| Term | Horsetail |
| Category | Herbs |
| Definition | Horsetail, also known as field horsetail or 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 | Horsetail contains, among other things, silicic acid and silicates. These plant components are traditionally associated with supporting the skin, coat, and connective tissue. Furthermore, field horsetail has a mild diuretic effect. However, the scientific data regarding its targeted use in horses is limited. |
| Application | Horsetail should not be fed to horses independently as a loose herb or mixed into feed on a long-term basis. If it is a component of a feed supplement, the specified feeding recommendation should be strictly followed. |
| Fresh or dried? | Both fresh and dried horsetail can be problematic for horses. The thiaminase it contains is not reliably neutralized by drying. Therefore, hay contaminated with horsetail should not be fed on a long-term basis. |
| Important to know | Horsetail contains thiaminase. This enzyme can break down vitamin B1. If larger quantities are ingested over a long period, it can lead to a vitamin B1 deficiency in horses. Possible consequences include weight loss, muscle weakness, coordination problems, tremors, and in severe cases, seizures. Horsetail should therefore not be used uncontrollably as a forage plant. |
| Related terms | Silicic acid · Vitamin B1 · Skin & coat · Urinary tract · Poisonous plants |
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