Catsear in field - this is linked to stringhalt?

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Evie34278

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Hi
I’ve just found I have a plant called catsear in my fields, it looks a lot like dandelion. It is apparently very nasty and linked to the development of stringhalt? I’m going to try to get rid of it, but I’m wondering if anyone else has had a problem with this plant and how you’ve got rid of it?
Thanks!
 
I did read some research on-line which suggest that where this plant is plentiful, there is also an increased incidence of horses presenting with string-halt related issues.

Think they called the plant "False Dandelion". It has flowers which are similar, but the stem is much more stringy and the plant is taller.

I didn't know about the link, if I see any of it on my land it is coming out!

Sorry can't remember where I came across this; if you Google it I'm sure you'll find something.
 
Oh no I think I have a lot if this though fortunately never had a problem.
How on earth do you get rid without spraying which I don’t want to do following the discussion about (horse) health effects linked to spraying
 
Looking at a lot of the studies, it would appear there are a number of variables in play here, and the issues tend to happen in places with severe droughts. Someone sent me this link https://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/lea...inics-and-services/weeds-database/catsear.cfm which has been very helpful. I’ve also driven out round where I live and as I’m currently hyper aware of fields etc I’ve noticed it is present in most horse pastures round here and I’ve not heard of any ill effects here. I’m not saying just because it’s everywhere I won’t do anything about it, I’m pulling up any thick areas, and for the rest following some advice I’ve been given on another thread I have on here to top the fields and oversow with grass seed. Also planning on having a look at the chemistry of my field to see if I can encourage grass growth and make life harder for weeds through applying fertiliser or something like lime etc. This group on FB https://m.facebook.com/groups/1890362961227996/?tsid=0.32179209720830926&source=result has a lot of interesting advice and articles I am working through
 
How fascinating that a plant can be linked to stringhalt.
Its like clover that contains cyanide and eaten in large quantities can cause ataxia, weight loss and behavioural changes.
 
Hello again! I had a great moment this weekend when I realised NOT all my little yellow flowered plants are catsear! I can’t post pictures but the key is hairy leaves! , My plants with branched stems and HAIRY LEAVES are catsear; but I have others with branched stems and NO hair on their (thinner, finer shape) leaves which are either hawkbeard or hawkbit (I think hawkbit…). It is only the catsear that is the risk for horses, hope this helps ?
 
Yes they are very similar - I seem to have hawkbit as well as catsear.

This weekend’s panic was I thought I discovered water droplet hemlock but my app thinks it’s wild Angelica though I’m digging it up anyway
 
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