Horses are natural grazers, not only that, they will forage in the hedgerows, they are known to self-select the nutrients their bodies need. By ensuring the right plants are readily available, you can rest assured, they are not going to eat anything detrimental to their health. It is our duty as responsible horse owners to know our plants. One of our most important field maintenance tips is to be able to easily identify those which could pose a danger if touched or ingested and know how to safely remove them.
Weed out the following plants to protect your horse:
Ragwort
Not only is Ragwort highly toxic, but it can also cause irreversible liver damage. Chronic pyrrolizidine alkaloid poisoning occurs when Ragwort is abundant in pastureland and horses are exposed to it over a prolonged period. Though the detrimental effects of Ragwort are not instantaneous, it has a cumulative and often fatal impact over time. Repeated exposure to Ragwort can also cause photosensitivity which will cause damage and sensitivity to the horse’s skin. It is particularly dangerous because it remains toxic even when dried, making it a risk if it contaminates hay. This toxicity is not only a threat to horses, humans can also be adversely affected and susceptible to ragwort poisoning. Always use gloves and remove Ragwort as soon as you spot it. There are long handled tools specifically designed to help with plant removal, you would be well advised to take your time and remove the entire root carefully to avoid regrowth.
Buttercups
While that sea of yellow tiny delicate flowers may look pretty, buttercups can irritate the sensitive skin around your horses’ nose and mouth leaving it raw and blistered. When eaten, their leaves and stems release a toxic oil known as protoanemonin which, alongside skin irritation, also causes diarrhoea and mild colic. If your field is overrun by buttercups, there are a couple of safe and eco-friendly options available for you:
Hand Pulling: For smaller areas, manually pulling up buttercups by their roots is an option. This is labour-intensive but avoids chemicals. As with the removal of Ragwort, it is essential to ensure the entire root system is removed to prevent regrowth.
Mowing: Regularly mowing the pasture before the buttercups flower and seed. Although this will weaken the plants and reduces their spread, it will not eliminate deep-rooted buttercups entirely.
Improve Soil Health: For a longer-term solution, it is important to remember that buttercups thrive in compacted, waterlogged, or nutrient-poor soils. Aim to aerate the pasture to improve drainage and consider applying lime if the soil is too acidic, as buttercups prefer acidic environments. It is advisable to keep horses off of treated areas for 2-3 weeks after applying lime to improve soil balance.
Re-seeding: After removing buttercups, re-seed the area with more competitive grasses and plants to outcompete the buttercups and prevent them from returning.
Bracken Fern
Bracken fern is a common type of plant found all over the UK, and it grows back year after year. It’s most often seen on hillsides near woods and in partly shady spots. This plant spreads by releasing millions of tiny spores that can stay in the soil for up to 10 years. Even if a fire burns the visible part of the plant, its underground roots are hardy and will grow new shoots. Bracken fern is a danger to your horse because it contains toxins, especially one called thiaminase, which breaks down vitamin B1 (thiamin). Horses need B1 for their nervous system to function properly. If a horse eats too much of the fern, either fresh or dried in hay, it can lead to a B1 deficiency. Over time, this deficiency can be deadly if not treated quickly. The risk is higher when horses graze in fields with bracken fern or eat hay that has dried bracken fern mixed in.
Eating just 2-4 pounds of bracken fern can cause poisoning in horses. Even worse, many cases happen because the fern was in hay, and the owner didn’t know it was there. Bracken fern is palatable to horses, so your horse may eat it if given the chance. To safely get rid of bracken fern in pastureland, follow these steps:
1. Choose the right time to treat- The best time to treat bracken fern is late summer when the plant is fully grown and actively transporting nutrients to its roots. This ensures that treatments reach the underground roots for more effective control.
2. Hand pulling and mowing: For smaller patches manually remove the ferns by pulling or cutting them as close to the ground as possible.
3. Improve pasture conditions- Promote healthy pasture growth to outcompete bracken fern by: Fertilising and re-seeding bare spots with pasture grasses; rotational grazing to prevent overgrazing, which can give bracken fern the opportunity to spread; Maintaining good soil health, as bracken fern often thrives in poorly managed or overgrazed areas.
Acorns
Though Oak trees are common in many fields, the leaves and acorns contain tannins that are harmful to horses if consumed in large quantities. It is always wise to try to clear Oak leaves and acorns from pastures regularly, particularly during the autumn when the weather turns colder and horses forage and browse more often.
It’s not all danger and despair- Many herbs offer health benefits for your horses.
Along with our field maintenance tips and advice on plants to avoid, there are several beneficial herbs and plants that can be included in your pasture or given as supplements. These herbs not only contribute to the overall health of your horse but also provide natural nutrients and aid digestion. Here are a range of options if you are looking to add a little variety and value to your horse’s diet.
- Chamomile: Known for its calming properties, chamomile can help relax nervous horses. It also has anti-inflammatory benefits and can support digestive health. You can grow chamomile in your pasture or offer it as a dried herb supplement. Here at Ecogreen Equestrian, we offer bags of Chamomile Flower goodness.
- Nettle: While fresh nettle can sting, once dried, it becomes a nutritious herb rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron and calcium. Try our dried Nettle Horse Supplement to help support circulation and joint health when given as part of your horse’s diet.
- Peppermint: Peppermint is great for supporting digestion and soothing the stomach. Horses enjoy its flavour, and it’s a fantastic natural way to encourage healthy gut function. You can grow peppermint around your stable or offer it in dried form as a supplement. Why not give our Spearmint, Fennel & Peppermint combined supplement a try? This supplement is ideal for finnicky eaters, your horse will find it smells as good as it tastes.
- Dandelion: Often considered a lowly weed, dandelions are actually packed with vitamins and minerals like calcium and potassium. They can act as a mild diuretic, supporting the liver and kidney function. Horses can benefit from grazing on dandelions in moderation. As dandelions do not grow all year round, you could add our dandelion supplement when real ones are in short supply.
- Rosehips: Are another seasonal hedgerow treat. Rich in vitamin C, rosehips can help boost a horse’s immune system and improve joint health due to their anti-inflammatory properties. Our whole Rosehips can be a tasty and nutritious addition to your horse’s feed.
Beyond the plants, here are our final field maintenance tips:
Maintaining a safe and healthy pasture for your horse goes beyond just knowing which plants to avoid or include. Here are some general field maintenance tips to keep your pasture in great shape:
1. Regularly Rotate Grazing Areas:
Rotating your horses between different areas of the pasture allows the grass to regrow and prevents overgrazing. It also reduces the risk of weed overgrowth and soil compaction.
2. Check Fences and Boundaries:
Regularly inspect fencing to ensure there are no gaps or damaged areas that could allow your horse to escape or become injured. This also keeps your pasture safe from neighbouring animals.
3. Control Weeds Early:
Regular mowing or targeted weed removal can prevent dangerous plants from spreading. If you catch them early, it’s much easier to manage weed growth and keep your pasture safe.
4. Soil Testing and Fertilisation:
This one seems like it is complicated, but it is relatively straight forward these days, there are many companies competitively priced and offering value for money soil analysis. Healthy soil is the foundation of a healthy pasture. Conduct soil tests to check nutrient levels and pH balance. This will allow you to apply eco-friendly fertiliser if necessary to ensure your grass grows strong and weeds are kept in check.
By following these field maintenance tips you can help provide a safer, healthier environment for your horse. Learning to identify harmful weeds and incorporating beneficial herbs, can ensure your horse’s grazing area remains a place of comfort and nourishment. Field maintenance is an ongoing process, but with regular care and attention, your pasture can thrive, providing your horse with a safe and healthy space to graze.