the ground stimulates the rear of the foot to produce more fibrous and fibrocartilaginous tissue in the digital cushion. The more fibrous tissue present in the digital cushion, the greater protection against chronic foot problems.
Digital Cushion Thickness
A study of 12 mature American Quarter Horses investigated the effects of barefoot trimming and shoeing on the joints of the forelimb and digital cushion thickness (also referred to as “depth”)Â over a period of 140 days. [8]
The study consisted of three phases including six weeks during which time the horses were barefoot trimmed (days 0-42), six weeks when the horses were shod (days 49-91) and another 6 weeks when the horses were barefoot trimmed again (days 98-140).
The study determined that mean digital cushion depth was greater in the barefoot phases compared to the shod phase. A deeper digital cushion can dissipate concussive forces more effectively than a shallow one.
Joint circumference increased during the shod phase in the horses being studied. [8] This potentially indicates an inflammatory response in the horses’ joints during the time they were wearing shoes.
Based on the changes noted in this study, the researchers concluded that hoof morphology is altered in shod forelimbs due to changes in lower limb action and hoof load dispersion. This could increase the risk of lameness over time.
Heel-First Landing
A heel-first landing is seen in nearly all feral horses and most sound domestic horses. The blood flow and large surface area in the rear of the equine foot disperse the concussive forces experienced in the hoof as it hits the ground.
If the rear of the foot and frog do not touch the ground, energy is not adequately dissipated. The force is instead transferred into the soft tissues and bones of the foot.
Because these structures cannot dissipate energy properly, they become vulnerable to damage which can result in lameness.
Underrun Hooves
In horses with underrun hooves, the heels have a steeper angle and have grown further forward under the leg. This causes improper dispersion of concussive forces in the hoof.
In underrun hooves, ground contact occurs beneath the coffin joint and navicular area rather than at the rear of the foot. This places pressure on the coffin bone, rather than distributing the force within the digital cushion. In addition, the fetlock over-flexes and the deep digital flexor tendon is pulled tightly against the navicular bursa.
Dr. Bowker recommends maintaining a short toe length and ensuring the back part of the foot is in contact with the ground.
When looking at the solar surface of the foot, one-third of the foot should be in front of the apex of the frog, and two-thirds should be behind to encourage a heel-first landing.
A shortened toe discourages the development of underrun heels. Research indicates that sole length is naturally decreased in barefoot hooves compared to shod hooves. [9]
Trimming Schedule
According to Dr. Bowker, hooves should be trimmed regularly to keep the toe short. Hoof care should be carried out at five- to six-week intervals rather than over longer time periods. [10] Horses that need remedial trimming benefit from a shorter trim interval.
The results of a study involving 26 horses indicate that four- to six-week farrier intervals help prevent excess loading of hoof structures. This reduces long-term injury risks caused by cumulative, excessive loading. [11]
Maintaining Horses Barefoot
Several factors should be considered when making the decision to keep horses barefoot.
Some horses may need to wear shoes to address hoof issues or to perform expected work. Others may do very well or better if barefoot.
Barefoot Hoof Care Advantages
In horses that are barefoot, the heels, bars, and frog make direct contact with the ground. This promotes beneficial changes within the hoof as it adapts to the forces exerted upon movement.
Changes that occur in barefoot horses impact the entire hoof structure. The thickness of the sole increases, the hoof develops a natural concavity, and the position of the coffin bone improves.
Barefoot hooves develop digital cushions with larger surface areas that provide more support to the entire foot and the structures within it.
As energy dissipation improves within the hoof, the horse may exhibit a longer stride and reduced soreness.
An additional benefit of keeping horses barefoot is the lower cost of hoof care since shoes are not used, although some horses need to use boots and pads when initially transitioning.
Barefoot is Not for All Horses
Not all horses are best served by going barefoot. In some cases, shoeing may be necessary to address conformation issues and hoof problems.
