Horse-Safe Herbs & Shrubs

Healing Horse-Safe Herbs & Shrubs for Your Border Garden

Growing a garden just for your horses beside the paddock or yard not only looks beautiful, it provides natural health support and a sensory-rich environment for your herd. And when you grow horse-safe herbs and shrubs, you’re offering them nature’s pharmacy—right outside the fence.

Whether you’re in the southern or northern hemisphere, here’s a collection of hardy, healing plants that thrive in a protected spot and are safe for curious nibbles. These plants are ideal for enriching your horse’s world while bringing a splash of color, scent, and beneficial insects to your pasture or track edges.

Here are my favorite herbs and shrubs:

1. Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)

With its silvery-green leaves and strong aroma, wormwood is as useful as it is beautiful. Traditionally used as a natural worm deterrent and insect repellent, it can help deter flies when planted near shelters or feeding areas. While horses don’t tend to eat large amounts of it (they seem to instinctively know when they need a nibble), it’s safe in moderation and excellent for the overall ecosystem.

Care tips: Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant once established. Grows easily from cuttings.

2. Calendula (Calendula officinalis)

Calendula brings bright orange or yellow cheer to any garden. Its petals have gentle antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a wonderful herb to have on hand for salves and washes. Horses enjoy a nibble here and there, and the flowers can also be dried and added to feed in small amounts.

Care tips: Easy to grow from seed, thrives in sun or light shade, and loves regular deadheading to keep blooming. Self seeds well too.

3. Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus)

Edible from flower to root, nasturtiums are a horse-safe powerhouse! Their peppery leaves have mild antibiotic properties, while the flowers bring a burst of color and pollinator activity to the borders. These fast growers make a great trailing plant for raised edges or as a low companion around other shrubs.

Care tips: Loves poor soils and sunshine. Water moderately and shelter from frost.

4. Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)

A humble kitchen herb with surprising benefits, parsley supports kidney health and digestion in horses. It’s a great occasional treat and a rich source of vitamins A and C. Plant it in clumps and snip off a few sprigs to add to feed or let horses self-select a nibble.

Care tips: Needs rich, moist soil and partial to full sun. Let some go to seed to keep your patch going year after year.

5. Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)

Comfrey’s deep green, broad leaves are full of goodness. Known for supporting tissue repair, it’s long been used externally in poultices for strains and sprains. While it contains some alkaloids, horses can safely graze small amounts, especially when dried. A beautiful border filler with purple bell-shaped flowers bees love.

Care tips: Prefers moist, fertile soil in sun or part shade. Cut back regularly to prevent it from taking over. Dies off during winter and easy to propagate from dividing the roots.

6. Marigold (Tagetes spp.)

Not to be confused with calendula, marigolds are also safe for horses in small quantities. Their vibrant blooms deter pests and support skin health. Grow them for a pop of color and an extra layer of insect protection.

Care tips: Thrives in sunny spots with well-drained soil. Deadhead regularly for continuous blooms.

7. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

Chamomile’s soothing properties make it a favorite for calming nervous horses. While not all horses are drawn to it, offering the option allows them to self-select. Use dried flowers in feed, make a tea for a water buffet, or let them graze gently on the fresh plant.

Care tips: Grow in light, sandy soil with plenty of sunshine. It’s delicate, so best in a protected spot.

Bonus Plant to Consider:

Herbs & Edible Greens

• Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) – Calming, supports digestion, pleasant scent.

  

• Peppermint (Mentha piperita) – Soothes the gut, repels insects, strong aroma.

• Spearmint (Mentha spicata) – Similar to peppermint, slightly milder.

• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) – Stimulates circulation, tough and drought-tolerant.

• Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) – Antimicrobial, good for respiratory health.

• Oregano (Origanum vulgare) – High in antioxidants and good for digestion.

• Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) – Sweet-smelling, supports digestion.

• Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) – Liver tonic, nutritious leaf and root.

• Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) – Anti-inflammatory, supports wound healing.

• Plantain (Plantago lanceolata) – Supports respiratory and skin health.

Shrubs & Ground Covers

• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) – Calming aroma, attracts pollinators, insect-repelling.

• Sage (Salvia officinalis) – Antiseptic and aromatic.

• Hibiscus (Roselle) (Hibiscus sabdariffa) – Horses love the flowers and leaves (in moderation), rich in vitamin C.

• Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) – Supports immune health, safe in small grazing doses.

• Bee Balm (Monarda spp.) – Aromatic, antimicrobial, attractive to pollinators.

Additional Forage-Friendly Plants

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  Raspberry Leaves (Rubus idaeus) – Good for mares (except when pregnant) and hormonal balance.

• Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) – Seeds and petals are edible; stalks create natural shade.

• Chickweed (Stellaria media) – Nutritious ground cover, horses will nibble.

• Cleavers (Galium aparine) – Supports lymphatic and kidney health.

• Herb Garden for Horses

Larger Shrubs for Borders

• Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna & C. douglasii) – Dense, thorny hedging that offers shelter, edible leaves, and berries (haws) for horses. Thrives in a wide range of soils and climates, making it suitable for both hemispheres.
• Dog Rose (Rosa canina) – Produces beautiful pink blooms and vitamin C-rich rosehips, which horses enjoy. Hardy and adaptable, grows well in containers or as part of mixed borders.
• Black Hawthorn (Douglas Hawthorn) – Provides ample cover and safe, edible foliage. Tolerates a variety of conditions and supports pasture health.
• Saltbush (Atriplex spp.) – Drought-tolerant, ideal for arid or Mediterranean climates. Nutritious, mineral-rich forage for horses.
• Bitter Pea (Daviesia corymbosa & D. latifolia) – Australian natives loved by horses for their leaves and twigs. Suitable for borders and grows well in many temperate regions.
• Hazel (Corylus avellana) – Forms dense, wildlife-friendly hedges. Safe for horses and easy to grow in a variety of soils.
• Crab Apple (Malus sylvestris) – Attractive Spring blossoms and nutritious fruit. Hardy and suitable for both large borders and containers
• The Ultimate Guide to Horse-Friendly Hedging | Hedges Direct

Final Thoughts

Creating a border garden filled with beneficial herbs and shrubs isn’t just a joy for you—it’s a gift to your horses. These plants invite your herd to reconnect with their natural foraging instincts, while also offering gentle healing support through scent, sight, and selective grazing.

And remember—while these plants are considered safe, always introduce new herbs slowly and observe how your horse responds. Some may simply sniff and move on; others might develop a favorite.

Have your garden become part of your horse’s wellness toolkit—grow one you can both access for great health and wellness.

References and Links for more information:

https://listentoyourhorse.com/herbs-and-medicinal-plants-that-horses-will-eat/

https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/horse-plant-list

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