Should I Take my Horse’s Shoes Off During a Spell?

Should I Take my Horse’s Shoes Off During a Spell? 

For many performance horses, a spell is an important opportunity to mentally and physically reset between training and competition campaigns. One of the most common questions horse owners ask during this time is whether shoes should stay on or come off while the horse is out of work. 

The answer largely depends on how long the horse will be spelling, the condition of their feet, and what they are returning to afterwards. 

My horse is only having a short spell… 

If your horse is only having a short break, for example a few weeks between competitions or racing preparations, it is often not recommended to make major changes to their hoof routine. Pulling shoes off for only a brief period can sometimes create unnecessary disruption to the hoof balance and conditioning that has already been established. 

Performance horses that regularly work in shoes have typically adapted to that support and protection. Removing shoes for a short spell may result in: 

• Increased hoof sensitivity  

• Chipping or excessive wear  

• Changes in hoof shape or balance  

• Additional transition time when shoes are reapplied  

In these situations, many farriers and trainers prefer to maintain the horse’s normal shoeing routine to keep consistency in hoof management and avoid setbacks when work resumes. The type of shoe or added accessories may be slightly adapted, but overall, the regular shoeing routine may be best kept consistent.  

My horse is having a longer spell… 

For horses having a more extended spell, generally greater than six months, removing shoes may be worth considering. Longer periods out of work can provide the hoof with an opportunity to expand and function more naturally without the restriction of shoes. 

Potential benefits of removing shoes during a long-term spell may include: 

• Improved hoof expansion and circulation  

• Reduced nail damage to the hoof wall  

• Allowing minor cracks or hoof defects time to grow out  

• Encouraging stronger natural hoof growth  

• Reduced shoeing and farrier costs  

Horses spelling in softer paddock environments often cope well barefoot, particularly if they have strong hoof quality to begin with. 

However, every horse is different, and going barefoot is not automatically the best option for all horses. For some horses an alternative approach during a spell is removing only the hind shoes while leaving front shoes on. Since many horses carry more weight through the front limbs and tend to wear front feet more heavily, this can be a practical compromise. This option can work particularly well for horses on shorter spells or horses prone to front foot soreness. 

Removing only the back shoes may: 

• Help reduce farrier costs  

• Lower the risk of pulling shoes in the paddock  

• Maintain front foot protection and support  

• Allow partial barefoot adaptation without fully changing the horse’s routine  

• Increase safety for horses sharing paddocks 

Taking shoes off is generally not recommended for horses with existing hoof issues unless done under veterinary or farrier guidance. Horses with thin soles, chronic laminitis, navicular concerns, poor hoof quality, or significant conformational issues may rely heavily on corrective or supportive shoeing. In these horses, removing shoes can sometimes increase discomfort or compromise soundness. 

A qualified farrier who understands the individual horse’s hoof balance, workload, and history should always be involved in decisions around changing shoeing routines.  

Periods out of work can be an excellent time to focus on rebuilding hoof condition from the inside out, particularly if the horse is transitioning out of shoes or recovering from hoof wall damage accumulated during heavy competition schedules. Whether your horse remains shod or goes barefoot during a spell, nutrition continues to play a major role in hoof quality and growth. Ranvet’s Hoof Food and Hoof Food Pellet are formulated to help support strong, healthy hooves by providing key nutrients, including Biotin, which are involved in promoting hoof growth and integrity.  

As with all hoof care decisions, the best approach is one tailored to the individual horse, their environment, workload, and long-term soundness needs. Seek advice from your trusted horse care professionals to ensure you are making informed decisions!