Protect horses by managing weeds in dry lots

It is not uncommon for a few hardy weeds to grow in dry lots even if horses spend most of their time housed there. Often horses will prefer to nibble fresh growth including weeds — despite having free access to hay. While it may seem obvious to remove or control any harmful or poisonous plants from dry lots, what about nonpoisonous plants?

Nonpoisonous weeds commonly found in dry lots such as plantain, ragweed, and prostrate knotweed can be palatable to horses — especially those on a restricted diet — due to their moderate nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) and crude protein content. However, these weeds can vary greatly (NSC ranging from 9 to 30 percent).

Due to the potential for high levels of NSC, you should manage weeds in your dry lot — especially if any of your horses are prone to laminitis, are overweight, or have been advised to be on a restricted NSC diet.

Controlling weeds in your dry lot could include hand pulling, mowing, or dragging. If using an herbicide, be sure to select one that is labeled for use on pastures. Always follow herbicide label instructions and grazing restrictions. You will need to temporarily house your horses away from herbicide-treated plants.

This article was submitted by Hannah Lochner, University of Minnesota Extension.