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 Why you may consider going barefoot: It has been found, that shod horses put more pressure on the hoof wall, which interferes with blood circulating throughout the hoof. In particular, the lateral cartilage receives less blood in a shod hoof. Over time, the cartilage may lose some its cushioning ability. In the barefoot horse, all the structures on the underside of the hoof bear weight together. When the sole, frog, heel and hoof wall can share the weight on impact, blood is pumped more efficiently into and out of the foot. This may help to prevent degeneration of cartilage and optimise shock absorption, as well as overall health of the hoof. View a selection of before and after pictures of horses' hooves in my care:hoof cast - wraps around the hoof for durable protection. This is a great option for horses transitioning from shod to barefoot, thin soles, laminitis, infections, or hoof wall separation. Casts allow the hoof to breathe and usually stay on for 4-5 weeks.hoof cast - wraps around the hoof for durable protection. This is a great option for horses transitioning from shod to barefoot, thin soles, laminitis, infections, or hoof wall separation. Casts allow the hoof to breathe and don't mind the mud.It is a myth that brittle hoof walls need to be supported by shoes - in reality barefoot-trimmed horses grow stronger hooves as shown in these before and after pictures.It is a myth that brittle hoof walls need to be supported by shoes - in reality barefoot-trimmed horses grow stronger hooves as shown in these before and after pictures. after 3 months hoof supports bony column better, flare has grown outhoof and pastern are misaligned, medial wall flared (2 yr old Thoroughbred): after 3 months hoof supports bony column better, flare has grown outdorsal hoof wall bulge (flare) in an overgrown hind foot: better hoof wall attachment after 4months after 3 months hoof wall is more even and heels are placed to be optimally weight-bearingsole view of splitting hoof wall and underslung heels in 17 yr old Thoroughbred: after 3 months hoof wall is more even and heels are placed to be optimally weight-bearing laminitis in a 10 yr old pony: a change in diet, more exercise and regular trims helped regrowth of a healthy hoof within 9 months  well-connected hoof wall and deep solar concavity after 6 monthsseparated hoof wall at shoe removal (4yr old Appaloosa X TB) : well-connected hoof wall and deep solar concavity after 6 months de-contracted frog and heel allow for better shock absorption, point of breakover optimisedcontracted frog and heel (blue), breakover point had migrated too far forward (red) : after 5 months de-contracted frog and heel allow for better shock absorption, point of breakover optimised 3 trims over 9 weeks helped to re-align the hoof capsule with its inner structureschronic laminitis in an older pony: 3 trims over 9 weeks helped to re-align the hoof capsule with its inner structures: well connected hoof wall is growing straight after 3 months of regular trims Miniature 1yr-old with distorted hind hoof capsule: well connected hoof wall is growing straight after 3 months of regular trims This front hoof of a 10-year old Irish Morgan had flared forward and grown a tall heel. This front hoof of a 10-year old Irish Morgan had flared forward and grown a tall heel. After: a well balanced foot. increased sole depth and development of heel bulbs buttresses, and frog.Thin, pitted sole in this previously shod 8yr old TB improved over 5 months of 5-weekly trims and varied, regular exercise: increased sole depth and development of heel bulbs, buttresses and frog.  The back part of the hoof recovered its bearing capacity and the whole hoof regained its natural concavity over a period of 10 months. During this time the mare was active and ridden.shod barefoot (10 yr old TB): The back part of the hoof recovered its bearing capacity and the whole hoof regained its natural concavity over a period of 10 months. During this time the mare was active and ridden. Note: top pictures show "before" and bottom pictures show "after" rehabilitation.   flares and cracks in the hoof wall allowed bacteria and fungi to make their way into the softer tissue, rotting large patches of white line behind the hoof wall. 8 months of regular trims and appropriate hoof hygiene all seedy toe (= white line disease) in a 3yr old TB: flares and cracks in the hoof wall allowed bacteria and fungi to make their way into the softer tissue, rotting large patches of white line behind the hoof wall. 8 months of regular trims and appropriate hoof hygiene allowed the hoof to fully recover.