Part 3. What’s Growing in Your Pasture or on the Trails?

Lake View Terrace--Here are some of the common plants toxic to horses that Tama Lockwood, the VHOA Trails Director, found on the trails and in the yards near by.

Many of the decorative plants that do well in the arid climate of Los Angeles are not healthy for our horses to consume or are down right toxic.

Forethought should be given when landscaping areas of your yard for gardens so that these are not accessible to your equine friends. Over time plants will tend to spread out or grow beyond their original boundaries. This is especially true with ground and wall covers which can grow rapidly when given ideal sun and water conditions.

Make sure your decorative garden plants have not invaded your pasture, turnout or stable. That decorative vine climbing the barn may not be healthy for your horse and may come within easy reach.

Parts 1 & 2 of this series can be found on-line at www.vhoa.org in the September and October newsletters.. Look for Part 4 in next issue of the Hoofbeat in January.

Plants Poisonous to Horses (Photographs complements of Tama Lockwood)

Oleander, a shrub growing 8-12 feet high.

Miniature Ivy, a variety of the most common ground and wall cover grown in California.

Mock orange, varieties growing 5 to 20 feet high.