Exploring the Science, History,
and Heart of Natural Hoof Care
Welcome to the Go Barefoot Horse blog
Your trusted resource for uncovering the facts, research, and real-world practices behind barefoot horse care. Whether you’re new to the barefoot journey or an experienced practitioner, our blog dives deep into what matters most for your horse’s long-term soundness, comfort, and performance – naturally.
Here, we explore the intersection of tradition and innovation, sharing insights from groundbreaking scientific research, expert hoof care pioneers, and our hands – on experience in the field.
Natural Hooves, Healthy Horses
Pioneers
Meet the modern trailblazers reshaping the equine world through barefoot advocacy. From elite dressage rider Shannon Peters, who champions barefoot horses for soundness and performance, to showjumpers like Michel Hécart, Peder Fredricson, and Julien Epaillard, who are redefining success through natural hoof care. > Read More
Research
Discover the growing body of research supporting barefoot horsekeeping – from improved joint motion and sole development to better circulation and overall resilience. We break down key studies by equine scientists like Christopher C. Pollitt, Robert Bowker, Hiltrud Strasser, Hilary Clayton, Tomas Teskey, Lars Roepstorff, and others to reveal how science aligns with the barefoot approach. > Read More
Risks
Barefoot care works best when the whole horse is healthy – and that means recognizing the internal and external factors that can undermine hoof health. From malnutrition, gut flora imbalances, and dental issues, to standing in manure, excess sugars, or hoof-unfriendly treatments, this section explores how to prevent common pitfalls through holistic care and environmental awareness.> Read More
Essentials
Explore the core knowledge every barefoot horse owner should understand. From shock absorption and blood flow to white line disease, hoof abscesses, and the microcapillary network, this section highlights the physiological foundations of strong, functional hooves. We also discuss when it might not be the right time to transition to barefoot > Read More
Practicals
From the herd to the hoof, this section explores the often-overlooked aspects of barefoot horse care that make a big difference. These topics are practical, enlightening, and sometimes surprising – perfect for deepening your everyday understanding.
This section invites you to explore the connections between lifestyle, environment, and hoof health – and to appreciate just how interconnected every aspect of horse care really is. > Read More
Expert Picks
Knowledge is power – and in the world of barefoot horse care, reading the right materials can transform your understanding and your horse’s health. In this section, we feature recommendations from leading hoof care professionals, researchers, and practitioners who share the books, articles, and studies that have shaped their work.
Whether you’re looking to dive into biomechanics, natural horsemanship, or the history of hoof care, you’ll find expert-curated suggestions that are informative, reliable, and often transformative.
This section is growing! We’re currently adding more expert-recommended books and studies – check back soon for updates.
Thermography
Equine thermography offers a non-invasive, highly visual window into the horse’s health – especially when it comes to hoof function, inflammation, and early detection of injuries. In this section, we explore the evolution of this technology and its growing role in barefoot horse care. > Read More
Products
Our go-to products for daily hoof care. We believe that good hoof health starts with great management – and that sometimes, the right product can make all the difference. In this section, we introduce the trusted tools and supplements we rely on in our day-to-day trimming practice and horse care recommendations. > Read More
Alternative Hoof Protection
Going barefoot doesn’t mean going unprotected. In this section, we explore practical solutions for horses that need temporary or situational hoof protection – whether they’re transitioning from shoes, recovering from injury, or facing challenging terrain.
By choosing the right protective strategy, you can give your horse the comfort and support they need, without compromising the benefits of barefoot care. Every hoof – and every horse – is unique. This section helps you find the right fit, both literally and figuratively.
We’re actively expanding this section with in-depth guides on boots, adhesives, and sole guards – new articles coming soon.
Bare Hoof Quiz
Understanding your horse’s hooves is not just about reading – it’s about seeing, recognizing, and thinking differently.
Test your knowledge through interactive quizzes designed to sharpen your eye and deepen your understanding of barefoot hoof care. From identifying healthy structures to spotting early warning signs, each question brings you closer to confident decision-making.
Whether you’re just starting out or refining your expertise, this is where knowledge becomes practical insight.
Every hoof tells a story – if you know how to observe it.
Explore real horses, real observations and real transformations that reveal how hoof function, movement, environment and management work together over time.
These cases aren’t recipes to copy – they’re opportunities to sharpen your observational skills and better understand the principles behind lasting hoof health.
High Performance Barefoot Horse Show Jumping. Ivaylo Bonev at Manege op de Berg, May 2026, Holland