Discussion on Finding a name for these stumps on my horses legs?
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Debbie Fontaine
New Member
Username: jakobe
Post Number: 3
Registered: 9-2009
| | Posted on Wednesday, Sep 23, 2009 - 9:44 am: |   |
I hope this isn't going to be a dumb question, but I have looked and looked for information on these stumps growing on the inside of the horses legs. I've heard them referred to as dew claws like on dogs and cats but that's not what their called. I've never seen a horse with them on still, but my 14 year old has them and I want to know when their cut off, so I can get it done for my weanling. I don't like them on, looks so much better with them off, I've had so many people say, "What are those". |
leslie645
Member
Username: leslie1
Post Number: 997
Registered: 8-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, Sep 23, 2009 - 9:55 am: | |
I think what you are talking about are the chestnuts when up by the knee or hock and called ergots when on the fetlock. |
Fran C
Member
Username: canter
Post Number: 2168
Registered: 1-2000
| | Posted on Wednesday, Sep 23, 2009 - 10:16 am: | |
Yes, they are called chestnuts and they can be removed at any time. You can carefully peel them off simply using a finger nail to find a loose corner and gently pulling back. Sometimes they come off in chunks, sometimes in layers. I think some people will use baby oil to soften them up, but that's not always needed. Just be careful not to peel too much off - your horse will tell you if you have gone too deep. |
Debbie Fontaine
New Member
Username: jakobe
Post Number: 5
Registered: 9-2009
| | Posted on Wednesday, Sep 23, 2009 - 10:32 am: | |
Thank you leslie and Fran. The ones on the 14 year old are quite big, so I will try it and use the baby oil if I have to. Now I can do it when the baby's chestnuts start to grow. Thanks again, this is great. |
