Spear thistles - poisonous?

[myhorsefred]

Have just been on a lovely hack and got chatting to a farmer who was cutting down big spear thistles from on top of a hedge in his field. He was leaving them where they fell and said his horses would eat them.

Can horses eat spear thistles safely? Wouldn't they get colic? choke etc?

thanks all

 

[Gentle_Warrior]

my horse eats them out hacking, makes me smile as he is so careful getting the head off!

 

[myhorsefred]

thank you.

 

[Gentle_Warrior]

but not saying they are good for him !!!!!

 

[appylass]

I cut them down for mine too and as soon as they wilt they are gone. Have done this for many years with no ill effect.

 

[myhorsefred]

thanks both.

 

[jinglejoys]

Pacco loves thistles

 

[GLEEK]

I always le my horses eat them it is funny how carefull they are when picking them

 

[Donkeymad]

They are absolutely fine, should be no problems letting equines munch on loads of them.