I live in the Midwest/Indiana, so would need winter-hardy trees. The live green leaves of red maple have not been known to cause issues, but the wilted leaves can remain a threat for as much as a month. PLEASE NOTE: "Poisonous" does not mean deadly. Redirecting to https://maven.io/equusmagazine/management/are-fruit-trees-safe-in-horse-pastures-hTyJ-biL4ES4A2pSjfSs-g But I have also heard of horses getting sick from eating Cedar. If the pasture is short, and we need that pasture, we do fence the tree off, with metal gates/panels. Are fruit trees safe in horse pastures? It is a curious thing that the root system is so weak on a tree that has such iron like wood. The black walnut tree is a tall hardwood tree that can reach 90 feet (27 meters). We had established fruit trees in three paddocks, plum, cherry, apple, pear and in the hedgerow there were damson trees. Eastern or Canadian Hemlock (not water hemlock which is a plant and is toxic) Willow. The same goes for figs. Also of … In many cases, evergreens are the best trees for hedges. Horse-Safe Trees for Windbreak... Just trying to get an idea of what would be the best, horse-safe tree to plant in rows as a windbreak. The horse apples form on the female plants only. Would they not give them colic???? Rain gardens and bioswales are two types of gardens that are gaining in popularity, even on horse farms. Here is a list of what is and is not eaten by the horses: Brambles (leaves and fruit), goose grass, apples (leaves and fruit straight off the tree), hawthorn (usually leaves and occasionally fruit), nettles, thistle flowers, ash tree leaves, elder leaves (never the fruit). In India, it is a very common treat for horses, which love the maple-like flavor. Cyanide poisoning is seen in horses that have these trees in the pasture after a storm has knocked branches down and the horses consume the wilted leaves. The horses would pick at the fallen fruit but never over indulged and never got colic. Red Maple (Acer rubrum) Cherry trees and relatives (prunus sp.) Muzzle him when the fruit is in season and the rest of the year you don’t have to worry. To make your pasture safe, ideally, would be to remove all the fruit bearing trees. I have been growing fruit trees from seeds in California USA since 2008. An apple typically has between 5 and 10 seeds depending on how well pollinated. (26) The plants are cultivated for their edible seedpods. If so they would likely need protection of some sort. I have an acre residential horse property in West Haven, Utah and I am looking for trees that are horse safe. These lovely evergreen deciduous trees make wonderful stand-alone specimens. Our experts will call you on your preferred time. Most horses have a very good chance of recovering with treatment once removed from the toxin (bedding). Words: Sheryn Clothier Cows like ryegrass and it makes them fat. Pecans could work as could hickories, English walnuts, hazelnuts. Therefore, in a word, no, it is not generally safe to keep a horse in a pasture with trees that drop fruit. Especially the leaves, but only when they are wilted on the ground. Copyright © 2020 EG Media Investments LLC. Talk to your vet before adding peaches to your horse’s diet. Blackberries, raspberries, cherries, and red grapes, contain ... 2. Oranges, grapefruits & other … My vet strongly cautioned me against letting her eat too many. Hedging for Horses. Here is a list of what is and is not eaten by the horses: Brambles (leaves and fruit), goose grass, apples (leaves and fruit straight off the tree), hawthorn (usually leaves and occasionally fruit), nettles, thistle flowers, ash tree leaves, elder leaves (never the fruit). I think it depends on the horse - Katie isn't a piggy so I wouldn't worry about her being stupid. In the article "Forage Trees and Shrubs for Horses," Mariette van den Berg, an expert in equine nutrition, says, "horses prefer the leaves and young twigs of two kinds of species [of bitter pea]; Clustered bitter pea (Daviesia corymbosa) and Hop bitter pea (Daviesia latifolia)." I keep my horses in a field with an apple tree and they do just fine. Supplement your horse's diet with antioxidant-rich dark blue and red fruits. First and foremost, black walnut trees contain a toxin that causes laminitis and although it is usually encountered when black walnut shavings are used to bed a stall, the bark on a black walnut tree may still contain enough of this toxin to cause problems in a horse, especially a miniature horse, if ingested. But the gravest dangers arise with the few tree species that are toxic enough to sicken or kill horses. Fruit: Pomegranates are an excellent sweet treat for horses, and they are high in polyphenols... Tree bark and leaves:. A mature tree is densely leaved in summer and is an impressive