MULTIPLE Horse chestnut removal, ergot removal, equine skin care, oddly satisfying

What is a chestnut??

Chestnut removal is not painful for the horse.

A chestnut is a hard,calloused, keratinized group of skin cells. They are normal, benign, non painful growths above the knees (front legs) and just below the inside of the hock (hind legs) of our horses. They are unique to each horse. It is acknowledged that some horses use the front chestnuts to scratch and rub their faces, and it is thought that they are a form of scent glands similar to those found on llamas. Removal is not painful and is usually accomplished by the horse when scratching.


What is an Ergot?

Ergot removal is not painful to the horse.

The Ergot is an even smaller pea-sized callousy type growth on the underside of the back of the fetlocks of a horse. The ergot serves as an anchoring point to the associated ergot ligament, attaching to the lower pastern. It is also considered that the ergot serves to guide water away from the heel, similar to the function of the feathers.

#ergot #chestnut #horse #horsecare