Do you know which plants are toxic to horses? It’s easy to assume that horses can eat just about anything, but that’s not the case. As a responsible horse owner, it’s important to know what plants can cause harm to your equine companion.
Horses are known to graze freely in pastures and while on a ride, and they rarely mind what they eat. However, some plants can be harmful to their health. As a horse owner, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential dangers to keep your horses healthy and happy.
At The Trainer’s Loft, we understand the importance of feeding your horses the right things. We offer affordable, high-quality equestrian-related goods, including nutritious feeds that promote healthy growth and performance. This post will provide a comprehensive guide to plants toxic to horses, including their potential risks, to help you take better care of your equine friends.
The Importance of Recognizing Toxic Plants
Toxicity from plants can have a long-term impact on your horse’s health and performance. Prolonged exposure to these harmful plants can lead to a decline in their health and overall well-being. This can result in decreased performance levels, making it difficult to take your horses out for rides or competitions.
Recognizing the signs of plant toxicity is essential for maintaining the health of your horses. Early detection and removal of toxic plants from pasture areas can help prevent potential poisoning. If you notice any changes in your horse’s behavior or condition, it’s best to take action immediately.
Common Toxic Plants for Horses
Some of the plants toxic to horses include:
● Bracken fern. This large and upright plant, characterized by triangular fronds with lance-shaped leaflets, is very common in the US, especially in poor-quality hay. It contains thiaminase, an enzyme that blocks thiamine absorption. It can lead to depression, uncoordinated gait, weight loss, and blindness.
● Buttercups and pokeweed. You may notice these two pasture plants if you live in a dry area and happen to overgraze your pastures. Long, thin stems and yellow cup-shaped flowers characterize buttercups, while pokeweed has a reddish purple stem and a large, bushy outlook. They cause oral irritation, diarrhea, and gastric upset.
● Yew plants. These woody evergreen shrubs have needle-like leaves and bright red berries. They contain taxine, a poisonous alkaloid that causes swift respiratory and cardiac collapse.
● Nightshades. Green tomato and potato vines, jimsonweed, horse nettle, bittersweet nightshade, and black nightshade are common in the US. These plants have white or purple 5-lobed flowers with berries that turn black or yellow when mature. Solanine, the compound available in nightshades, affects the gastrointestinal tract and nervous systems.
● Alsike Clover. Some farmers use this plant for soil improvement, pasture, or hay. It is characterized by small pink flowers that later turn brown and long stems that range from 1 to 2 feet. This type of clover causes liver damage, photosensitization, and potential nitrate poisoning.
● Ragwort. All ragwort species are highly toxic to horses, denoted by their 13-petal daisy-like yellow flowers. The pyrrolizidine alkaloids in these plants inhibit cell division in the liver, leading to eventual damage to the organ.
● Red maple trees. These toxic plants are characterized by bright red leaves during the fall. The trees are commonly found within or near horse pastures. Their barks and wilted leaves are palatable but highly toxic, as the chemicals they contain cause liver damage and impair red blood cells.
Symptoms and Potential Risks of Plants Toxic to Horses
There are numerous ways that poisonous plants could affect your prized equestrian assets. Apart from the ones caused by the plants mentioned above, other common symptoms of poisoning include:
● Jaundice
● Colic
● Swelling around the face or neck
● Muscle twitching
● Dilated pupils
● Extreme thirst
● Hypertension
● Vomiting
● Seizures
When left untreated for a long period, poisoning can lead to death. Thus, call your vet instantly when you observe any of the symptoms above, even if they are mild.
One big thing you can do to curb the threat of poisoning, other than weeding out toxic plants from your pastures, is to give your horses healthy commercial feeds. We stock numerous types of horse feeds and supplements and are ready to guide you on an appropriate feeding regimen.
Discover Unparalleled Horse Safety – Consult With Our Specialists Today!
Plants are not the only thing that is toxic to your equestrian investment. Even inappropriate gear and improper training could affect the health and performance of your horses. At The Trainer’s Loft, we endeavor to provide you with holistic horse supplies and consignment so that you can take your investment to the next level.
Contact us today to consult with our horse gurus!
Featured Image: Laura Battiato / Shutterstock
