Choosing the best pasture for your horse in Australia: A Guide to safe and nutritious grasses and plants
Are you wanting to create a sustainable pasture plan for your horses? But not sure what grasses are best for your favourite horse, what plants are potentially toxic and what grasses will thrive in the Australian climate? Read on for a no-nonsense breakdown of how to manage your pasture
Creating a safe, nutritious, and well-managed pasture for your horse is essential for maintaining the horse’s health and well-being. In Australia, the climate and environment offer unique opportunities and challenges when it comes to managing pastures. By selecting native and suitable non-native plants, you can create paddocks that not only provide excellent nutrition but also promote biodiversity and sustainability. It’s also important to be aware of plants that are toxic to horses, as some native and introduced species can be toxic.
Native pasture that is safe for your horse
Did you know horses’ graze for around 14 hours a day on average? So, having a pasture that provides unlimited, optimal grazing opportunities is key to the overall health of your horse. Grasses vary significantly in their nutritional profiles, so selecting varieties that are low in sugar and starch is particularly important for horses prone to laminitis, insulin resistance or obesity.
Kangaroo Grass
Kangaroo Grass is one of Australia’s most iconic native grasses and thrives in Australia’s harsh climate. It is a perennial warm-season grass that provides good nutrition without the high sugar content of some introduced grasses.
Benefits: Kangaroo Grass is particularly low in non-structural carbohydrates (NSC), making it an excellent choice for horses that need to avoid high-sugar diets. It is drought-tolerant, requiring less water than many other grasses, which is a huge benefit in dry regions. Additionally, its deep root system helps improve soil health by preventing erosion and promoting moisture retention.
Wallaby Grass
Wallaby Grass is another excellent native option for horse pastures. It is hardy, thriving in a variety of soil conditions and requires low rainfall.
Benefits: Low in sugar and starch it is highly palatable for a range of horses. Being low in sugar and starch but high in nutrients it is a safe pasture option for those horses prone to weight gain. Wallaby Grass also grows well in cooler climates and tolerates poor soil conditions, making it a versatile option across various regions of Australia.
Weeping Grass
Weeping Grass is a popular native species that is highly nutritious and safe for horses.
Benefits: Weeping Grass is a perennial species that grows well in temperate areas and can tolerate both shade and full sun. The fine blades are soft and grow out providing excellent ground cover which in turn reduces soil erosion. Low in sugar Weeping Grass is a great grazing option for all horses.
Red Grass
Red Grass grows best in the arid regions of Australia and prefers the warmer seasons.
Benefits: This grass is particularly well-suited to pasture needs that are in drier climates and requires limited water to thrive. Red Grass is low in sugars and provides good forage during the warm months. Due to its hardy nature it helps prevent soil degradation, which is essential for maintaining the quality of the pasture over time.
Best Pasture for Horses in Australia
Native grasses are an excellent option, they are hardy, built for the Australian climate and are great at preventing soil degradation and maintaining the quality of the overall pasture. Integrating other species helps to create a well-rounded pasture that provides nutrition throughout the year. The ideal pasture for your horse combines a mix of grasses, legumes, and cover crops that ensure your horses receive balanced nutrients and that the soil remains fertile.
Rhodes Grass
Rhodes Grass is a commonly used pasture grass in Australia. Although an introduced species it is drought resistant and stands up to the hardy Australian climate
Benefits: Rhodes Grass grows in coastal and inland regions offering a versatile pasture option. It has an extensive root system which allows it to still thrive during drought like conditions. Being high in fibre it is suitable for horses with metabolic issues such as laminitis while still maintaining weight and condition on your horse.
Couch Grass
Couch Grass, or Bermuda Grass, although not a native species to Australia thrives in hot climates and is tolerant to drought conditions.
Benefits: Being resilient to the Australian hot, dry climate Couch Grass is a low-maintenance option that can handle heavy grazing. Low in sugars it is often recommended for horses with metabolic disorders. Couch grass also spreads quickly, laying down a thick ground cover which aids in preventing soil erosion.
Prairie Grass
Prairie Grass thrives in the colder climate areas of Australia. During the Winter months when other grasses are dormant Prairie Grass provides a nutritional grazing source for your horse.
Benefits: Prairie Grass is excellent grazing for the horses that require a little extra nutrition as is high in fibre and protein. It’s useful during Autumn and Winter when warm-season grasses slow down. The deep root structure also improves soil health by allowing for better water retention.
Subterranean Clover
Subterranean Clover is a legume that is great for when you need to improve the soil health via nitrogen fixation into the soil.
Benefits: Clover is rich in protein, making it a great addition to horse pastures. Due to the high level of protein it aids in supporting muscle growth and maintenance. Additionally, Clover enhances soil fertility promoting natural, sustainable pasture management.
Native and non-native plants toxic to horses
While some native plants are safe and beneficial for horse grazing, others can be highly toxic and should be avoided at all costs. Ingesting these plants can cause anything from mild discomfort to severe illness or even death to your horse. It's crucial for horse owners to familiarize themselves with toxic plants in their area to ensure their paddocks remain safe.
Paterson’s Curse
Paterson’s Curse contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which cause cumulative liver damage when ingested over time.
Effects on horses: Horses that graze on Paterson’s Curse may suffer from weight loss, jaundice, photo sensitivity, and eventual liver failure. The plant is particularly dangerous in overgrazed or poorly managed pastures where horses may resort to eating toxic plants out of necessity.
Oleander
Oleander contains cardiac glycosides, which interfere with heart function.
Effects on horses: Ingestion of even a small amount of Oleander can lead to severe symptoms, including colic, arrhythmias, tremors, and death. Oleander is commonly found in gardens, so it’s crucial to keep horses away from any areas where this plant is present.
Lantana
Lantana contains toxins that cause liver and digestive issues.
Effects on horses: Horses that consume Lantana may show signs of photo-sensitivity, liver damage, and diarrhoea. Severe cases can lead to jaundice, lethargy, and death. Lantana is often found in subtropical regions of Australia, and its bright flowers make it an attractive but dangerous plant.
Hemlock
Hemlock contains alkaloids that affect the nervous system.
Effects on horses: Even small amounts of Hemlock can cause respiratory paralysis, tremors, lack of coordination, and death. Hemlock is commonly found along fence lines, roadsides, and in damp areas, making it essential to remove it from any pasture areas.
Fireweed
Fireweed contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that cause liver damage.
Effects on horses: Ingesting Fireweed can lead to chronic liver failure, weight loss, lethargy, and photo-sensitivity. It is particularly dangerous because horses may consume it inadvertently when pasture quality is poor.
Boxwood
Boxwood contains alkaloids that are toxic to the digestive system and heart.
Effects on horses: Symptoms of Boxwood poisoning include drooling, diarrhoea, and severe colic. Ingesting large quantities can be fatal. While Boxwood is more common in ornamental gardens, it’s important to keep horses away from any areas where they may encounter this plant.
Wild Parsnip
Wild Parsnip contains toxins called furocoumarins, which can cause skin irritation and photo-sensitivity.
Effects on horses: Horses that come into contact with Wild Parsnip may experience blistering, photo-sensitivity, and irritation. Ingesting the plant can lead to gastrointestinal distress. Wild Parsnip is often found in disturbed areas and along roadsides.
In Australia, maintaining a safe and nutritious horse paddock requires careful consideration of the types of plants and grasses present. A mixture of native and non-native pasture provides optimal nutrition for your horse whilst also maintaining the health and structure of your soil and pasture.