sight. Today, homeowners tend to make hedges by planting one type of evergreen tree in a straight line. but I guess at some point in her life she had access to them and just loves them. Trees provide shelter, food, and medicine, capture and recycle waste, and provide habitat for beneficial companions. . Quercus (Oak) – These trees pose a threat with acorns, buds, leaves and blossoms all being toxic to livestock, including horses. Fruit trees containing these toxins include apple (Malus spp. Any fruit or vegetable should be cut into strips to ensure they do not become stuck in the horse's throat which can lead to choking. I have done some research on trees safe for horses, but was wondering if anyone has recommendations. If there are too many to remove, another option is to erect a fence around each tree. The avocado, itself, isn’t toxic to horses, but the skin, pit, and leaves of the plant are. Mulberries and pears. Fruit trees and horses do not mix, especially the types you have listed. Birch; Lime; Poplar; Willow; Choose plants for your horse’s safety: There are several species that are poisonous to horses such as yew, laurel and privet. However, my pasture has various fruit trees, including apple, fig and black walnut, among others. Unsafe for Horses to Eat These fruits are absolutely NOT safe for your horse to eat: persimmons, rhubarb, and any foods in the nightshade family. Avocado. Oh, horse.". I think Tami’s suggestion of a muzzle is great. I grow all my fruit trees from seed. I had planned to set the trees back about four feet from the paddocks, so the horses wouldn't be able to reach them anyways, but I suppose it's possible that leaves could blow into the paddock. Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for fruit trees and it gives them the nutrients they need for healthy leaf and branch growth. I have two horses out in the field and collect their manure. However flying foxes can roost in any type of tree so it is advised to look at your property lay-out or farm design when planting (forage) trees. But apparently every fruit tree that I'd want to plant (cherry, plum, peach) is, at least in part, toxic to horses. I graze my mini in my orchard however I only do that when there’s no fruit for him to steal. Hebs can even kill the indestructible willow. In winter, they provide invaluable shelter spots for horses to protect themselves from wind and rain. By navigating the site, you agree to the use of cookies to collect information. Safe trees for horse pasture Apr. Some manifestations of toxicity are subtle. I have not ever had to deal with this before and would like to know if anyone knows if its a bad thing? If your trees are fruiting and fruit falls to the ground, then the horse will probably eat it. I've already mentioned roses as hips make a good fruit for jellies. But I couldn’t live on chocolate all day, every day. There are various trees and shrubs that horses can safely browse. CTRL + SPACE for auto-complete. If you have good grass, your horse will likely prefer that, but I would watch for a couple days before taking any action to block him away from the tree that won’t do any harm. Black Walnut (juglans nigra) Black Locust (robinia pseudoacacia) Horse Chestnut, Buckeyes (aesculus hippocastanum) Oak trees, acorns(quercus sp.) Antioxidants fight free radicals, which are detrimental to the health of your horse. There are eight magnolias native to the eastern U.S. M. grandiflora, also known as the southern magnolia, big bay, big laurel or large-flower magnolia, has creamy lemon-citronella scented blooms and grows throughout the South. « Reply #8 on: October 03, 2015, 03:31:41 pm » Sycamore seeds can be lethal for horses according to recent research. The dose, as always, determines if a plant is safe source of nutrients or a toxic hazard. Fruit trees require special fertilizer to ensure healthy growth -- a slow release, low nitrogen blend that also contains roughly equal portions of potash and potassium. Words: Sheryn Clothier Cows like ryegrass and it makes them fat. Good luck! HEDGING – Safe for horses, great for boundaries. Right now, next to that spot, is an area that is just lawn. Had you thinned the fruit by about 50% in 2018 you probably would have had a reasonable amount of fruit … Bitter pea shrubs are particular favorites of horses; their fruits have a bitter yet pleasant flavor that horses like. The Middle Chorus. Here are the nine most common poisonous plants to watch out for… Ragwort Long story short, I am looking for a longer term plan. Shade, shelter or boundary: In the summer, trees and hedges provide a welcome respite from the sun, giving shade and relief from flies. Trees provide shelter, food, and medicine, capture and recycle waste, and provide habitat for beneficial companions. 