feeding herbs, just a random thought

[weesophz]

was clearing out the cupboards in the kitchen and noticed how many herbs i have..

pepper oregano parsley rosemary basil etc, all of them.

was just wondering if there are any household herbs that can be fed to horses? never really thought about it.. fox only gets mint!

 

[mandwhy]

Apparently turmeric helps with arthritis/joints. People feed it to dogs as well as horses oh and there's garlic of course, do you think my horse would appreciate a pony nut Korma?

 

[weesophz]

tumerics one i dont have! strangely haha. maybe ill get some dont know how i forgot garlic! i feed that in summer to help with flies pony nut korma ha! worth a try..

 

[Enfys]

A whole list of them here, this article is mainly about growing herbage in pastures:
http://www.herbalhorsecare.com.au/2012/03/02/growing-herbs-for-your-horse/

http://www.alternativevet.org/herbs.htm

This lists herbs:

http://www.naturallyequine.com/herbalindex.shtml

 

[NaeNae87]

Just be careful if you are competing, as some herbs are swabbable. Do a lot of research before giving your horse herbs

Check this out. I know it's from Equestrian Australia, but they follow the same FEI rules as everywhere else. Look at the bottom of the first page in the Scope of Advice section...
http://www.equestrian.org.au/site/e...erinary/Caution_against_the_use_of Herbal.pdf

 

[Stripy]

Interesting that herbs could affect a competition horse

 

[NaeNae87]

Quite a few medications are plant based, same goes for illegal drugs

This is an extreme example but, Opium for example is an illegal substance - Its made from Poppies, as is Heroin.

Chamomile is on the prohibited list as it can affect the performance of a horse in a calming (tranquillizing) way. Others have anti-inflammatory ar analgesic effects... Bute is not allowed in competition, so why would a herb that can do a similar thing be allowed?

Herbs can be used to treat many things. My bible is Victoria Ferguson's The Complete Horse Herbal. It is a fantastic book. It has information on herbal diets for horses, how to treat ailments, skin conditions, injuries etc. I use herbs to compliment and back up vet care and would never use the book instead of my wonderful vet, however even she has been surprised with the results I have had especially with my TB.

Herbs can be fantastic, however be careful and do a lot of research on what you are feeding/using especially if you are competing.

xx

 

[weesophz]

im dont compete haha, it was more just a curiosity thing thanks for the feedback guys! will maybe try a few out, see how ol' fox likes them

x

 

[Stripy]

You could offer them individually, as horses are supposed to only take what they need. I'd be fascinated to know what Fox does like - have fun

 

[weesophz]

yeah i was gonna take a few up at the weekend and let him sniff, excited to find out too

 

[Stripy]

x