6 British Herbs & Plants that are Great for your Horse’s Health

What if the most effective supplements for your horse weren’t sold in tubs, but growing wild in the hedgerow?

In an industry where premium feeds and glossy supplements dominate, it’s easy to believe that better health comes with a bigger price tag. But nature, quietly and consistently, offers an alternative.

Hedgerows, verges, and untamed corners of the countryside are rich with plants our horses have evolved to graze and many of these herbs carry proven health benefits, from aiding digestion to calming inflammation. As modern equestrian care becomes increasingly commercialised, there’s value in looking back to the natural remedies our horses’ ancestors would have instinctively chosen.

Curious to know what you can safely forage to support your horse’s wellbeing? Here are six common herbs worth keeping an eye out for.

1. Nettles

They might burn to the touch, but once wilted, stinging nettles become a powerhouse of natural goodness for horses. While we might enjoy them in comforting recipes like nettle soup, for horses, they’re best served sun-wilted and mixed into their forage.

Recent studies show that nettles are packed with vitamins A, C and K, as well as iron, calcium and magnesium. They’re rich in antioxidants and silica, which can support a glossy coat and soothe itchy, irritated skin. Nettles also promote healthy digestion thanks to their gastrointestinal absorption properties—and emerging research suggests they may even help regulate blood sugar, making them a smart addition for laminitic horses.

So if you needed an excuse to do some hedgerow pruning, grab your gloves and shears. Your horse might just thank you for it.

2. Cow parsley

Lining country lanes and bridlepaths throughout spring, cow parsley is one of the most recognisable plants in the British countryside, with its delicate white flowers and tall, stalky stems. If your horse makes a beeline for it on hacks, there might be good reason.

Beyond being a tempting snack, cow parsley (also known as wild chervil) is believed to support digestion, encourage natural healing, and offer mild calming effects. While formal research is still catching up, anecdotal evidence and traditional knowledge suggest this herbaceous plant can be a valuable part of a varied, forage-based diet.

Its height and structure make it an ideal addition to a homemade ‘hedgerow haynet’—a mix of safe, seasonal plants to enrich your horse’s grazing experience. Horses have a remarkable ability to select what they need, and their love of cow parsley may be more instinctive than indulgent.

3. Sticky weed

Also known as cleavers or goose grass, sticky weed isn’t just that mischievous plant you used to stick on your friend’s jumper during countryside walks. For horses, it has a far more useful purpose.

Sticky weed is a natural diuretic, which means it helps the body flush out excess fluids and waste products. This makes it especially useful for horses prone to swollen lymph nodes or fluid retention. Some herbalists also suggest it supports the lymphatic and urinary systems, making it a gentle yet effective addition to your horse’s springtime forage.

So next time you spot it tangled in a hedgerow, think twice before flicking it at someone—you might want to save it for your horse instead.

4. Dandelions

While often regarded as a weed or as a symbol for making a wish, dandelions actually offer a range of health benefits for horses. They support liver and kidney function and aid in detoxification. Additionally, dandelions are a natural source of electrolytes, containing potassium, calcium, and magnesium.

However, it's important to distinguish true dandelions from false dandelions, also known as flatweed, which can cause stringhalt in horses. True dandelions feature lobed leaves and produce only one flower per stem, while false dandelions have more jagged leaves and can produce multiple flowers on a single plant.

5. Hawthorn

Best known for supporting heart health, hawthorn can be a valuable addition to your horse's diet, particularly for older horses or those in hard work. It helps to improve circulation, strengthen the heart muscle, and regulate blood pressure.

Hawthorn leaves, flowers, and berries are all used in herbal supplements, and many horses will happily nibble on the leaves straight from the hedgerow.

6. Mint

Mint is not only highly palatable for horses but also aids in digestion and can help soothe the digestive tract, particularly in horses prone to gas or mild colic symptoms.

Adding a few sprigs of fresh mint to your horse’s feed or water can make meals more enticing – especially useful for fussy eaters or during hot weather when encouraging hydration is key.

It’s a great natural way to freshen up their bucket feed and encourage them to drink more.

Nature's abundance

Nature offers a surprising array of benefits for our horses, often growing right under our noses.

While it's always important to consult a vet or equine nutritionist before introducing new herbs into your horse’s routine, incorporating safe, natural plants can help support their health and wellbeing in simple but effective ways.

Whether you’re enhancing hydration, supporting detoxification, or adding variety to their diet, these plants are a great reminder that sometimes, the best supplements don’t come in a tub.