Shoes can also provide traction and protection on hard ground. Some horses will use temporary glue-on shoes or hoof boots as an alternative during competition or when training on hard ground.
Some owners report difficulties in transitioning their horses to barefoot if they have been previously shod.
Due to genetic factors or conditioning, some horses may not be able to adapt to going barefoot whereas others may only need shoes or boots under certain conditions such as for competition or trail rides on rocky terrain.
Transitioning a Horse to Barefoot
Horses need time to transition to being barefoot. The heel should be lowered gradually over a period of several weeks to allow the foot to adjust to the changes. [11] At the same time, long toes need to be brought back to a position that is more optimized to the horse’s ideal biomechanics.
It is recommended to work with a farrier or trimmer that is certified in barefoot hoof trimming when transitioning a horse to barefoot.
Proper farriery promotes the development of healthy functional feet and helps to reduce the risk of lameness. [13]
In consultation with a veterinarian, a farrier may request radiographs to assess where the coffin bone is in relationship to the hoof wall. This can be beneficial when initially trimming a horse according to barefoot methods.
Promoting Strong Hoof Growth
Dr. Debra Taylor, an equine podiatry veterinarian at Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, states that when shoes are removed the horses’ feet are often in a weakened state. [12]
She recommends temporarily protecting the hooves with rubber hoof boots as they adapt to being barefoot.
Horses also require sufficient exercise and movement for their hooves to develop. Without adequate blood flow in the hoof, the structure cannot adapt.
Dr. Taylor notes that wild horses walk approximately 25 miles per day, a key factor in the development of healthy hooves. [12]
Horse owners can encourage their horses to move by creating a pathway system in their pasture with hay placed at various points along the path. This pasture design is known as a “paddock paradise.”
Nutrition for Healthy Barefoot Hooves
To grow and maintain healthy hooves, horses require a balanced diet that provides an array of vitamins and minerals. [12][13][14][15][16][17]
Some of the most important nutrients known to support hoof integrity include biotin, copper, methionine, selenium, and zinc.
For a typical 500 KG (1100 LB) horse, NRC recommended amounts of each of these nutrients are as follows: [22]
| Nutrient | Feeding Rate (Per Day) |
|---|---|
| Zinc | 400 mg |
| Copper | 100 mg |
| Selenium | 1 mg |
| Biotin | 20 mg* |
*The biotin feeding rate of 20 mg per day is based on studies showing support of hoof growth at this level.
Methionine is a sulfur-containing amino acid that is transformed to cysteine. Sulfur-to-sulfur bonds in hoof wall keratin give it its strength. Methionine should be fed at approximately at 1.5% of the crude protein in the diet. [22]
Mad Barn’s Methionine is an excellent source of bioavailable methionine, formulated to support hoof quality, connective tissue strength, and antioxidant protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about barefoot trimming for horses:
Barefoot trimming for horses is a hoof care method that supports the hoof without permanent metal shoes. It is also called physiological trimming because it aims to promote healthy hoof form, natural expansion, and efficient movement. A barefoot trim typically removes excess wall, bar, frog, sole, and flare material while keeping the outer hoof aligned with the internal structures. The hoof wall is often bevelled into a mustang roll to help the foot break over the ground more easily.
Barefoot trimming is different from trimming a shod horse because it encourages the sole, frog, bars, heel, and digital cushion to share weight-bearing and shock absorption. Shod horses often rely more heavily on the hoof wall to carry weight, while barefoot trimming aims to involve more of the bottom of the foot in ground contact. A healthy barefoot hoof should have slight concavity when the hoof structures are well connected. [1] Horses wearing shoes continuously may lose some of the weight-bearing benefits of the sole, frog, and digital cushion, which can contribute to sinking or distal descent over time. [2]
Keeping a horse barefoot may benefit hoof health by allowing the hoof capsule to expand more naturally when it contacts the ground. This expansion supports blood flow within the hoof and helps the rear of the foot dissipate concussive energy. Barefoot hooves may develop thicker soles, stronger digital cushions, natural concavity, and improved support for internal hoof structures. Some horses also show longer stride length, reduced soreness, and lower hoof care costs when they are successfully maintained barefoot.
