It has been rare for actual scientific studies to deal specifically with barefoot hooves, natural equine hoof form, and/or barefoot trimming. However, there are a few! We have compiled a listing for you. We hope to add many more to this list in upcoming years!
2006, Laura Florence and Sue M. McDonnell PhD, “Longitudinal Study of Hoof Health, Natural Growth and Wear Patterns in Semi-feral Ponies” Equine Veterinary Journal 38 (7): 642-645.
2011, “Effects of barefoot trimming on hoof morphology”. Published in Australian Veterinary Journal, research team included Dr. Hilary Clayton and Dr. Robert Bowker (Clayton, H., Gray, S., Kaiser, L. and Bowker, R.)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24635632/
Article about this paper: https://hoofcare.blogspot.com/2011/07/research-clayton-and-bowkers-effects-of.html
2011, Dr. Brian Hampson, “The Effect Of Environment On The Feral Horse Foot”, PhD Thesis, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland.
https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:263069
Article about this paper: https://www.horsetalk.co.nz/2011/06/07/wild-horse-foot-benchmark/
*Dr. Bruce Nock’s critical commentary of Brian Hampson’s 2011 Thesis:
http://subliberatedhorsemanship.com.liberatedhorsemanship.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Worth-Fighting-For-1.pdf
2013, Debra Taylor DVM, “Clinical Outcome of 14 Obese, Laminitic Horses Managed with the Same Rehabilitation Protocol”
Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0737080613006370
2016, Stephen E. O’Grady, “Various aspects of barefoot methodology relevant to farriery in equine veterinary practice” Equine Veterinary Education Vol 28(6), Summary at https://beva.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/eve.12468
2017, Dr. Brian Hampson, “Trimming’s Effects on Horse Hoof Morphology”presentation at 2017 International Hoof-Care Summit; the results of a study that looked at the effects of four trimming models on hoof morphology (form and structure).
https://thehorse.com/19841/trimmings-effects-on-horse-hoof-morphology/
American Farrier’s Journal Article: https://www.americanfarriers.com/articles/9235-trimming-significantly-changes-hoof-morphology
2018, Georgina Mary Pankhurst, A PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECTS OF HOOF SHAPE ON THE HEALTH OF THE EQUINE HOOF, PhD Thesis, Charles Sturt University. https://researchoutput.csu.edu.au/ws/portalfiles/portal/71298498/Georgina_Mary_Pankhurst_Thesis.pdf
2020, Sophie Beale, “Keeping horses barefoot: a shared accomplishment”, Doctoral Thesis for the University of Liverpool. Thesis link:
https://docslib.org/doc/6051436/keeping-horses-barefoot-a-shared-accomplishment
2020, Marina Solé, Gabriella Lindgren, Erik Bongcam-Rudloff, Anna Jansson, “Benefits and risks of barefoot harness racing in Standardbred trotters”, Animal Science Journal.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/asj.13380
2023: “Unshod sport horses – for sustainability and performance” Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FTlpFwtCiM
Article about this study:
https://scootboots.com/blogs/blog/barefoot-horse-hooves-can-move-50-more-than-shod-hooves
Article by Mr. Aksel Vibe of Norway, research team farrier:
https://www.agriapet.co.uk/hub-agria-blog/2023/february/the-barefoot-study/
2024: “Hoof Capability of Barefoot-Kept Horses and Ponies Walking Over Artificial Environments: An Anatomical and Radiological Study”
Sarah Albanozzo, Louis Borg, Liberato Camilleri and Robert M Bowker
EC Veterinary Science, April 2024
Link to published article here: https://ecronicon.net/ecve/hoof-capability-of-barefoot-kept-horses-and-ponies-walking-over-artificial-environments-an-anatomical-and-radiological-study
2024: Stephen E. O’Grady, Hilary M. Clayton, “Barefoot methodology as a viable farriery option” Equine Veterinary Education Vol 36(8), Summary at: https://beva.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/eve.13982
Full manuscript at: https://www.equipodiatry.com/news/articles/barefoot-methodology-as-a-viable-farriery-option
This list will be continually updated!
Edited by Yvonne Welz, updated June 9, 2025
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