Success StoryHeathly Horse Pastures



Heathly Horse Pastures

Author: Phillip Long

Planning Unit: Jefferson County CES

Major Program: Pest ID

Plan of Work: Promoting Sustainable Agriculture, Natural Resources and Urban Forestry

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

Since we use these stories as a resource for multiple requests, don’t restrict Success Stories only to traditional Extension appointments and activities. Any accomplishments and efforts that are noteworthy may be included.

Healthy Horse Pastures

Several equine producers struggle occasionally to determine what is a safe pasture plant or a bordering tree or shrub. Kentucky has several species of plants, shrubs and trees that could potential cause negative health issues with horses. While some trees may appear safe, it’s when a summer storm blows a Black Cherry limb down in a pasture, or during landscape maintenance, someone throws Taxus yew trimmings over the fence to feed their pony. Without some knowledge of common plant toxicity, the horse owner will most likely have an unpleasant experience. Both plants mentioned have toxins that, in some conditions, can cause death to the horse. 

I’ve had several calls over the last few months from horse owners wanting assistance in determining if their pastures were safe. Wearing a mask and keeping an acceptable distance from the client, we would walk the pasture and the fence row identifying anything that look suspicious. Using UK’s toxic plant identification publication, I would walk the client through basic plant id techniques and discuss when a particular plant would be the most problematic and how to eradicate it in a safe manner.

By offering this level of service, livestock producers can save thousands of dollars in medical bills or even heart break if it happens to be the family’s pony. With some knowledge of what plant, tree or shrub to look for during a particular time of the year, you can avoid most toxic plant disasters. 







Stories by Phillip Long


Montessori School of Louisville, Biology Class Project

about 4 years ago by Phillip Long

Since we use these stories as a resource for multiple requests, dont restrict Success Stories only t... Read More


KY Master Naturalists Program for Jefferson County

about 4 years ago by Phillip Long

Since we use these stories as a resource for multiple requests, dont restrict Success Stories only t... Read More


Stories by Jefferson County CES


Pandemic Response: How social distancing regulations are creating innovative ways to for extension agents to teach their audience

Pandemic Response: How social distancing regulations are creating innovative ways to for extension agents to teach their audience

about 4 years ago by Stephen Lewis

2020 has been a challenging year as an emerging virus pandemic has altered the way that society has ... Read More


Volunteers of America Freedom House

Volunteers of America Freedom House

about 4 years ago by Emma Robinson

Volunteers of America Freedom HouseVolunteers of America Mid-States creates positive... Read More