GOOD PLANTS ( HERBS)

Not all plants are bad for your horses. Some plants that grow naturally in our fields
are good for the horses. Ever wonder how a wild horse could survive without all
the supplements and additives that we feed our animals? If horses are given the
chance to eat plants out in the fields they will usually eat the ones that are good for
them and avoid those that will cause harm. Note the word "usually", some horses
do eat what is harmful. It is impossible to get rid of everything that is harmful so
we need to get rid of what will kill and any thing else bad your particular horse
does eat and sometimes leave the rest. Horse seem to find what they need and eat
it. This may be why it is said that horses in fields have less aliments, they eat what
they need to keep themselves healthy if given access to enough plants.

The following plants that grow in some areas of the country are good for your
horse to eat. Some do not grow naturally in all areas they can be grown in the
garden or must be bought. This is just a partial list of plants. Send me more and I
will add them to the list. If you entend to pick, dry and use these, check with a
holistic vet to find out the best way to prepare them and if they are internal or
extenal. There are several books in print that talk about herbs and horses or
livestock. They are great sources of information. The one I like the best is HERBS
FOR HORSES by Jenny Morgan from Kenilworth Press. This is the smallest of my
herb books BUT it has great pictures and gives the basics on how to prepare and
use herbs. I didn't find the large books as helpful, unless you are in to reading a 1 -
2" thick book on herbs with no pictures. They aren't very easy to looking things up
in either. IMO

JUST BECAUSE PART OF THE PLANT IS GOOD FOR YOUR HORSE
DOESN"T MEAN THE COMMPLETE PLANTS IS, JUST AS IF HE PLANT IS
POISONOUS DOESN"T MEAN THE THE COMPLETE PLANT IS
DANGEROUS.

Garlic - garlic is just as good for your horse as it is for you- it rduces blood
pressure, keeps flies away, lowers the worms but doesn't get rid of them, helps with
arthritis, sweet itch, and skin problems. Feed up to five cloves a day or use
powder.

Stinging nettle - OUCH - these these really do sting. I can't figure out how my
stallion can pick and eat these but he does. Rich in minierals - iron, calcium and
potassium. Good for sweet itch, laminitis, arthritis and rheumatism. Good for
broodmares after foaling. It improves milk flow and boosts the level of iron and
other minerals. This is one you can pick when flowering
and dry.

Dandelion - YES - this weed is good for something other than wine. Horses can
eat the leave and flower. Mild laxative, encourages appetite and improves
digestion. Useful for laminitis, skin diseases and rheumatism. Diuretic, liver and
digestive tonic. The white sap can be applied to non bleeding warts.

Fenugreek - not to be consumed during pregancy but good for the mare after
foaling for milk flow - The seeds are the best part of this plant - it may be easier to
buy them. Good for an appetizer, putting on weight, coat and hoove condition.

Red Clover -- rub the flowers onto insect bites. Parts of the plants can be useful for
treating sweet itch, mud fever, bronchitis.

Rosehips - contains biotin, vitamins C,E,K, and nicotinamide. Great for the
hooves.

Raspberry --not good for mares during early pregancy but good the last eight
weeks and after foaling. Tones pelvic and uterine muscles.

Mint -- relaxes the digestive tract good for horses with colic. good for fungus
treatment and inflamed joints.

Marigold -- everyone seems to know this flower and it is so easy to grow. The
flowers petals seem to be good for more things than any other herb. Anti-fungal,
anti- bacterial, anti-flammatory and wound healing, liver problems,digestive
problems, mud fever, ringworn. It is also said if you plant this one around your
garden it helps to keep the bugs out.

Chamomile - sedative - good before competition or horses that get nervous colic -
So share some chamomile tea with your horse if you are both the nervous type.

Comfrey - contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids in some comfrey, this is a cancer
causing agent. This is a great healing plant not to be taken enternally. Use as a
ploultice, cream or compress on wounds.

Witch hazel - used on woulds and insecred bites

St. Johns Wort - stimulates granulation tissue and aids healing. BE careful of
proud fleash if you use this.

Yarrow - can help to stop bleeding if fresh leaves are applied to wounds. Steamed
is good for coughs.
Eyebright - used to clean eyes.

Devil's Claw - not grown in the US but you can buy it. Good anti-inflammatory
and pain reliever.

Horseradish - not to be eaten - good for warming poultice to enhance blood flow.

Coltsfoot - good for dry coughs

Golden rod - Here ia another weed that cause us humans grieve with our allegies
when in bloom but it is good for arthritis, rheumatism, kidney and bladder.

Hops - do not use for stallions or brodmares - good seditive.
Valeriam - Tranquilliser or mild colic, be careful if you use this one, do not use to
much and not for prolonged periods.
Alfalfa - very high in vitamins - not good on a low protien diet - about 16% protien

Rosemary - good for bathing the coat

cabbage - poultice for arthritis and rheumatism.

To find out information on miniature horses click here WeeMite's Home page


To find ourt what plants could be harmful to your horse click here DICLAB's Home Page