Should Your Horse Wear Shoes or Go Barefoot?

Horseshoes are designed to protect horses hooves the same way shoes protect our feet. As horses became domesticated horseshoes were popularized as a way to protect the horses hooves in inhospitable environments. Many breeds of horses were not bred with hoof strength in mind leading to weaker hooves in some breeds. However under normal conditions horses may not need horseshoes and can go without which is referred to as going barefoot.
Horse hooves are similar to human nails only much thicker. Farriers will usually nail the horseshoe into the thick unfeeling part of the animals hoof. While the center of the horses hoof is very sensitive the outside feels no pain. Sometimes the farrier will opt to glue the shoe on instead. Be warned that your horse can lose its shoes especially when riding in muddy conditions.

Horseshoeing Controversy
Some people think horses should never wear shoes and that if trimmed and maintained correctly a horse can participate in any discipline and remain sound without them. Many barefoot proponents believe that even serious hoof problems that are traditionally treated with specialized shoeing by a farrier can be solved with natural trims changing the footing the horse stands on and changing its diet. Some people even maintain that shoeing is inhumane.
Should You Shoe Your Horse?
For most pleasure horses shoes probably arent necessary and sensible maintenance including regular trimming may be all that is needed. You need to pay attention to the wear of the hoof and the comfort of your horse as you ride over all sorts of footing. If your horse is getting sore feet you may have several options. Your horse may need protection like hoof boots which should be worn only when you ride. If worn extensively for longer periods they can potentially encase the feet in a moist dirty environment. Or you