Hoofnippers are pesky little nuisances that live in dense woodlands, like the Everfree Forest near Ponyville.
They take the appearance of a lilac-coloured clam shell and hide in open clearings.
Most of the time, they travel in packs, so it's likely that you'll come across at least ten or twenty at a time.
The Hoofnippers get their name from... Well, you can probably guess.
For some peculiar reason, a Hoofnipper's sole desire is to gnaw on the legs of ponies. They will wait, utterly motionless, in an area where they are clearly visible, then when a pony approaches to investigate the odd gathering of clams, they spring into life and nibble at the unfortunate victim's feet with hundreds of tiny razor blade teeth.
Hoofnippers actually hide a dozen spiny legs underneath their shells that will extend when necessary. This makes them totally inconspicuous until they jump out at you.
Just like me. Completely invisible until the moment I strike.
You? Inconspicuous? Don't make me laugh! Anything can hear the gigantic thudding of your clumsy hooves.
I do not 'thud', I gallop gracefully.
Well, it was your 'graceful galloping' that alerted the Hoofnippers back in the Everfree Forest.
How was I suppose to know that the clams were Hoofnippers.
I said: "Watch out, Strongbolt. Those look like Hoofnippers." But of course, you charged ahead, completely oblivious to what you were doing.
Until one of the little blighters launched itself onto my face and nipped my nose.
*Laughs*
You were running in circles screaming: "Shiera, get it off!"
I'm pretty sure I didn't sound that desperate. Why did it bite my face anyway? I thought they only nibbled hooves.
I guess that one just didn't like you. You're pretty lucky I had that salt on me. You see, salt is a Hoofnipper's weakness, just a little sprinkle will cause them to shake an sizzle.
Yes, where would I be without you?
I wonder that myself sometimes. Probably still living at home with your parents, unemployed, no friends, utterly alone...
Hey! I have other friends!
Like who?
Shining Armor, Twilight, that guy from high school...
'That guy from high school?' What an odd name for a pony.
Guffer! That was his name, Guffer.
You mean: 'Gaffer.' The guy we played Ogres and Oubliettes with.
Wait a minute... we never played that game.
Oh, really? You... um, you don't remember?
No, I'm pretty sure we never played it.
*Gulp*
Um, you know, I think you're right, actually. We... um, we never-
Hold it! Did you play 'Ogres and Oubliettes' in high school? Isn't that game meant for colts?
Okay, next chapter!