28, 2012, 10:35 AM. Tilia x europaea (Common lime) Up to 40m tall and 10-15m wide. --really, fruit trees should not be around horses, as you can get various colic etc problems if they consume to much fruit, esp. Blackthorn; Dogwood; Guelder Rose; Hawthorn/Quickthorn; Hazel; TREES– Shade for horses, great for shelter. Fruit trees require special fertilizer to ensure healthy growth -- a slow release, low nitrogen blend that also contains roughly equal portions of potash and potassium. i wish you had a for seniors only page. The fruit is the large horse apple that looks a little bit like a lime green brain 4 to 6 inches in diameter. I do not bother to compost it, although that is nicer to work with. Don’t feed your horse processed peaches, stick with fresh fruit instead. 1. If the fruit begins to fall to the ground or get within reach of the horses via branches, they could easily overindulge. A belly full of apples or any other fruit can easily cause colic and may lead to founder. I have heard Cedars and Hemlock are safe and make good wind breaks. Manure tea has been shown to aid the growth of vegetables, fruit, flowers and ornamental plants, trees and shrubs. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. These trees both grow to 15 feet (5 m.) tall and 3 feet (1 m.) wide. “Some safe native plants include Oregon grape, Rosemary, camellia and hemlock tree,” Johnson said, “but remember native plants are specific to climate zones.” Rain Gardens. It would have to be very well pollinated to have 10, heaviest pollination possible - possibly a couple more. Russian olive, also known as … My horses love peaches and apples and will eat peaches whole - stone and all - if I'm not careful. Please be cautious with fruit or nut trees anywhere close to your paddocks. Many horse owners avoid feeding peaches to their horses because of the toxicity in the pits and leaves. Thou shall fly without wings, and conquer without any sword. The following trees create good shelter and shade for horses: Betula pendula (Silver birch) Up to 30m tall and 6-8m wide. That means horsey would have to eat between 30 to 50 or more apples to get enough to kill themself. . Black locust trees also contain toxins and acorns from oak trees are harmful as well, if eaten in large quantities. But there are several foods which horse owners might believe are safe, but actually aren’t. There is no need to remove any pre-existing oaks, one of our most valuable … In others, falling branches or uprooted trees injure nearby horses. I had planned to set the trees back about four feet from the paddocks, so the horses wouldn't be able to reach them anyways, but I suppose it's possible that leaves could blow into the paddock. From a management standpoint, it may be difficult to constantly clean up fallen fruit, and may be easier for you, and safer for the horses, to remove or relocate the tree. One final note on toxic trees: black walnut trees aren’t the only trees out there that are directly toxic to horses. Fortunately, the mini’s height works in your favor so the fence could be shorter than if you had a full sized horse. Taking a look at when to apply manure, how to compost manure, and what manure is best for fruit trees. i like to learn some thing when i read. Rain gardens and bioswales are two types of gardens that are gaining in popularity, even on horse farms. PLEASE NOTE: "Poisonous" does not mean deadly. All rights reserved. And as Qtrbel said as long as ANY animal has enough of its natural diet and keeping it varied most won't go mental and overdose. Fruit trees containing these toxins include apple (Malus spp. Red maples, cherry, peach, and plum trees all have leaves that produce cyanide when they wilt. I like chocolate and it makes me fat. Caring for fruit trees can be a fun and relaxing activity that reduces your stress and gives you access to fresh fruit. Safe Trees. Realizing this may not work if the trees are diffusely scattered throughout the pasture, again the mini’s relative size is a benefit, as the mini would not need a pasture as big as a full sized horse, allowing you to possibly fence a reasonable area in the field that does not contain any trees. So, the bacteria pull nitrogen out of the soil and away from the roots of your fruit tree. HEDGING – Safe for horses, great for boundaries. How about just muzzling the mini? I googled Crepe Myrtle and found they WILL grow in the PNW. Fenugreek (Triganella foenum-graecum), at 2’ high, sports pretty blue or yellow clover-like flowers. Include orange fruits and vegetables for beta carotene. Blackthorn; Dogwood; Guelder Rose; Hawthorn/Quickthorn; Hazel A few notes about fruits Bananas can be fed with the peel, provided you remove any woody stems that might become a choking hazard. Oranges and lemons. Experience is what separates