Some horses have nearly unlimited access to fallen leaves this time of year, whether from snacking on trail rides or gorging on leaves that fall into their fields. As pasture grasses die off in colder weather, fallen leaves might seem appetizing to some horses.
While many leaves aren't harmful to horses, leaves from certain trees are toxic when ingested and can lead to death. Wilted maple leaves, as well as both fresh and wilted cherry leaves, are toxic to horses; boxelder seeds (“whirlybirds”) can case seasonal pasture myopathy when ingested. Horses that each enough of any of these can die.
Fortunately, horses will generally only consume wilted leaves when there is nothing else to eat; pulling horses from fields that are overgrazed or supplementing pastured horses with hay are two strategies to keep them from eating things they shouldn't. Leaves left on the ground in the winter are not a concern in the spring.
An additional equine health concern is green acorns, which can be toxic if ingested.
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The post Are Fallen Leaves Toxic To Horses? appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
