What barefoot is and why more and more riders choose it
Barefoot — literally “bare foot” — is the approach to managing the horse without traditional shoeing. It is not a recent trend: for thousands of years wild horses have kept healthy hooves on varied ground without any human intervention. The modern barefoot movement starts from this observation to rethink the hoof management of domestic horses.
The recognised benefits include better proprioception (the horse “feels” the ground), a more natural weight distribution, the stimulation of digital circulation through the physiological expansion and contraction of the hoof, and the elimination of the risks linked to nails (punctures, shoeing abscesses). The main drawback is that it requires a more active and constant management commitment.
The transition: the three phases
Moving from shod to barefoot is not an immediate process. The hoof of a horse that has worn shoes for years has a structure adapted to that external support: the wall is often thinner, the sole concave, the digital musculature less developed. The transition requires time and support.
- Phase 1 — Structural adaptation (0–3 months): after the shoe is removed, the hoof begins to redistribute the load. A period of sensitivity is normal, especially on hard ground. Reduce work on abrasive surfaces, increase time on grass or soft sand. The barefoot farrier trims every 4–6 weeks.
- Phase 2 — Strengthening (3–6 months): the hoof wall becomes denser, the sole thickens, the frog develops. The horse begins to move more confidently on more types of ground. You can progressively increase work, but still avoid coarse gravel and wet tarmac for prolonged periods.
- Phase 3 — Maintenance (beyond 6 months): the mature barefoot hoof is often more robust than a shod one. The routine enters a stable maintenance phase, with regular trims and constant product care.
Nutrition and mineral supplementation
The hoof is made mainly of keratin, and keratin is made of proteins and minerals. A barefoot horse on a diet deficient in silica, sulphur, zinc, biotin and copper will produce a fragile hoof wall, regardless of external care. The diet is the foundation on which everything else is built.
The key points of nutrition for barefoot:
- Analysed hay: know the composition of your hay. Many Italian hays are mineral-deficient. Supplementation must make up for the specific deficiencies.
- Minerals in bioavailable form: organic chelates are absorbed better than inorganic salts. Zinc, copper and manganese are critical for keratin quality.
- Biotin: vitamin B7 is essential for keratin production. 20–30 mg/day is the effective dose for an adult horse in transition.
- Low sugars: pastures rich in fructose can interfere with hoof metabolism in predisposed individuals. Take care with pasture management in spring.
The right products for the natural hoof
The barefoot hoof does not need to be waterproofed or artificially hardened: it needs to be nourished. ArgiShine, with its base of Nocera Umbra clay, delivers silica, calcium and sulphur directly to the coronet and the coronary band — the area where new keratin is produced.
The regular application of ArgiShine on the coronet (every 48 hours in dry periods, every 3–4 days in normal conditions) supports the production of a more compact and hydrated hoof wall. It does not create artificial barriers that prevent the natural respiration of the hoof, but works in synergy with the physiology of the foot.
ArgiStrong applied to the limbs after work completes the care: it supports the tendons and ligaments which, in the barefoot horse, work in a more natural but also more direct way with the ground.
Ground management and rotation
The ground is the main tool in barefoot. The variety of surfaces is fundamental to stimulate the development of all the structures of the foot:
- Soft grass: ideal for rest and decompression. But used exclusively, it does not stimulate the hardening of the sole enough.
- Compact sand: excellent for daily training. It absorbs impacts and stimulates the frog without excessive abrasion.
- Calibrated gravel (1–3 cm): excellent for stimulating sensitivity and self-hardening of the sole. It must be introduced gradually.
- Paddock paradise: the system of narrow tracks that forces the horse to walk constantly is one of the most effective tools for developing a healthy barefoot hoof.
Seasonal notes for barefoot
Spring-summer: drought can cause the hoof wall to crack. Increase the frequency of ArgiShine and monitor the white line. Take care with spring pastures rich in sugars in sensitive individuals.
Autumn-winter: wet ground can soften the sole. Prolonged periods on muddy pastures are not ideal. Offer access to drained surfaces. Mud is the main enemy of the barefoot hoof in winter.
“I removed the shoes from my KWPN three years ago. The first two months were tough, but then he developed hooves I would never have thought possible. Now he competes without shoes and without problems.” — Lorenzo B., amateur dressage rider