Following buttercup post - Is Clover harmful to horses?

[LizGooch1]

My field has patches of clover and I've noticed the horses dont really eat it much. Is clover poisonous and how do i get rid of it? I had thought if they eat it it would die back!!

Thankies

 

[Baileyhoss]

Don't think it's poisonous, but it is fattening, apparently. Like cream cakes fattening.

f x

 

[wormhugs]

Ditto Baileyhoss!!

 

[Kate260881]

Its very good for your pasture though as it returns nitrogens to the soil. That and peas and beans but I don't think that's quite a practical

 

[hellspells]

I was told by a very (VERY) old local farmer that it causes colic BUT only in the spring time if its damp (i.e first thing on a dewy morning), but not just a small amount they'd have to trough quite a bit. However unsure how verified this is.

 

[peanut]

I've also always believed it to be harmless but extremely fattening!

 

[rosebud]

I was looking for the buttercup post but cant seem to find it

Can anyone point me in the right direction

 

[LizGooch1]

OMG that might explain why my horse has put on so much weight!!!
But why hasnt my skinny TB, maybe she doesnt like clover!
Thanks for replies

 

[checkmate1]

Yes clover is harmful, but not deadly. when we had the vet out at the w/e for the pony with colic he mentioned it, he'd had a look round our pddocks (had time to waste as waited for pony to come round from being sedated) and said we didn't have much so it could't be that which triggered S's colic. I think clover must taste yummy! (to a horse!)

 

[flyingfeet]

Clover isn't that bad for horses, but it is full of protein so is fattening

However it is quite lethal for sheep, as if eaten in quantity, they can get bloat from the fermentation. Horse's only have the one stomach and are much more adept at farting.

 

[Donkeymad]

Agree that clover is not harmful, but is fattening.

 

[volatis]

clover can case a photosensitivity reaction. http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=5101

 

[Thistle]

mine love clover and always make a bee line for it when out (don't have it at home) it does contain some chemicals that resemble female hormones though.