The equine foot has evolved over millions of years to withstand the forces it receives while horses walk, trot, gallop, graze, lie down, and occasionally jump. Especially at high speeds, the hoof works as a shock absorber, cushioning the blow as bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, blood vessels, and more come thundering down against a variety of ground surfaces.

As such, it makes sense to harness that evolutionary accomplishment by keeping the foot free to compress, stretch, stabilize, grow, and even feel the way nature intended. And that means not blocking its normal function by applying shoes – as in going barefoot.

But what about when we take horses out of the natural environment they evolved to live in? Can their bare feet stand up to the pressures of added rider weight, daily sports workouts, frequent jumping, hard and/or slippery footing, unnatural housing and bedding, and even selective breeding that doesn’t always take hoof quality into account?

You can also see more information and download the guide from the HAYGAIN website.