Which plants are already becoming visible now, where to find them, and what you should pay special attention to in January. Our Herb Journal guides you through typical discovery sites, suitable wild herbs, and plants that are better left out of reach in your horse's environment.
Important in January
Even in winter, the first herbs, leaf rosettes, and evergreen plants are already appearing. This is precisely why it is worth taking a close look at pasture edges, gardens, farm entrances, and hedges.
Good to know
Not everything that is green is automatically harmless. Garden plants in particular, such as yew or boxwood, can become a risk even in winter.
Monthly Overview
3 herbs suitable for horses, 3 plants with a clear warning, including discovery sites, effects, and possible signs.
January at a glance
Suitable
Dandelion, daisy, and chickweed
Not suitable
Yew, boxwood, and autumn crocus
Check carefully
Pasture edges, gardens, hedge clippings, farm areas, fences, and hedges, especially where horses could reach plant remains or garden waste.
Your horse must not eat these plants in January
Not suitable
Yew
The yew is one of the most dangerous plants for horses. Its components can severely affect the cardiovascular system and cause serious poisoning even with low intake. It is particularly treacherous because it stays green year-round and can therefore appear attractive and fresh even in January.
You often find yews as hedge plants in gardens, at farm entrances, along paths, or near property boundaries. Disposed hedge clippings are particularly critical because horses can reach them more easily than the actual hedge. Potential warning signs can include restlessness, trembling, breathing problems, weakness, or a very sudden decline in general condition. If suspected, a veterinarian must be called immediately.
Not suitable
Boxwood
Boxwood seems harmless at first glance because it is often known as a decorative garden plant. However, it is not suitable for horses, as its components can burden digestion, circulation, and the nervous system. The main problem is that branches or clippings can quickly end up within reach.
Typical discovery sites are front gardens, borders, farm edges, stable entrances, and adjacent home gardens. Pay particular attention to freshly cut branches or garden waste near paddocks and pastures. Possible signs can include salivation, restlessness, colic symptoms, diarrhea, weakness, or a noticeably altered behavior.
Not suitable
Autumn Crocus
The autumn crocus is often associated only with its later flowering, but the early leaves are also important for horse owners. The plant is highly toxic and can severely disrupt cell metabolism. Even small amounts can be problematic, especially if leaves are overlooked on pastures or later in hay.
It prefers to grow in damper meadows, natural areas, and locations with denser vegetation. In January and early in the year, one should keep an eye out for young leaves and rosettes. Possible signs in the horse can include colic, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weakness, salivation, or a significantly worsened general condition. If suspected, prompt veterinary help is important.
Did you know?
In January, many plants are still inconspicuous, but their effect can already be relevant. Especially with evergreen garden plants, early leaf rosettes, and robust wild herbs, a second look is worth it.
Your horse may eat these herbs in January
Suitable
Dandelion
Dandelion is one of the best-known wild herbs on horse pastures. Many horses enjoy eating it, and it can stimulate natural digestion and metabolism. Its bitter substances make it an interesting plant in the natural forage range.
You find dandelion on meadows, pastures, along paths, and in sheltered spots, where it can become visible early in the year. A positive aspect is its clear recognizability and high acceptance. It remains important that it does not come from heavily polluted path edges, fertilized margins, or treated areas.
Suitable
Daisy
The daisy seems small and inconspicuous, but it is a beautiful example of natural variety on the pasture. It is generally considered unproblematic and is usually consumed by horses only in small quantities. This makes it fit well into a balanced plant population.
Typically, these are short-grass meadows, pastures, farm areas, and open spots where it can become visible early in mild weather. It is particularly interesting for horses because it makes the pasture more diverse without appearing heavy or dominant.
Suitable
Chickweed
Chickweed is an early, tender wild herb that can also be visible in cooler months. It appears fresh, succulent, and is readily consumed by many horses. Due to its soft growth, it fits well with the first green plants that appear in winter and early spring on sheltered areas.
You often find chickweed in cool, sheltered, and rather damp places, for example, on pasture edges, near farms, or on loose soil. A positive aspect is its high acceptance and its role as an early sign of active vegetation.
Other plants in January
Besides the six main plants, there are other species in January that horse owners should know. Some support natural forage variety, others are noticeable mainly on garden edges, hedges, or near farms and can trigger complaints or poisoning if consumed.
Suitable
Ribwort Plantain
Ribwort plantain grows on meadows, pastures, and along path edges. It contains mucous substances, tannins, and bitter substances, among other things, and is traditionally associated with airways, mucous membranes, and digestion.
Suitable
Nettle, young shoots
Young nettle shoots can become visible early in sheltered spots. They are rich in minerals and can supplement natural forage variety, but are often avoided when fresh due to the stinging hairs.
Suitable
Yarrow, early leaf rosette
Yarrow grows on meadows, pasture edges, and rather dry locations. In small amounts, it can be an interesting supplement due to its bitter substances and support natural digestion.
Toxic
Thuja
Thuja often stands as a hedge near stables, at driveways, or in adjacent gardens. Hedge clippings are particularly dangerous and can trigger digestive problems, weakness, or stronger signs of poisoning.
Toxic
Cherry Laurel
Cherry laurel is an evergreen garden plant that often grows on property boundaries. It can be dangerous for horses, especially if leaves or clippings end up within reach.
Toxic
Ragwort, rosette
Even if the yellow flower is only noticeable later, the rosette can be present earlier. The plant can burden the liver and should be recognized early before it spreads further.
A quick guide for your January walk
| Plant | For horses | Typical focal point |
|---|---|---|
| Yew | No | Hedges, gardens, clippings, possible cardiovascular risk |
| Boxwood | No | Front gardens, farm edges, fences, possible digestive complaints |
| Autumn Crocus | No | Natural areas, damper areas, possible colic and weakness |
| Dandelion | Yes | Meadows, pastures, path edges, digestion-stimulating bitter substances |
| Daisy | Yes | Short-grass areas, pastures, natural plant variety |
| Chickweed | Yes | Cool, sheltered, damper places, early succulent wild herb |
Our conclusion for January
January is not an empty month, but the quiet start to the new herb year. Between the first suitable wild herbs and evergreen poisonous plants, it is already clear how important a trained eye is for horse owners. Those who know discovery sites, effects, and possible signs will recognize sooner what can be good for your horse and what should be consistently removed or secured.
Share:
Cloud One saddle pad, 3D-zone technology for noticeable back relief