{"id":33603,"date":"2025-06-24T16:21:22","date_gmt":"2025-06-24T06:21:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/naturalhorseworld.com\/stage\/?p=33603"},"modified":"2025-06-24T16:30:43","modified_gmt":"2025-06-24T06:30:43","slug":"horse-safe-herbs-shrubs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/naturalhorseworld.com\/stage\/horse-safe-herbs-shrubs\/","title":{"rendered":"Horse-Safe Herbs & Shrubs"},"content":{"rendered":"

Healing Horse-Safe Herbs & Shrubs for Your Border Garden<\/h3>\n

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\u2019re offering them nature\u2019s pharmacy\u2014right outside the fence.<\/p>\n

Whether you’re in the southern or northern hemisphere, here\u2019s 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\u2019s world while bringing a splash of color, scent, and beneficial insects to your pasture or track edges.<\/p>\n

Here are my favorite herbs and shrubs:<\/p>\n

1. Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium<\/em>)<\/h3>\n
\"BrowsingWormwood\"
When horses feel the need (maybe for worming) they browse small amounts of wormwood.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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\u2019t tend to eat large amounts of it (they seem to instinctively know when they need a nibble), it\u2019s safe in moderation and excellent for the overall ecosystem.<\/p>\n

Care tips:<\/strong> Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant once established. Grows easily from cuttings.<\/p>\n

2. Calendula (Calendula officinalis<\/em>)<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"BrowsingHerbCalendula\"
Sometimes they like the flowers of calendula.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Care tips:<\/strong> Easy to grow from seed, thrives in sun or light shade, and loves regular deadheading to keep blooming. Self seeds well too.<\/p>\n

3. Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus<\/em>)<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Care tips:<\/strong> Loves poor soils and sunshine. Water moderately and shelter from frost.<\/p>\n

4. Parsley (Petroselinum crispum<\/em>)<\/h3>\n

A humble kitchen herb with surprising benefits, parsley supports kidney health and digestion in horses. It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Care tips:<\/strong> Needs rich, moist soil and partial to full sun. Let some go to seed to keep your patch going year after year.<\/p>\n

5. Comfrey (Symphytum officinale<\/em>)<\/h3>\n
\"HerbContainerProtectedOnTrack\"
Herbs can be protected from over-grazing using a mesh covered container. Photo: Back On Track – Equine Retirement & Rehab<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Comfrey\u2019s deep green, broad leaves are full of goodness. Known for supporting tissue repair, it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Care tips:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

6. Marigold (Tagetes spp.<\/em>)<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Care tips:<\/strong> Thrives in sunny spots with well-drained soil. Deadhead regularly for continuous blooms.<\/p>\n

7. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla<\/em>)<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"HerbChamomileIreneHeemskerk\"
Browsing Chamomile herb through a protective fence. Photo: Irene Heemskerk<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Chamomile\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Care tips:<\/strong> Grow in light, sandy soil with plenty of sunshine. It’s delicate, so best in a protected spot.<\/p>\n

Bonus Plant to Consider:<\/h3>\n

Herbs & Edible Greens<\/strong><\/h4>\n