Ridding paddock of poisonous plant?

Dogstar

Dogstar

Well-Known Member
Joined
7 August 2005
Messages
1,337
Location
Devon
Visit site
Last year my mare got poisoned by woody nightshade, which was growing hidden under nettles. I am not sure how to get rid of the plants this year as I don't want to end up harming the horse with weedkiller... On the other hand I don't want to rely on pulling them up by hand in case she nibbles the fresh shoots as they come up, before I can get to them. I don't think she will deliberately eat them but I can't risk it. Has anyone had this problem? Thanks
 
Can you not treat the area and section that bit off with posts and electric fencing if your horse is respectful of this? Then allow the mare access to the area once the plants have been killed off and the ground is safe for the horse to graze on.
 
Hmm bit tricky as its a small starvation paddock and she is good at pulling up electric fence posts! Maybe I will try to spray before the laminitis season and use a short acting chemical.
 
Yes I will definitely do this anyway. I am just worried about missing some, I really don't want another disaster! Thanks.
 
Instead of using chemicals to kill the weed could you not use a burner of some kind to burn the weeds away?
If your mare is adept at pulling up electric posts what about placing something on top of the area where the weeds had been growing until you know for certain they have been eradicated. Obviously this will only be easy if the weeds are growing on the fringes of the paddock or right in the centre, or if they are in a corner or similar. What about placing a water trough over the area, or another large object that would not pose a danger to your mare but would stop her getting access to that bit of the field. You could even do this if you dig the plant out so that you know after a growing period has elapsed that none of the plant remains.
 
Ooh a flame thrower? That sounds fun! What a great idea. It is along a boundary so I could place some filled water troughs along there. Thanks!
 
No problems anytime
smile.gif
I just thought of it as I have seen a friend use one to rid some nuisance weeds in a field and as they are pretty portable and you don't have to worry about chemicals afterwards then they are pretty safe. Thought the troughs may be good as the weight will stop them getting knocked over and if any plants managed to survive whatever you decide to us to get rid then hopefully they wouldn't grow properly as they wouldn't be getting any light at all. Good luck and enjoy your flame throwing lol
smile.gif
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top