POP QUIZ

Attempting to remove acorns from a paddock isn’t really feasible, and moving all horses from those spaces may not be practical. A better plan is to closely monitor the horses in your care to see which ones may be developing a taste for the nuts. It may be worthwhile to remove just those horses from the area, if only because of the potential weight they may gain—acorns are energy rich and can fatten a horse quickly.

If a horse with access to fallen acorns develops gastrointestinal signs, from mild colic to loose stools, toxicity is a possible cause even if you haven’t seen the horse consuming them. Call your veterinarian and restrict that horse’s access to acorns until a diagnosis is made.