Whinny’s Wisdom: A Field Mouse’s Perspective on Horse-Killing Weeds

Hey there, fellow creatures of the field! Whinny here, a curious little field mouse with a nose for adventure (and sometimes, trouble). Today, I want to talk about something important for any horse that gets turnout: poisonous plants!

You see, us field mice have a pretty good idea of what’s safe and what’s not safe to nibble on. But horses, with their big noses, curious ways, and knack for self-harm, can sometimes get into trouble with plants that look harmless but are actually quite poisonous. So, I’m here to share some of the most common culprits in North America, straight from the perspective of a tiny, knowledgeable rodent.

The Pretty, But Deadly: Azaleas and Rhododendrons

These flowering shrubs are a sight to behold, with their vibrant blooms in shades of pink, purple, and white. Here in North Central Florida they’re everywhere. But don’t let their beauty fool you! All parts of azaleas and rhododendrons are toxic to horses, containing a nasty toxin called grayanotoxin. If your horse ingests even a small amount, it can cause severe problems like:

* Excessive drooling

* Loss of appetite

* Colic

* Muscle weakness

* Abnormal heart rhythm

* Coma

* Death

The Tall and Toxic: Red Maple Trees

Red maples are majestic trees that add a touch of autumn splendor to the landscape. However, their leaves, bark, and twigs contain a toxin called gallic acid, which can be harmful to horses. If your horse munches on these parts, especially in the fall when the leaves are wilted or dry, it can lead to:

* Severe anemia

* Colic

* Muscle weakness

* Kidney damage

The Unassuming Threat: Black Walnut Trees

These common trees might seem harmless, but their leaves, nuts, and bark contain a toxin called juglone. This nasty stuff can cause problems for horses, including:

* Laminitis

* Colic

* Diarrhea

* Skin irritation

The Bitter Surprise: Milkweed

While most horses avoid this plant due to its bitter taste, it’s important to be aware of its potential dangers. Milkweed contains a toxin that can cause serious problems if ingested, such as:

* Muscle weakness

* Seizures

* Respiratory difficulties

* Coma

* Death

The Hidden Danger: Poison Hemlock

This plant might look like harmless parsley, but it’s one of the most poisonous plants in North America. All parts of poison hemlock are toxic, and even a small amount can be fatal to horses. Branches falling into a water source can contaminate the water as well! Symptoms of poisoning include:

* Muscle tremors

* Convulsions

* Respiratory failure

* Death

Keeping Your Horses Safe: A Field Mouse’s Tips

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Whinny, this is scary! How can I keep my horse safe from these sneaky plants?” Don’t worry, my friends, I’ve got some tips for you:

Know your pasture: Regularly inspect your pasture for any of the plants mentioned above. If you find them, remove them immediately. If in doubt, contact the local County Extension Service. It’s free and they are incredibly knowledgeable!

Provide good quality hay: Horses who are well-fed are less likely to nibble on potentially harmful plants.

Be aware of seasonal changes: Some plants become more toxic at certain times of the year, like red maples in the fall.

Contact my Doctors immediately: If you suspect your horse has ingested a poisonous plant, don’t hesitate to seek veterinary help. Time is of the essence in these situations.

Remember, knowledge is power! By being aware of the dangers lurking in your fields and pastures, you can keep your horses safe and healthy. And if you ever see a curious field mouse like me, don’t shoo me away! I might just have some helpful insights about the sneaky plants hiding in plain sight.

Until next week,

~Whinny

P.S. If you’d like to watch an entire Seminar video about poisonous plants put on by our local extension office, CLICK HERE. It’s a great presentation from a few years ago, very entertaining and very educational!