Benefits of the barefoot horse

• Improves the quality of the hoof, especially if you combine barefoot care with proper nutrition
• The barefoot horse has better quality of movement, goes forward confidently and with better self-awareness; the horse walks with increased agility and learns to manage its movements more effectively. (If your horse usually or frequently trips, this problem is likely to disappear)
• Improves traction on all riding surfaces, therefore reducing the risk of accidents or injuries.
• The barefoot horse’s hooves regenerate much faster due to the increased stimulation. Many barefoot horses replace the entire hoof capsule in less than 6 months.
• The hoof regains its elasticity and shock absorption is improved because the rear part of the hoof, the digital cushion and lateral cartilage can fulfill their shock-absorbing function. As a result, barefoot horses often suffer less injuries to joints, ligaments and tendons.
• Improves overall strength, since the natural blood flow and return mechanisms to the foot are working correctly; the frog acts as a circulatory pump, improving venous blood return and supporting cardiac function. (Recent blood flow studies carried out by Robert Bowker, VMD, PhD, show that circulation in the leg is at least doubled when barefoot. Permite una expansión saludable del casco (lo que ayuda a eliminar problemas como los talones contraídos y las infecciones por hongos y bacterias).
• Allows a healthy expansión of the hoof (which can help to eliminate problems such as contracted heels and fungal and bacterial infections).
• Returns the hoof’s sense of touch and the horse can walk more securely since it is able to determine the ground conditions underfoot.

Boots for horses afford us all the advantages of going barefoot for the horse’s health, but without having to give up our rides over any type of ground.