The familiar saying “No Hoof, No Horse” remains a stark truth for owners managing ongoing hoof concerns. A 500-kilogram horse relies entirely on four relatively small structures to bear substantial bodyweight. When the added impact of athletic effort — such as galloping — is considered, each hoof may absorb forces approaching 3,000 pounds. Horses prone to cracks, splits, or brittle, flaky horn quality are often sidelined with lameness or repeatedly lose shoes, interrupting training and competition schedules. Anyone who has dealt with a horse that cannot retain its shoes understands just how discouraging compromised hoof integrity can be.

For thousands of years, the horse has been our trusted companion, serving as a worker, athlete, and partner in everything from agriculture to competition. Whether they’re a trail riding companion, school horse, ranch worker, or elite competitor, one thing remains constant—the need for proper hoof care. Without it, a horse’s soundness, performance, and well-being are at risk.

Like humans, horses are living longer than ever. Typically, older horses will live into their twenties and often into their thirties. It’s natural to worry about your horse’s health into the golden years. Studies report that 70 percent of horses aged 20 years or older have some type of health issue requiring modifications in management practices and veterinary care. Let’s examine the six key issues your older horse might face, and tips to help you keep your horse feeling comfortable during those senior years.

The debate over whether horses should be kept barefoot or shod continues to be a highly relevant topic in equine veterinary circles, including at multiple American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Annual Conventions. These discussions consistently spark valuable insights and raise critical questions within the horse care community. From the outset, I support maintaining horses barefoot when conditions allow, though the decision depends on numerous variables. In many cases—particularly with elite performance horses—going barefoot is not practical. Still, when horses are shod properly, it can be done in a biomechanically sound way that minimizes harm to the hoof capsule.