If you’ve ever been lucky enough to witness the birth of a foal, you may have noticed that their hooves look a little odd right at first glance.
Unlike the hard, shiny hooves we’re familiar with on adult horses, newborn foals come into the world with something that looks quite different—and for very good reason.
Foals are born with fully functional hooves, but they’re temporarily wrapped in a soft, rubbery layer called the eponychium (pronounced ep-uh-nik-ee-uhm). This fascinating adaptation is also affectionately known as “fairy slippers” or “golden slippers,” due to its delicate, feather-like appearance. It may look odd or even alarming to someone unfamiliar with equine births, but this structure is entirely natural—and vital.
In the wild, horses are prey animals, and survival often depends on mobility. A foal needs to be able to stand and run within hours of birth to keep up with the herd and escape predators. That means their hooves need to be developed and ready for action immediately. However, sharp, hard hooves could pose a serious risk to the mare during delivery. To prevent the foal’s hooves from injuring the uterus or birth canal, nature has provided the eponychium to act as a soft buffer between the foal and the mother.
The eponychium is composed of the same basic materials as the hoof—keratin, lamellae, and tubules—but in a much softer, flexible form. This structure begins to dry and harden within minutes after the foal is born. As the foal begins to move and stand, the outer parts of the eponychium will gradually wear away. The soft tissue flakes off naturally as the foal walks, usually disappearing completely within two to three days. What remains is a surprisingly dainty and tapered hoof—noticeably different from that of a full-grown horse.
At this early stage, the hoof is still developing and will undergo a lot of changes as the foal grows. As the young horse gains weight and becomes more active, the hooves will respond by increasing in length and width. The sole and heel area begin to widen and flatten, gradually adopting the more familiar conformation of adult horse hooves. The bottom of the hoof becomes the widest point to offer support and balance.
One of the most notable things about young horse hooves is how fast they grow. In fact, a foal’s hooves grow at twice the rate of an adult horses. This means that early hoof care is not only recommended, it’s essential. Overgrown or misshapen hooves in foals can lead to long-term lameness issues or developmental problems, particularly as they start to gain weight and their musculoskeletal system matures.
It's generally recommended that a foal’s first farrier visit happens around three to four weeks of age. At this point, the farrier can begin shaping the hooves—often squaring them off to promote even growth and good alignment. This isn’t just about aesthetics. Correct hoof shape in early development supports proper joint alignment and weight distribution, helping to prevent conformational issues down the track.
But farriery for foals isn't only about physical development—it’s also a chance to introduce young horses to important elements of handling and groundwork. A foal that becomes familiar with being touched, having its legs picked up, and standing quietly for a farrier early in life will typically be much easier to handle as it grows. Getting them used to this routine helps establish a calm, cooperative attitude toward farriery as adults.
Following that first trim, it’s a good idea for foals to see a farrier every four weeks, depending on growth rate and the advice of your vet or hoof care professional. These regular visits encourage the growth of a durable, thick hoof wall, which provides the strength and structure the foal will need as it grows heavier and more active.
Monitoring a foal’s hooves regularly also allows early detection of any abnormalities, such as angular limb deformities, contracted tendons, or hoof capsule imbalances. Catching these issues early dramatically increases the chances of successful correction without the need for more invasive procedures later on.
Ultimately, hoof health in foals is about laying the right foundation—both literally and figuratively. Healthy hooves support not just movement but overall wellbeing. As the saying goes, "no hoof, no horse." Paying attention to the development of a young horse’s feet is one of the best investments you can make in their long-term soundness and success.
So, while those "fairy slippers" might only last a few days, the care and attention you give to a foal’s hooves in those early weeks will have lasting effects for the rest of their life.
