Is there a transition period from shoeing to bare footing a horse?

Not usually although some horses are not well suited to go barefoot. Thoroughbreds are a good example. Humans have bred the TB for speed and this has necessitated the hoof being made as light as possible. As a result most TB horses have weak hoof walls and souls. There are exceptions but typically the TB struggles to remain sound when ridden on gravel roads or abrasive surfaces without being shod. Most horses however can have the shoes removed if their work load is to be reduced or they are turned out, without any ill effect. Sometimes you may hear that a horse is being transitioned from shoes to barefoot and that they are moderately lame or in extreme cases severely lame. This is typically due to over trimming or abscessing and should not be tolerated. Lameness caused by farriers or barefoot trimmers is always unacceptable.

Related Topics:
How often should my horse be trimmed?
What is the difference between barefoot trimming and a trim that the farrier does?
Isn't barefoot trimming more natural and therefore better for my horse?