Pet safety · Horses
Horses — Toxic Herbs, FEI-Banned Substances, Safety Checker
Horses tolerate many herbs well, but competition rules matter as much as toxicology. FEI, USEF, and most racing authorities ban natural stimulants and sedatives — a harmless herb at home can be a positive drug test at a show.
Do not give to horses
- • Yew (Taxus — extremely toxic)
- • Bracken fern (thiaminase, chronic neurotoxicity)
- • Red maple leaves (wilted — fatal hemolysis)
- • Oleander, foxglove, rhododendron
- • Black walnut shavings (laminitis)
Commonly safe with care
- • Chamomile (gastric support)
- • Peppermint (digestive, limited — check competition rules)
- • Rose hips (joints, mineral)
- • Marshmallow root (ulcers)
- • Fenugreek (weight gain, appetite)
Always consult a holistic vet; weight and condition-specific dosing required.
Species notes
- FEI-banned herbal substances include valerian, kava, devil's claw, hops, passionflower, camphor — all can trigger a positive test.
- USEF follows a similar list. Check the current FEI Prohibited Substances List before any competition.
- Chronic bracken and Russian comfrey ingestion are more common than acute poisoning — pasture management matters.