IF there is one thing that blows my mind among the many miracles of foaling, it’s the foal slippers. Instead of the hard, glossy hooves we associate with horses, a foal is born with soft, finger-like structures covering its hoof soles. These are known as eponychium, more commonly called foal slippers or fairy fingers. Though they may look peculiar, foal slippers serve an essential purpose in a horse’s early life.

Foal slippers are soft, rubbery coverings that envelop the foal’s hooves at birth. They consist of a flexible, protective tissue that extends over the hoof wall and sole, giving them a feathery or tentacle-like appearance. It is truly amazing to see them in those miracle first minutes. This structure is temporary and naturally wears away within hours of birth, as the foal moves around and begins standing and nursing.

Foal slippers serve a vital biological function. Since mares often give birth standing up, the foal’s hooves could potentially cause injury to the birth canal during delivery. The soft, cushion-like texture of the slippers prevents any internal damage to the mare, ensuring a safer birth process. Additionally, these coverings help protect the fragile hooves from damage during their first contact with the outside world.

Entirely natural

Once the foal is born and begins moving, the slippers rapidly dry out and start flaking away, revealing the hardened hooves underneath. This process can take a few hours to a day, depending on the level of activity and any surface conditions. Foal slippers are entirely natural and do not require human intervention. However, breeders and owners should monitor a newborn foal’s hooves to ensure they develop properly. While most foal slippers wear away quickly, any remaining soft material should naturally detach as the foal moves. In rare cases, if the remnants do not slough off or if the foal appears uncomfortable, a veterinarian or farrier may need to assist in removing them.

Foal slippers are a remarkable example of nature’s design, ensuring both the mare’s safety during birth and the foal’s hooves’ protection in the critical first moments of life. The next time you see a newborn foal, take a closer look at its feet – you’ll witness a fleeting but incredible adaptation that plays a key role in the foaling process.