The tubular structures you are referring to are called ergots. Ergots are located on the rear of the fetlock. They are thought to be evolutionary remnants left over from when horses were the size of dogs and had multiple padded toes. The composition is a soft hoof wall material. On some horses, it will be a very small nub. Other horses will have a much larger nub, and the nubs may grow out and curl. If they become long and unsightly, you can trim them down with hoof nippers or ask your farrier to trim them.

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