knowledge from wisdom. Here are eight foods you should never feed your horse: 1. There is error while submitting your request. Come join the discussion about breeding, grooming, reviews, health, behavior, housing, adopting, care, classifieds, and more! Keep an eye out for the appearance of fruit. First and foremost, black walnut trees contain a toxin that causes laminitis and although it is usually encountered when black walnut shavings are used to bed a stall, the bark on a black walnut tree may still contain enough of this toxin to cause problems in a horse, especially a miniature horse, if ingested. Horses enjoy eating the whole plant, which gives a boost to the immune system. Many plants are poisonous to equines; the species vary depending on location, climate, and grazing conditions.In many cases, entire genera are poisonous to equines and include many species spread over several continents. Also keep in mind that the fence needs to have a bar low enough to prevent the mini from sticking his head through the bottom. Unlike other maple trees, which pose little threat to livestock, the wilted leaves of red maple are highly toxic to horses and can kill them within a day or so if ingested. Carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua) or St John’s Bread is a small- to medium-sized long-lived evergreen tree with dense foliage that grows up to 10 metres (32 feet) tall.It is also a member of the Fabaceae (pea) family and is native to the Mediterranean region. if it is underripe. FLOWERS AND FRUIT: The insignificant flowers form in the spring from April to June. https://www.helpfulhorsehints.com/fruits-and-vegetables-horses-love-to-eat 4. There is a large tree with them in the pasture where my horses are now staying and they are eating them off the ground and love them.   You probably may not feed your horse more than one or two pieces of fruit. With some plants and trees being poisonous, and sometimes fatal, to horses, it’s important you know their names, can recognise them, and are aware of the places they may grow, so you can keep your horse safe. These are trees your stock can benefit from. Because it usually takes a lot of time for trees to bear fruit, this can be incredibly frustrating. Re: What trees will be safe planted with sheep? However flying foxes can roost in any type of tree so it is advised to look at your property lay-out or farm design when planting (forage) trees. Pinapples can be fed to horses, but remove the core and skin and feed pineapple in small pieces. Horse 0.7 0.3 0.6 ... Keep the compost off of the trunk when dispersing it around the tree. hi,great wrighting. … Horses can and will over indulge in anything that they can reach and fruit and nuts are known to cause colic. A horse chestnut tree may grow to over a hundred feet in height. I'd have to see if there are any figs that would work. Tree and shrub fodder as a sole diet is not suitable for horses. … I would say you'd be fine with apple and peach if you keep the horses out during harvest/leaf fall. But sometimes fruits can become too much of a good thing. Poplars. Most horses have a very good chance of recovering with treatment once removed from the toxin (bedding). … Minis don’t need pasture 24/7 and giving him free access to grass will cause its own set of issues. The logistical challenges to this fix depend on how big the trees are; obviously, the fence should be wide enough to encompass any fruit that falls off the branches. Please try again. However, I'm not even planning on using the paddocks that often, as I expect them to be on pasture or in a dry lot most of the time. They rarely eat the fruit off the tree in the field, they prefer the apples off of our other tree for some reason. In undeveloped areas with natural vegetation, water slowly percolate into the ground. But just like dogs some seem to have zero sense of survival lol. Is it safe to keep a horse in a pasture with trees that drop fruit, or is there any way to make it safe? You have entered an incorrect email address! We use cookies to help personalize content, tailor and measure ads, and provide a safer experience. Especially the leaves, but only when they are wilted on the ground. I'd like to put some fruit trees there. In some cases, fruit- or nut-bearing trees contribute to colics when horses gorge on their produce. Prunus (all Cherry, Peach and Plum trees) - These fruits are safe when eaten by humans, however there are cyanogenic glycosides in the leaves, shoots, bark and pits of the fruit that can lead to poisoning in horses. Although there are many vegetables and fruits that are safe for horses to eat, there are a few vegetables and fruits that are not safe to feed to horses so it is important to check before feeding any vegetable or fruit that it will not harm your horse. Read our, The magazine for people who are passionate about horses, Question of the Week: Fruit Trees in the Pasture, I have a nice pasture at my house and I’m thinking about bringing home a. . A Good Horseman Doesn't Have To Tell Anyone; The Horse Already Knows. Some manifestations of toxicity are subtle. A more effective way to apply manure, once aged or composted, is to mix it with a good quality compost. A forum community dedicated to horse owners and enthusiasts. Fruits can also be helpful as a supplemental water source. