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Ep. 58: Poisonous Plants and Horses: How to Spot and Manage Risks

Scoop & Scale: An Equine Podcast (Mostly) About Nutrition

Scoop & Scale: An Equine Podcast (Mostly) About Nutrition
Ep. 58: Poisonous Plants and Horses: How to Spot and Manage Risks
Sep 15, 2025 Season 3 Episode 58
Dr. Clair Thunes and Jill Jackson

Trees can be beautiful in the Fall but those pretty leaves and seeds may be toxic to your horse. In this episode of Scoop and Scale, we sit down with Dr. Krishona Martinson, Professor and Equine Extension Specialist at the University of Minnesota, to talk about poisonous plants and how to keep horses safe.

You’ll learn:

  • Some common trees, shrubs and pasture plants that are poisonous
  • Why some plants are more dangerous than others
  • Symptoms to watch for if your horse ingests something toxic  
  • What to do if you suspect poisoning
  • How to manage your pastures reduce risks
  • What to do if there are toxic weeds in your hay 
  • Practical steps you can take to prevent exposure in everyday settings

A must-listen for horse owners who want peace of mind heading into fall and all year round. 

To learn more about Dr. Krishona Martinson click HERE

 UMN Equine Extension Program Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/UMNExtEquine  

 UMN Equine Extension website: https://extension.umn.edu/horse/horse-pastures-and-facilities#plants-that-can-be-harmful-in-the-pasture-1241413 

 UMN Equine Extension YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgKrdVlbGmFtwWDqlI_h87Q  

UMN Poisonous Plant Poster https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16G3KaV2jP/ 

UMN Poisonous Plant Book: https://bookstores.umn.edu/product/book/plants-poisonous-or-harmful-horses-midwest-book-2020-edition 

 




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