Herbs are part of the horse’s natural diet
A horse’s natural feeding is based on plants obtained from nature: herbs, seeds, berries, trees and shrubs, lichens, algae, and more. Our horses no longer roam freely and sample a wide range of plants and herbs according to their own needs and instincts. A free-ranging horse may consume hundreds of different plant species, obtaining a vast array of diverse nutrients.
Today, horse feeding is largely based on cultivated hay and a limited selection of concentrates, which almost invariably require supplementation with vitamins and trace elements to meet essential needs. Modern horse diets are therefore much narrower and more monotonous than those of their wild ancestors. Dried hay has very different nutritional values compared to fresh plants picked directly from the ground. Modern pastures are also mainly grass-only swards. When a pasture is botanically diverse, horses select different plants from different areas. Clovers and grasses are favourites, but taste is not the only factor. Coarse-stemmed plants such as yarrow, meadowsweet, and shrubs increase chewing and saliva production. Dandelions and nettles provide abundant vitamins and minerals, while tree bark contains phenols, tannins, and terpenes, and so on.
Herbs diversify the diet
In modern feeding, minerals, vitamins, and protein are carefully calculated, but antioxidants and other phytochemicals—important for immunity, cell renewal, metabolism, and overall wellbeing—are often overlooked. These compounds are largely absent from cultivated hay, as it no longer contains wild plants (“weeds”) that would provide many important bioactive compounds.
Although true natural pasture is rarely available, its diversity can be partially replaced by adding herbs, berries, and plants with various parts to the diet. Herbs and plants diversify an otherwise monotonous diet, increase saliva production, and support digestion.
Traditionally, herbs have been used to maintain wellbeing, treat illnesses, control parasites, and care for wounds and skin conditions.
Herbs for problems, relief, and prevention
Herbs can help with many ailments and, at best, even prevent them. Many ulcer-prone horses use herbal blends daily as gastric protection and remain well because of them. Herbs can ease heat-related discomfort in mares, calm stressed horses, treat skin issues, increase milk production in mares, support respiratory function, and help horses suffering from joint pain and stiffness—among many other examples.
Remember that herbs are intended to diversify nutrition and support and activate the body’s natural functions. They are not meant to replace medications.
Start cautiously
When introducing herbs, start with small amounts. Horses unfamiliar with herbs may initially dislike their taste. If your horse is picky, begin with a small pinch and gradually increase the amount as the horse adapts. Acceptance of herbs is highly individual: one horse may accept everything at once, while another rejects even a small amount.
Herbs and plants are a natural way to improve nutritional status and place less strain on the body than industrial products. Nutrients from herbs and natural products are absorbed more efficiently than synthetic ones. Vitamins, trace elements, and minerals from natural sources do not pose a risk of overdose or toxicity. Therefore, appropriate feeding is safe, and required amounts of industrial products can be reduced.
Always check possible doping withdrawal periods for herbs when competing. Extra caution is required with pregnant mares, and veterinary consultation is recommended before giving medicinal herbs to pregnant animals.
Herb dosages for horses
The required amount depends on the horse’s size and sensitivity to herbal effects, as well as the plant part used. Always introduce new herbs gradually and increase doses slowly. Guideline amounts are averages, and the optimal dose is found by careful trial and observation.
In herbal feeding, remember that the horse’s digestion is slow. Feed remains in the digestive tract for about three days, and active compounds accumulate over the same period.
A typical human dosage is about 1–2 teaspoons per 2.5 dl of hot water. For horses, the appropriate amount is often 6–16 times higher, depending on body weight.
Herbs can be given as such or mixed into feed. Blends containing different herbs and plant parts digest at different rates. Flowers, leaves, stems, and roots are absorbed at different speeds and in different parts of the digestive tract, which suits the horse’s natural physiology. In nature, a free-grazing horse would consume many different plants and plant parts throughout the day.
Generally, steeping herbs in hot water is recommended only for herbs intended for coughs and respiratory support. Sometimes a rapid effect is desired, and steeping promotes faster absorption. Such infusions can be given strained or unstrained, but must not be too hot.
Steeping time significantly affects the strength of herbal teas or decoctions. Flowers and leaves require only short steeping times, as they are usually more potent than bark, roots, or stems.
Note that, as a rule, herbs are not recommended for pregnant mares. Foals also have immature digestion, so suitability should always be confirmed.
