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.