Barefoot or shod
A neutral introduction to the difference between horses without shoes and horses with shoes.
What it is for
Some horses do well barefoot, while others need shoes for comfort, grip or protection on hard or rough ground. Which choice fits depends on the horse, the work and the footing, and you weigh that up with the farrier or vet.
More detail
Shoes protect the hoof from wear and can add grip and support, but they also limit some of the hoof's natural expansion. Bare hooves can move more freely and are cheaper to maintain, but may need a transition period or hoof boots on hard ground. There is no single right answer for every horse; it is a case-by-case trade-off.
Discover more
Sources: British Horse Society · Merck Veterinary Manual.