Huge Ergot

[Germolene]

Ewwww my new horse has got a hugely long ergot, it's horrid. Only felt it today for the first time when brushing her legs. No joke it's about 15cms long! Didn't even know what it was until somebody told me on the yard. It's hidden underneath her feathers but still, I know it's there and just the thought of it makes me cringe! Has anybody else's horse got these things? Can I just cut it off??

 

[Cahill]

i cut ours off with secateurs or your farrier will do it for you.

 

[HLOEquestrian]

Just cut it off!

 

[Germolene]

I don't think I can wait until the next farrier visit! It really creeps me out for some reason lol

 

[Germolene]

I just can't believe how long it is!

 

[RutlandH2O]

My Shires get huge ergots. My farrier nips them off with pincers every five weeks. If you decide to trim them yourself, don't cut them very close to the skin. Take a little bit off with each cut, and repeat until there's just a little bump left.

 

[Mickeymoo]

I do our cobs with seceteurs but until you get confident with it cut a bit at a time. I do now cut close to the leg, but I have been doing it for 5 years.

It will be fine.