Newborn foals are born with what horse lovers call “fairy fingers” or “golden slippers.” The scientific name for these soft, rubbery coverings is eponychium. They form around the foal’s tiny hooves before birth, giving each foot a padded, cushion-like appearance.
These golden slippers have a crucial role. While the foal is still in the womb, it protects the mother’s uterus from sharp kicks. During birth, they also keep the birth canal safe from the edges of the foal’s hooves. Without them, both the mare and foal would face serious risks.
Right after birth, the eponychium begins to dry and peel away. Within hours of the foal’s first steps, the soft coverings disappear, revealing the hard hooves underneath. Walking on them doesn’t cause pain—the structures are made to wear off naturally as the foal starts life outside the womb.