A reader asks: "I have a 5 year old percheron mare that has what looks like long fingernails curling up behind her ankle area under her feathering hair. I was alarmed when I saw them because they look like claws and she has them on both back feet. If I trim these "ergots" will they bleed?"

Yes, you can trim back the ergots. They are similar in composition to the chestnuts higher up on the leg. I clip them off with hoof clippers—I leave about ¾ inch. If you are worried about trimming them back yourself, ask your blacksmith to nip them off with the clippers next time he or she is out. My Clyde cross mare had them, and yes, they do look like ugly claws! On some horses they are barely visible.

Photo K. Blocksdorf 2006