The Equestrian Blog

Be warned – Horsetail, Mares Tail or Scouring Rush

Just a quick question... As horse owners we're mostly all familiar with the battle against ragwort and how it has spread into every field, central reservation and grass verge in the country, but how many of us know anything about mares tail?

Horse or Mares Tail, (scientific name Equisetum Palustre), is toxic to horses and should in my opinion be equestrian enemy number one. It looks like it belongs in Jurassic Park and spreads like wildfire. From a few small patches last year my paddock is now covered in it and it looks as if it's spreading fast and here to stay.

I've been researching this plant and what I've discovered doesn't make for pleasant reading.. more at Mares Tail - Toxic To Horses

Quote Of The Day – Gladdagh Gypsy

Posted by rji | Filed under General Info, Worth Mentioning

Gypsy gold does not chink and glitter. It gleams in the sun and neighs in the dark.

Saying of the Gladdagh Gypsies of Galway

The Gypsy horse was bred by the Romany people, better known as Gypsies, of England and Ireland.Bred from Shires, Clydesdales, Freisian, Fell and Dale ponies, these horses have existed for hundreds of years.

The horses were an integral part of their life and pulled the colorful wagons that were the gypsy peoples homes.

Often cared for by the children, it was essential that the horses be kind and quiet, with a willing disposition.

They also had to be hardy, sound and easily kept due to the nature of their lives.