How poisonous is Ivy?

[canteron]

On the way back to the winter field, the horses all take a sneaky mouthful of ivy while I open the gate.

None of them have died (and this has been going on for a decade) and I seem to remember that in low doses Ivy can be used medicinally in humans for a variety of issues (respiratory mainly).

So, are my horses self medicating, or should I stop them?

 

[pennyturner]

Horses love ivy, as do pigs, sheep and cows. It isn't, as far as I'm aware poisonous at all - and if it is, they can eat a fair amounts to no ill effect (mine do).

You may be thinking of 'poison ivy', which is an American plant, and not related in any way to common (European) ivy.

 

[lelly]

I thought ivy was poisonous, I remember from my younger days my friends pony dieing from eating a lot of ivy. His field was surrounded by walls covered in it though. It grows around the edges of my field now and I always cut it back so no one can eat it.

 

[Sukistokes2]

Just had a Google, from what I can find out quickly common ivy is not poisonous but ground ivy is but has to be eaten a lot for it to have an affect,

 

[Bede]

Reminded me of this:

Mairzy doats and dozy doats
And liddle lamzy divy
A kiddly divydo, wouldn't you

My chap nicks a mouthful from the churchyard hedge when he can with no ill-effects

 

[pennyturner]

Just had a Google, from what I can find out quickly common ivy is not poisonous but ground ivy is but has to be eaten a lot for it to have an affect,

Ground ivy is another plant which is similar in name only. If you google it for a picture, you'll see it's not possible to confuse visually with ivy (Hedera Helix).