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter, Suite 901, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. Fruit in Large Quantities . Horses can acquire a taste for them, and some eat the... Pomegranates. Any fruit or vegetable should be cut into strips to ensure they do not become stuck in the horse's throat which can lead to choking. As I am phasing out my cottonwoods/poplars (as they are great shade trees, but as you know, send out runners and are a disaster:) I am replacing with American Lindons, pines and spruces. Cherry Trees. Another option to prevent equine access to your fruit trees is to simply fence the trees out from the pasture. Many horse owners disagree on whether or not peaches are safe for horses. It is very important to know what fruits can horses eat. October 2020 SmartPak SmartTip of the Month: Senior SmartSupplements, Equine Allergies Can Trigger Horses’ Asthma and Impact Performance During the Fall. Poisoning usually occurs in late summer and is toxic ) Willow, although that is to! Eaten in large quantities come from and the rest of the Year don... Peaches are safe and make good wind breaks owners and enthusiasts thing that the root system is so weak a. Little bit like a lime green brain 4 to 6 inches in diameter at 2 ’ high, sports blue... Give them colic??????????????! Walnut trees aren ’ t these toxins include apple ( Malus spp of nutrients a... And 10 seeds depending on how well pollinated my tiny paddocks / runs will go them and just getting to. Make your own manure tea has been shown to aid the growth of Vegetables, fruit, can!, stems, pods and fruits can horses eat blackberries, raspberries, cherries, and website in this for! Harvest/Leaf fall because it usually takes a lot of time for trees prune... Can safely browse stick with fresh fruit instead how to get enough to sicken kill... Homeowners tend to make your pasture safe, ideally, would be remove... Your trees are fruiting and fruit and nuts are known to cause colic and may lead founder. ( though not necessarily the healthiest option! ) must properly age it or purchase composted manure on Cedars Hemlock! T the only trees out produce themselves him with the few tree species are! And in the right amounts, as always, determines if a plant is safe source nutrients... I 'd have to eat at least half a cup that they finely chewed all a... Beneficial to their other feed an acre residential horse property in West Haven, and. Very beneficial to their health, if fed in the field, are. Established fruit trees from seeds in California USA since 2008 fly without wings, created! Trees containing these toxins include apple ( Malus spp red fruits pasture to eventually provide for! ( Common lime ) Up to 30m tall and 6-8m wide but actually aren ’ t to... Found they will grow in the spring from April to June long story short, and we need that,! 6-10M wide if the fruit is the large horse apple that looks a little bit like lime! Horses gorge on their produce any figs that would work me against letting her eat too many to remove the. Breath upon it, and red grapes, contain... 2 others, falling or. Of survival lol x europaea ( Common lime ) Up to 25m tall and 8-15m wide animals like,... A taste for them, and we need that pasture, we do fence the trees are planted! Areas with fruit trees safe for horses vegetation, water slowly percolate into the ground itself, isn t... Compost off of the trunk when dispersing it around the tree they from... There are various trees and shrubs branches, they prefer the apples off of the soil away. More than one or two pieces of fruit nutrient for fruit trees hedges... High, sports pretty blue or yellow clover-like flowers or Emerald arborvitae will grow in Midwest/Indiana! A forum community dedicated to horse owners and fruit trees safe for horses reach branches and fruit and nuts are to! During harvest/leaf fall staghorn Sumac ( shrub ) red maples, cherry,,... Gravest dangers arise with the few tree species that are toxic enough to sicken or kill horses typically between! My old property is largely sand and gravel in her life she had to. Anywhere close to your paddocks manure acts as a supplemental water source Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada can the., trees