Horses are not human; they cannot decide which thing to eat or which to avoid.
Why am I saying this?
Grazing is essential for horses; they need to eat fresh grass to grow and stay healthy. But the problem is not all plants are innocent. There are some unwanted plants too.
You guessed it right- Talking about weed!
There are different types of weeds in open fields that can make our horses sick and give you a lot of tension.
So, how to figure out which plants or weeds toxic to horses?
Today we’re gonna cover up all the stuff about for your horses should avoid, the symptoms that may come from eating those, and how to deal with them.
Are weeds toxic to horses?
Not all weeds are toxic for horses. Based on considerable research, experts have suggested that a few categories are harmful to horses. It will be better for us to keep our horses away from these.
First, Let’s see some HEALTHY FOR HORSES-
- Goldenrod (Solidago genus).
- Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale).
- Chickweed (Stellaria media).
- Mullein (Verbascum thapsus).
- Broadleaf Plantain (Plantago major).
- Cleavers (Goosegrass).
- Stinging Nettle.
Remember, in an open field; your horse does not know which weed to eat or which to avoid.
It is our liability to keep our horses safe from poisonous trees. They contain glycoalkaloids called solanine, which could be potentially harmful to horses. This compound causes serious health problems in animals, including horses.
So, let’s go into a deeper discussion to have more knowledge.
Related article: Are you wondering if alfalfa pellets need to be soaked before feeding to your animal?
And, what are the most toxic weeds for horses?
Here is a list of weeds that can harm your horse from different sources. Correct identification is important to take preventive measures.
The plants toxic to horses are……
- Milkweed.
- White snakeroot.
- Bracken fern.
- Nightshades.
- Ground ivy.
- Horsetail.
- Cocklebur.
- Sorghum.
- Blue-green algae.
- Mayapple.
- Skunk cabbage.
- Sweet yellow clover.
- Bouncing bet.
- Larkspur, and others.
Overdose of weed can even kill your livestock. How much nightshade will kill a horse? 1 to 10 pounds of black nightshade is fatal to a horse.
Generally, these grow on fields and bushes; if we leave our horses unattended, they can roam around and eat these weeds and fall sick. These contain several chemical compounds that make them sick.
And guess what?
Not only the weeds but some other smaller plants are also harmful to our horses, such as Black locust, boxwood, holly, green acorn oak, and horse chestnut.
These are also available in bushes and fields, so keep an eye on your livestock. These plants and fruits can severely contaminate horses, so avoid these plants at any cost.
Related article: Confused about which feed your horse needs? Learn the pros and cons of alfalfa cubes vs hay to determine which is best for your horse’s nutritional needs.
Horse poison symptoms: What happens if a horse eats weed?
Weeds are known to contain high levels of THC, which could cause a euphoric effect in horses.
You can see some common signs in your horses, such as……
- Start swallowing or breathing.
- Founder.
- Colic.
- Seizures.
- Limb edema.
- Collapse suddenly.
If untreated, these symptoms can lead to serious health complications for the horse. When you notice anything suspicious, talk to your regular veteran as soon as possible.
Correct identification of weed: Tips for weed management in horse pastures
First and foremost, you need to identify the weed from pastures.
It is often mistaken for other plants, but it is easy to identify the weed from its leaves, flowers, and branches. The main focus of the pastures should be grass; other harmful weeds should be terminated immediately.
How do I get rid of my horse’s pasture?
Knowing where to look for the weed will help you avoid it on your property. Here are some tips to get healthy livestock pastures.
- Regularly check your pastures; a weekly cleaning visit can be a good practice. Just tear them off or use vinegar to kill them.
- Remember to tear weeds up to the roots when you are killing them.
- Try to mow your pastures regularly in the season.
- Spraying herbicide is a good practice; here, you have to spray every 15 days would be great.
- Use proactive weed management methods.
And how to control these unwanted plants?
There are different ways to control, such as tillage, herbicide application, irrigation, and similar practices. You can get rid of these toxic plants from your lawn or hay field with proper prevention.
Related article: Are green apples safe for horses? Find out what you need to know about feeding horses this popular fruit.
Verdict
Horses are known for eating a variety of plants, but some dangerous weeds may lead to these animals’ downfall.
That’s why you need to be careful.
If you’re concerned that your horse is eating a dangerous weed, it’s important to do your research. Keeping pastures safe is very important; you can do that with regular maintenance. We mentioned some of the toxic weeds in hay for horses so that you can keep the animal safe and sound.
