Please note this blog post is only one opinion out of many on horse shoeing vs. barefoot and is based solely on the writer’s own experience and knowledge about the question.

The question of whether or not to shoe your horse has become one of the most highly debated questions in the horse world. Some people are adamant that a domesticated horse must be shod all the time. Others go with the argument that it’s not natural and the mustangs get along just fine with no shoes and therefore no horse should ever be shod.

It really comes down to the health and toughness of your horse’s hooves and what you plan to do with your horse and the knowledge and expertise of your farrier. The E.L.P.O (Equine Lameness Prevention Organizationhttp://www.lamenessprevention.org/) is dedicated to the research and education about horse hoof health and lameness prevention. They study and research mustang hooves and apply what they find to our domesticated horses. The results are amazing. They have learned to balance the horse’s hoof so it is healthy and more natural and much closer to how a mustang hoof is balanced. They are able to help if you want your horse to go barefoot. They can also recommend shoes that will aid your horse in your chosen discipline/s that will help him feel more comfortable and be able to perform better.

Now it is true that some horses are fine doing more extreme disciplines such as jumping or the like without shoes. And that’s fantastic. Other horses are not so lucky, whether genetically or due to other circumstances and need shoes in order to remain sound.

It really comes down to knowing your horse and striving to do what’s best for them. Sometimes the best thing for your horse is having shoes. Sometimes the best thing for your horse is going barefoot. Either way is fine, as long as it’s best for the horse.

There are many ways to help your horse toughen his feet so he can be comfortable going barefoot. There are many excellent methods and people who have written books on healthy horse hooves that you can read and research.

Perhaps the question shouldn’t be whether to shoe or not, but rather will my horse benefit from shoes or no shoes?

Listen to your horse, do your research, and talk to educated people. And remember, it’s all right to try shoes one time and barefoot the next to see the difference. It’s not a war that you have to choose a side. It’s really a question of what will benefit and make your horse the most comfortable and relaxed so he can enjoy his time with you.

(photo taken from Pinterest)

“He moved like a dancer, which is not surprise; a horse is a beautiful animal, but it is perhaps most remarkable because it moves as if it always hears music.” – Mark Helprin

~ Saddle Up