There are many poisonous plants that are particularly dangerous for horses. Ragwort is a well-known example. But what does autumn crocus actually look like? A survey for a bachelor’s thesis at the FU Berlin is devoted to the topic – and comes with a good information film. A case of thinking about the well-being of horses. A case of #doitride.
Everyone has learned poisonous plants related to horses by heart – either out of interest or because they had to know them for their riding test. But what color does a locust tree bloom? What exactly does ragwort look like? And: Are all small white flowers dangerous? As part of her bachelor’s thesis, student Katrin Hemmis wants to know in general what the knowledge is about poisonous plants in relation to horses.
Her work is part of the equine science course at the Free University of Berlin (FU). The central point for data collection is a survey of horse owners on the topic of poisonous plants. The bachelor’s thesis is being carried out in collaboration with the Animal Nutrition Institute of the FU Berlin.
Poisonous plants for horses must be recognized, as well as symptoms of poisoning – in good time
Before answering the survey, an 18-minute information film on the subject of poisonous plants and horses is shown. If you’re hesitant, we at the St.GEORG editorial office watched the film with great interest! It’s an eye-opener. Who knows exactly what sycamore maple looks like? Not everyone is aware of the risks associated with poisonous plants in hay and bedding.
The issue of poisonous plants is becoming increasingly important. Their increased spread over the last few years must be taken into account in horse husbandry. Climate change is not the only suspected cause. Extensive pasture and land use is also allowing the poisonous plants to spread. The film draws attention to the risk of intoxication (threat of poisoning) in hay and on pastures, which can have serious consequences for horses. The survey asks about the level of knowledge about poisonous plants.
It is also important to recognize the first signs of poisoning. Swollen limbs, changes in mucous membranes and other abnormalities can be an indication. Has the horse eaten poisonous plants? What should I do now?
Here is the link to the survey and the included film
The survey includes 16 questions that can be answered quickly.
Jan TönjesEditor-in-Chief
Editor-in-chief since 2012, at St.GEORG since 2003. Horse journalist since 1988. After studying German and English, worked for eight years at public broadcasters, ARD, SFB, RBB in Berlin. Family man, radio fan, TV experience, presenter, horse breeder, podcast host, awards: Silver Horse, Alltech Media Award. President of the International Association of Equestrian Journalists (IAEJ).
Previous post
Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and Dalera: Decision to say goodbye to sport
console.log(“tCustom Vendor 435 has consent”);
!function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s)
{if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod?
n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};
if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version=’2.0′;
n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0;
t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];
s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window, document,’script’,
‘
fbq(‘init’, ‘494794794201357’);
fbq(‘track’, ‘PageView’);
