BAREFOOT HOOF CARE 

   Natural hoof-care is a growing industry in the equine world. More and more people are pulling the steel shoes off their horses and discovering a better way to care for their horses. Tons of research is, and has been done, proving that horses are better off without steel shoes nailed to the hoof.
  Going Bare is more than just pulling off the shoes and hoping for the best. It takes a good trim to re-create the natural balance the hoof is seeking. Diet and exercise play key roles in affecting hoof health. A sugary diet served in a few  huge meals to a horse that's idle in a stall will likely have a myriad of health issues, which will be most visible in the hoof. Turnout and regular exercise and a steady diet of grass hay will benefit any horse, shod or not.
   The natural trim basically is a trim that mimics natural wear  that a domestic horse isn't able to achieve, thanks to confinement and rich diets. Since we prevent that wear, we must replace it by trimming. A classic farrier trim tries to force our human "ideal" onto the foot, by carving the shape we want, leaving the internal structures unprotected, often creating a need for protection, i.e. shoes, which can really work against the foot. Barefoot trims keep the protection of the foot, naturally,  and allow the individual to have it's own unique balance that it NEEDS. 
   When shoes are first removed or when working with pathological hooves, they may need some extra protection. Boots, much like athletic shoes for humans, can be fitted to add protection, yet allow the foot to function naturally.  This can keep a horse from missing workouts and still work for his new tough feet, or provide that extra cushion for the foundered foot. Some horses never get the chance to have their feet properly conditioned for all the terrain they may encounter and boots are their backup. Going bare isn't about just letting the horse suffer through some tenderness, and some hooves always need protection. Boots allow the horse to have the benefit of being bare when not worked, but still be protected when needed.
    Bare hooves (and even booted) get excellent traction and maximum shock absorption. A shod hoof on dirt gets the same amount of concussion as a barefoot on concrete!!! Metal shoes maximize concussion can reduce leg strain and injuries. A barefoot is designed to absorb the impact and prevent injuries. 
     Barefoot horses are images of real, natural beauty. They are capable of performing any task, from polo, racing and a roping cows and more. They get better traction and negotiate hills better than their shod counterparts. Not only do that, but are more surefooted, (thanks to good circulation), but the shock absorbing capabilities of the hoof make for a more comfortable ride for you that also translates into fewer injuries for the horse (vet bills) and a happier back for the rider. 
    Barefoot hooves themselves, should have balance. A nice, full shape with a prominent frog and concave sole that  is dense and calloused. Thick, consistent wall around the perimeter with no flares, cracks or ripples. The hoof will also be resilient and flexible enough to absorb and dissipate shock. It will be at an angle that causes the least amount of stress on the tendons and ligaments of the leg, promoting good circulation that not only minimizes injuries but aides in healing as well, and that is the real beauty of natural hooves.