Sick horse and ragwort found in hay

[DellaMoon]

Anyone know where I stand? Horse has mild ragwort poisoning and this morning I found a big clump of ragwort in her hay. It was bought through a friend and was not described to us specifically ragwort free. I've changed her onto our new batch so won't be exposed anymore. Obviously the cost of the hay is an issue, vets bills and most importantly I now have a horse with permanent although mild liver damage! Before I talk to the farmer I'd like to have an idea where I stand.

Thank you!

 

[**Vanner**]

Sorry I don't know but poor pony

 

[Miss L Toe]

I don't think you do anything about the farmer, except to complain, he may or may not have known about the ragwort, and he may or may not be aware of the danger to horses.
Make sure you monitor all supplies and grazing fields in the future as the poison can be cumulative. I would think about trying to "cleanse " with a herbal remedy, it may not work but it is worth a try.

 

[sbloom]

Ragwort poisoning accumulates over months and years. I'd say the sickness is unlikely to be as a result of eating the current batch of hay, though as it does build up over time it shows how important it is to be vigilant and never let your horse have access to ragwort. The current batch has just pushed her into liver damage - she would already have been on the way.

How awful for you - and the farmer definitely needs to informed and possibly educated.

 

[DellaMoon]

Thank you. I'm pretty certain she came to me with it as I'm very vigilant about ragwort in the field and she had a pretty bad start. I just took it for granted that someone producing hay for horses would ensure there was no ragwort in the field. Lesson learnt and new batch is from a hay merchant with an excellent reputation.

 

[Cuffey]

I may be wrong but thought there was ''a duty of care'' when selling hay that it should be ragwort free.
Perhaps I ought to try to find out..............