| Term | Field horsetail |
| Category | Herbs |
| Definition | Field horsetail, also known as scouring rush, is a plant rich in silicic acid. It is traditionally associated with supporting the skin, coat, connective tissue, and urinary tract. |
| Effects & Benefits | Field horsetail contains high levels of silicic acid and silicates. These are traditionally used to support the skin, coat, and connective tissue. The plant also has a mild diuretic effect. However, scientific data on its targeted use in horses is limited. |
| Usage | Field horsetail should not be fed to horses on a permanent or uncontrolled basis as a loose herb. If it is a component of a feed supplement, the specified feeding recommendations should be followed. |
| Fresh or dried? | Both fresh and dried field horsetail can be problematic. Drying does not reliably neutralize the thiaminase it contains. Therefore, hay that is permanently contaminated with field horsetail should also be avoided. |
| Important to know | The plant contains thiaminase, an enzyme that can break down vitamin B1. Prolonged ingestion of large quantities can lead to a vitamin B1 deficiency. Possible consequences include weight loss, muscle weakness, tremors, and coordination problems. Field horsetail should therefore not be fed freely or permanently. |
| Related terms | Scouring rush · Silicic acid · Vitamin B1 · Skin & coat · Poisonous plants |
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