Barefoot question - what is this growing?

[Bobella]

Very basic question and probably obvious, but since my mare went barefoot 3 months ago she has been doing really well, but I've noticed what I can only describe as cuticle growing down with the hoof and flaking off.
What is it and should I being doing anything with it? It is tempting to peel it once it starts to come away and curl up, though I've resisited so far!
I'll try and add some pics when I'm not on my mobile.
Thanks

 

[Kallibear]

It's called the periople and it is indeed the cuticle of the hoof. It's not just the wall that grows faster barefoot, the 'softer' tissue does too, which is why you're noticing it. It goes rubbery when wet and hard and flakey when dry.
Just leave it, it'll rub off as it gets too long. I've seen cob with feather (I.e protects the periople a bit) with it growing halfway down the foot. It'll not do harm if you can't resist peeling it off though unless, like peeling off your own cuticles, you take it back too far.

 

[ellie11987]

I've always wondered what that was! Thanks Kallibear

 

[Bobella]

Thanks Kallibear, I will continue to resist peeling!
And thanks Ellie for making me feel that it wasn't such a daft question!