Vet’s 2025 Guide to Chestnuts & Ergots in Horses – by Dr Duncan Houston
In this article
✨ Vet’s 2025 Guide to Chestnuts & Ergots in Horses
By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc
1. What Are Chestnuts & Ergots?
Chestnuts and ergots are small, cornified nodules found on horse legs. Chestnuts appear mid-cannon on front and hind legs; ergots grow at the back of fetlocks. Both are remnants of toes from ancestral horses and vary in size between horses and breeds.
2. Anatomy & Function
- Chestnuts: thought to assist in scent marking and skin shedding. Often larger on front limbs and can be smooth or fissured.
- Ergots: smaller than chestnuts, located under fetlocks; their size is related to feathering and breed.
- Neither serve a functional role in modern equine gait but are useful markers for individual identification on passports.
3. Identifying Variations
- Chestnut shapes range from round to oval or ragged, depending on limb and growth.
- Ergot size ranges from pea to walnut in draft breeds; minimal or absent in light breeds.
- Check annually; alterations can signal injury or infection underneath.
4. When They Cause Issues
- Cornification can crack, bleed and become sore—especially if it rubs against boots or covers.
- Overly large chestnuts/ergots may trap mud, harbor bacteria or irritate skin fascial tissue.
- In rare cases, infection in fissures may require treatment.
5. Care & Maintenance
- Inspect chestnuts and ergots during grooming—clean fissures with mild antiseptic.
- If XS size causes rubbing, lightly pare using sharp hoof knife under proper restraint.
- Apply barrier cream to prevent cracking in dry conditions.
- Seek veterinary care if signs of infection—warmth, swelling, discharge or lameness.
6. Trimming Tips
- Clean the area thoroughly and allow to dry.
- Use a clean, sharp scalpel or hoof knife—cut small layers only.
- Check frequently while trimming to avoid bleeding.
- Stop when it becomes flush with skin level.
- Apply antiseptic afterwards and monitor for tenderness.
7. Breed & Individual Differences
- Draft breeds (e.g., Clydesdale, Shire) typically have large chestnuts/ergots.
- Smaller and lighter breeds often present smaller nodules.
- Genetics—not age or workload—determine size and fragility.
8. Monitoring Over Time
- Keep records or photos to track any growth changes.
- Slight changes from old scars or trauma are normal; rapid enlargement is not.
- Refer to vet if your horse first develops chestnuts/ergots in adulthood—or if unilateral growth appears.
9. Ask A Vet Support 🩺
With Ask A Vet you can:
- Submit photos to confirm trimming depth and safety.
- Receive guidance on caring for fissures or infections.
- Get advice on when paring is necessary based on breed and discipline.
- Track changes over time with telehealth records.
Download the Ask A Vet app now for expert advice on chestnut and ergot care—ensuring subtle hoof health support through 2025 and beyond! ❤️
10. Quick Recap Table
| Feature | Chestnuts | Ergots |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Mid‑cannon | Fetlock |
| Size variation | Pea‑walnut, front larger | Pea to walnut, breed dependant |
| Issues | Cracks, infection, rubbing | Same risks |
| Care | Clean, trim flush, barrier cream | Same |
| When to vet | Bleeding, swelling, sudden growth | Bleeding, swelling, sudden growth |
11. Final Thoughts
Chestnuts and ergots may be minor anatomical traits, but caring for them reflects hoof health attention and overall equine wellbeing. Regular inspection, gentle trimming, and mindful hygiene keep them from becoming problems. With Ask A Vet’s support, it’s easy to include them in your routine hoof care plan and keep your horse healthy and comfortable in 2025 and beyond. ❤️