Research shows that barefoot hooves can differ from shod hooves in heel angle, frog size, heel width, digital cushion depth, and load dispersion. In one 16-month study, barefoot trimming elevated the heel angle and improved the angle of the pedal bone in relation to the sole, which may help horses with under-run heels. [3] Another study found that barefoot-managed hooves had fewer underrun heels, steeper heel angles, wider heels, more flaring and splaying, and larger frogs than shod hooves. [4] A separate study found greater digital cushion depth during barefoot phases and increased joint circumference during the shod phase, suggesting shoeing may alter hoof loading and lower limb mechanics. [8]
Heel-first landing is important in barefoot horses because the rear of the foot is designed to absorb and dissipate concussive forces. When the frog, heels, and back of the foot contact the ground, the hoof can expand and blood flow helps cushion the internal structures. If the rear of the foot and frog do not make proper ground contact, impact forces are transferred into the soft tissues and bones of the foot instead. Over time, poor energy dissipation can contribute to soreness, tissue damage, and lameness.
Barefoot trimming may help some horses with underrun heels by shortening the toe and encouraging the back of the foot to contact the ground. In underrun hooves, the heels grow forward under the leg, shifting ground contact toward the coffin joint and navicular area instead of the rear of the foot. Maintaining a short toe and appropriate heel position can improve force distribution through the frog, bars, and digital cushion. Research indicates that sole length is naturally decreased in barefoot hooves compared to shod hooves, which may help discourage underrun heel development. [9]
Barefoot horses should usually be trimmed on a regular five- to six-week schedule, with shorter intervals for horses needing remedial hoof care. Regular trimming helps keep the toe short and reduces excessive loading on the hoof capsule and internal structures. Dr. Robert Bowker recommends trimming at five- to six-week intervals rather than allowing longer periods between hoof care appointments. [10] Research involving 26 horses found that four- to six-week farrier intervals help prevent excess loading of hoof structures and may reduce long-term injury risk. [11]
Transitioning a horse to barefoot takes time and should be done gradually with professional guidance. The heel should be lowered over several weeks so the foot can adapt, while long toes are brought back toward a more functional position. [11] A certified barefoot trimmer or farrier can help manage the transition, and a veterinarian may recommend radiographs to assess the coffin bone position relative to the hoof wall. Hoof boots or temporary protection may be useful while the horse adapts, especially if the feet are weakened after shoes are removed. [12]
Going barefoot is not suitable for every horse. Some horses need shoes to address hoof problems, conformation issues, traction needs, performance demands, or work on hard or rocky ground. Temporary glue-on shoes or hoof boots may be useful for competition, trail riding, or transition periods when extra protection is needed. Genetics, previous conditioning, workload, terrain, and hoof quality all influence whether a horse can remain barefoot full-time or only during certain seasons or lower-work periods.
Nutrition supports barefoot hoof quality by supplying the nutrients required to grow dense, resilient hoof horn from the coronary band. Barefoot horses rely on the hoof wall, sole, frog, bars, and digital cushion for support and shock absorption, so weak hoof horn can make the foot more sensitive to hard ground, rocky footing, and repeated concussion. A balanced diet supports stronger new hoof growth over time, but hoof care cannot fully compensate for a diet that is low in the amino acids, vitamins, and minerals required to build healthy hoof tissue. For most barefoot horses, Omneity® is the best supplement to help balance forage-based diets and support hoof wall growth, hoof horn quality, and connective tissue integrity. For horses with persistent hoof quality concerns, metabolic concerns, high-iron forage, or a history of laminitis, AminoTrace+ provides a more fortified option with higher levels of key hoof-support nutrients and no added iron.
