Poisonous plants
QWhich summer plants are poisonous to horses? Cathy Davenport, Surrey
AUndesirable weeds and plants can manage to creep into your horse’s pasture, some being not only a nuisance but poisonous too. Be aware of the following plants to keep your pasture safe:
Ragwort
One of the more commonly recognised poisonous plants with bright yellow flowers and curly leaves It’s poisonous at all stages, from rosette to full flower and even when it’s dry If eaten, ragwort can cause severe weight loss, blindness, liver failure and death Fortunately, ragwort is bitter and horses don’t usually eat it, except on extremely sparse and rough grazing. The problem mainly comes when it’s dried in hay because it can be more easily ingested If you spot ragwort, dig it out and remove it. Your pasture can also be sprayed
Sycamore trees, seeds and leaves
These cause the disease atypical myopathy, which has a high mortality rate Ingestion of any part of the tree, including its helicopter seeds, saplings and leaves, can cause toxicity, so must be removed from your horse’s paddock The greatest risk to horses is during autumn when the seeds fall, and spring, when the saplings appear, but it’s important ortant to be vigilant all year round Acorns, yew, foxglove glove and a heavy coverage of buttercups are also hazardousardous to horses, so it’s best to keep him away fromm them.