Before humans intervened and started trimming horses' hooves, horses' hooves naturally wore down through their movement and activity in the wild. In their natural habitat, wild horses would have roamed over various terrains, including rough surfaces like rocky ground, gravel, and abrasive soils. These natural surfaces would help wear down their hooves naturally as they moved, grazed, and engaged in various activities.
In the wild, horses would also travel significant distances daily in search of food and water, which further contributed to the natural wearing down of their hooves. The combination of constant movement over diverse terrain and regular wear and tear helped keep their hooves at an appropriate length and shape.
Additionally, wild horses often encountered environmental challenges that could naturally maintain their hooves' condition. For example, they might have had to cross rivers or streams with rocky beds, which would further help to wear down the hooves.
In contrast, domesticated horses, which are typically kept in more confined environments like pastures or stables, may not have the same opportunities for natural hoof wear. Therefore, humans have taken on the responsibility of trimming their hooves to ensure their proper maintenance and prevent hoof-related issues that can arise from uneven growth or irregular hoof shape. Regular hoof trimming is an essential part of caring for domesticated horses and ensuring their overall health and well-being.