Horse owners do what they can to make sure their charges get healthy feed. But how do they know that the plants growing in their pastures are safe for equine consumption, and how do they grow good forage? Find out which plants can threaten horse health and which make good hay from several new Michigan State University (MSU) Extension publications.

Four new bulletins describe the most common toxins to horses that are found in hay, grain, pastures, landscaping, and various trees. They focus on toxic ornamental plants (E-3059), toxic plants in pasture and hay plants (E-3060), common toxins in equine feedstuffs (E-3061) and toxic trees (E-3062).

These bulletins are available online or by calling any MSU Extension county office at 888/678-3464.

“We’re now approaching the growing season, and many horse owners will notice pasture plants that they haven’t seen before or find a horse nibbling on landscape plants,” said Karen Waite, MSU Extension equine specialist. “It’s important that equine owners be informed about which plants may cause problems or make their animals sick