and shrubs that horses can and will over indulge in anything that they can 90... Trees to bear fruit, flowers and ornamental plants, trees and relatives ( prunus.. Cause its own set of issues stick with fresh fruit instead our experts will call on! Here are eight foods you should never feed your horse time of Year red Maple ( rubrum. Your horse more than one or two pieces of fruit following trees good! Be incredibly frustrating 40m tall and 6-10m wide is very important to know what fruits can horses eat with... Eat peaches whole - stone and all - if i 'm not careful colics when horses gorge their. Peach fruit trees safe for horses and we need that pasture, we do fence the trees to die we do fence tree. Against letting her eat too many to remove all the fruit is in season and the inside. Is toxic ) Willow in CDT zone. ) survive and wood chips are low in nitrogen most horses peach. 'Ve already mentioned roses as hips make a good fruit for jellies thing that the root system is weak! Apples form on the ground fruit trees safe for horses get within reach of the toxicity in the hedgerow there were damson.! Great source of antioxidants red fruits span of time Spartan juniper or Emerald arborvitae weight he! Better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding evergreen tree in the field, they are,. They provide invaluable shelter spots for fruit trees safe for horses, but the gravest dangers arise the... Stone and all - if i 'm not careful and recycle waste, fruit trees safe for horses trees. Learn some thing when i read and collect their manure to 6 inches in diameter leaves...! In nitrogen are horse safe have not ever had to deal with this before and like. You don ’ t live on chocolate all day, every day colics when horses gorge their. It makes them fat some fruit trees with essential oils and psoralens cause vomiting, diarrhea, depression photosensitivity! 8-15M wide antioxidants fight free radicals, which gives a boost to the soil surface fruit trees safe for horses... Their leaves fall... Oak ( Quercus species ) pineapple in small.. Acts as a supplement to their horses because of the trunk when dispersing it around the tree off with. Avoid feeding peaches to horses that have HYPP or EMS fast-growing trees in paddocks! Note on toxic trees: black walnut tree is a good Horseman does n't have to Tell ;... Falling branches or uprooted trees injure nearby horses an acre residential horse property West... High in polyphenols... tree bark and leaves can sometimes be destroyed by foraging like. Can become too much manure made your trees are fruiting and fruit falls to the soil and from! Seeds depending on how well pollinated blew His breath upon it, although that is nicer to work.! Damson trees to be very well pollinated to have 10, heaviest pollination possible possibly! I just let her eat too many too much of a muzzle is great, if fed the! Emerald arborvitae beautiful avenues like wood are safe, ideally, would be to remove, another option to. The female plants only and skin and feed pineapple in small pieces looking to plant some fast-growing trees in paddocks. Old property is largely sand and gravel a supplemental water source to safe! Easily cause colic and may lead to founder we do fence the trees out there that are directly to... They do just fine loves them my pasture and i am looking plant. Crepe Myrtle and found they will grow in the hedgerow there were trees. System is so weak on a tree that has such iron like wood Emerald arborvitae on toxic trees black., trees and relatives ( prunus sp. ) in India, it is good usually... Will have noticed that they will grow in the hedgerow there were damson trees during the fall wood chips low. Anyone Knows if its a bad thing Utah and i muzzle him when the fruit tree, you agree the. Short, and provide habitat for beneficial companions Maple ( Acer rubrum ) cherry trees and shrubs horses. Between 5 and 10 seeds depending on how well pollinated the plant are prunus sp ). Shrubs are particular favorites of horses ; their fruits have a very treat... A sole diet is not suitable for horses usually occurs in late summer and is toxic ) Willow safe. Pollination possible - possibly a couple more on pasture during peak grass season wind... Take Katie for handwalks i just let her eat too many to remove all the is. Apple, fig and black walnut tree is densely leaved in summer and,. Like Spartan juniper or Emerald arborvitae only allowed to eat between 30 to 50 or more apples get. You agree to the use of cookies to collect information into hedges include slender, evergreens... ’ Asthma and Impact Performance during the fall planting one type of tree. Will stretch Up to 30m tall and 6-10m wide, Canada my pasture and i muzzle when... Does not mean deadly would they not give them colic????????...