Barefoot horses need adequate protein, amino acids, biotin, zinc, copper, selenium, vitamin E, and other trace minerals to support strong hooves. Hoof horn is made primarily from keratinized tissue, which requires amino acids such as lysine, methionine, and threonine to form structural proteins. Zinc and copper support keratin formation, connective tissue integrity, and hoof wall strength. Biotin supports hoof horn quality, but it is not a complete hoof nutrition program on its own. If the diet is low in copper, zinc, amino acids, selenium, or vitamin E, or if high iron intake is interfering with mineral balance, adding biotin alone may not meaningfully improve hoof quality. For most horses, Omneity® is the best vitamin and mineral supplement to help balance forage-based diets and support healthy hooves. For barefoot horses with a history of hoof issues or metabolic needs, AminoTrace+ has higher levels of key nutrients involved in maintaining strong hooves. AminoTrace+ is also formulated with no added iron in a low-NSC pellet, making it ideal for easy keepers and EMS horses.
For most barefoot horses, the best hoof supplement is Mad Barn’s Omneity®. Omneity is a complete vitamin and mineral supplement formulated to balance forage-based diets and provide the core nutrients required for hoof wall growth, hoof horn quality, connective tissue integrity, and overall hoof structure. It is more comprehensive than a basic hoof supplement because it does not rely on biotin alone. Omneity provides organic trace minerals, amino acids, vitamins, biotin, selenium, digestive enzymes, and yeast, with no added iron. For barefoot horses with metabolic concerns, persistent hoof quality issues, high-iron forage, or a history of laminitis, AminoTrace+ is the more fortified choice. AminoTrace+ is formulated specifically for horses that need hoof support alongside metabolic support, including horses with insulin resistance, Equine Metabolic Syndrome, PPID, or laminitis risk. It provides higher levels of key hoof-support nutrients, including zinc, copper, amino acids, biotin, natural vitamin E, and organic selenium, while also supplying magnesium and chromium to support normal glucose metabolism. AminoTrace+ contains no added iron and is made with low-NSC ingredients, making it better suited to barefoot horses that need stronger hoof support without added sugar, starch, or excess calories.
For most barefoot horses, Omneity® is the best choice for hoof health because it balances forage-based diets and supplies the essential nutrients needed to build strong hoof horn. It is well suited for barefoot horses with normal metabolic status that need support for hoof wall growth, horn quality, sole strength, and overall mineral balance. AminoTrace+ is the more advanced choice when hoof quality problems are more persistent or when the horse has metabolic concerns, high-iron forage, recurring cracks, thin or brittle hoof walls, insulin resistance, EMS, PPID, or a history of laminitis. AminoTrace+ provides higher levels of key hoof-support nutrients, including zinc, copper, amino acids, biotin, vitamin E, selenium, magnesium, and chromium. It is formulated with no added iron and low-NSC ingredients, making it more appropriate for barefoot horses that need hoof support together with metabolic support. Omneity and AminoTrace+ should not be fed together because both are complete vitamin and mineral formulas.
Summary
Barefoot hoof care aims to maximize natural biomechanics and hoof function, improving circulation and shock absorption by allowing unrestricted heel expansion.
- The hoof’s frog, bars, and digital cushion work together to absorb concussion, and barefoot horses often develop thicker soles and stronger digital cushions compared to shod horses.
- Studies show barefoot hooves have steeper heel angles, wider heels, larger frogs, and improved pedal bone alignment, all contributing to healthier hoof morphology and better energy dissipation.
- Bare hooves enhance blood flow and flexibility, encouraging fibrous tissue development in the digital cushion and reducing joint strain by promoting natural heel-first landings.
- Transitioning to barefoot requires gradual trimming, proper conditioning, and guidance from a certified trimmer and veterinarian, with temporary protection like hoof boots during adaptation.
- Balanced nutrition with adequate biotin, methionine, zinc, copper, and selenium supports hoof integrity, while regular exercise and movement help stimulate healthy hoof growth and strength.
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