The scourge of many horse owners is Ragwort. Other than yew, there are probably more horses killed by ragwort than any other plant. It can spread across land at an alarming rate as each plant can produce up to 150,000 airborne seeds that can remain dormant in the soil for years. It tends to grow in neglected areas of poor soil, often on road side verges. Most horses will not eat ragwort whilst they have plenty of grass. However, when it is cut and mixed in hay or pasture, it becomes much more palatable. Eating ragwort causes irreversible liver damage and by the time symptoms show there is no cure.
Fields containing ragwort should be sprayed in May or June, however, the field cannot be grazed until the dead plants have completely disappeared or have been removed.
Plants can also be dug out by hand using a fork if there are only a few of them. This method works well and should be done before the plant has had time to set its seeds and spread them in the wind.
All dead plants must be taken out of the field and destroyed where animals cannot eat them.
