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“Herbal remedies,
used in conjunction
with modern science,
have proven to be extremely beneficial
to our four legged friends”
Jim Powell, New
Zealand vet from
“Vet’s Corner” |
Summer Herbs
Summer is the perfect time for tasty herbs
growing naturally.
In the summer and early autumn, horses require various nutrients
to balance hormones through the duration of the breeding season and to
prepare them for winter.
Chamomile, passionflower, valerian, hops and red raspberry leaves are
excellent for mares in estrus and stallions used for stud. These herbs
relieve much of the hyperactivity and aggression seen in mares in estrus,
sexually maturing horses, and breeding stallions.
Cleansing, toning, and stimulating herbs are usually seen from spring
to late summer. Such plants include plantain, dandelion, burdock, sheep
sorrel, garlic, wormwood, yarrow, mullein and wild pansy.
These herbs cleanse and tone the lymph system, digestive tract, nervous
system and immune system thereby helping horses stay healthy throughout
the months when parasites and toxins are most prevalent. They also act
as stimulants and equines will have better stamina and energy as a result.
External parasites are common in the warm months but horses seek out herbs
to assist them in preventing this problem. Chickweed, plantain and mint
are a few plants in which horses will roll to resist fleas, ticks, mites
and other pests.
A good, healthy pasture will not only contain grass but also seasonal
herbs (weeds) and most of these should be encouraged. The attentive horse
owner will take note of herbs beneficial to the horse and provide these
as they were intended to be used.
If your pastures and paddocks are healthy, you should find herbs growing
at the appropriate times but in many cases they must be introduced for
the benefit of your horse.
Although Nature provides the wild horse with beneficial herbs at just
the right time, domestic horses require our initiative if they are to
enjoy the health of their wild ancestors.
It is not harmful for a horse to eat herbs out of season but it can be
detrimental if they do not receive certain plants at all. Allowing horses
access to herbs that they naturally crave at particular times of the year
can give their bodies the elements needed to prevent and correct hormonal
problems.
The horse that grazes daily will seek out and eat the plants necessary
to keep themselves healthy and therefore this aspect of horse care does
not require human intervention. However, in cases where your horse is
not at pasture frequently enough to enjoy seasonal herbs, you should provide
herbs as part of the daily diet. Learning about seasonal herbs and how
they affect equines can help owners select the plants that their horses
need throughout the year.
Why not grow your own herbs? We have a Hedgerow
Seed Mix available which contains seeds for the following herbs:
Parsley blend, Mugwort, Dill, Fenugreek, Valerian, Red Clover, Marjoram,
Fodder Beet, Alfalfa, Sorrell, Chamomile, Chervil, Chicory blend, Burnet,
Corn Poppy, Yarrow, Fennel, Garlic, Chives.
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version of this article.
Brookby Herbs recommends seeking
veterinary advice when an animal is unwell.
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