Q: Is it okay to keep my horse barefoot in front and shod behind for competing?

A: It can be. Many horses successfully compete with a combination of barefoot and shod feet. However, this hybrid approach should be based on your individual horse’s hoof quality, workload, and terrain.

Front feet typically bear more weight, so most riders shoe in front first, especially if the horse is in regular work on hard or abrasive surfaces. That said, some horses grow incredibly strong hooves and cope barefoot up front with no issue. So, shoeing behind and going barefoot in front is slightly less common but can be suitable in certain cases, such as if a horse has hock issues and needs extra grip behind or if the front feet are unusually robust.

Work closely with your farrier and monitor wear patterns, hoof growth, and overall comfort to make the best decision for your horse’s long-term soundness.