People opt to remove the metal shoes either to improve the health of their horse, or to cut costs. I can quickly tell you that going barefoot will save you money. If your horse needs hoof protection - hoof boots are the obvious choice if you weigh the costs! If you've already decided you want to go barefoot, I will be adding a guide on how to do so. This post explains the need for hoof protection, the downfalls of the metal shoe, and touches on the alternative options available.