Natural Hoof

The ultimate in natural hoof care (NHC) has to be the self maintianing wild horse.
The wild horse is an expert at maintining his own feet . In this sense "truly" natural hoof care is a time proven system designed through trial and error by none other than evolution its self!

This is achieved through the horses being exposured to a natural environment, meaning:
unrestricted instinct driven movement: the ever present search for food social stimulation.
This movement is what shapes the hooves and gives their dense structures and mile polished charactor.

To get the best from taking your horse barefoot both the above factors should be taken into account and implemented to what ever level you are able to. They are important!

Correct trimming then makes up the gap between the natural ideal and the compromise of domestication by simulating the natural wear pattern that hasn't been able to happen.

Trimming should not be relied on for the sucess of failure of your horses soundness!
All factors effecting your horses hooves play a major role and have the ability to help or hinder your quest for soundness.
Many of these elements are your responsibility as the horse owner.

Taking a horse barefoot is not going to guarantee a cure for damaged feet.
If your horse has compromised feet in the form of bony changes including arthritis, ring bone, navicular changes, side bone etc then removing the shoes will help to reduce concussion, reducing the forces that cause these conditions.
Given time your horse should become more comfortable thus improving their quality of life. The underlying problem may become less of a hinderance but it will still be there.

So lets presume your horse has no underlying issues. There has been no damage done. Prevention is better than cure right! So what next?
Well in essence its as simple as......

A = Horse + Owner
Your horse eating the right diet, living in an environment that allows him to move freely and live with others.
 
B = Trimmer
Regular natural hoof care that simulates natural wear patterns and follows the healing processes of the horse.

C= The desired result.
A sound healthy horse, capable of being ridden with or with out hoof protection over many surface.

The point being "its a team effort."

Read more:
Natural Gait Complex
Transition Phase
Hoof Boots