Horses can safely eat clover in small amounts, but it can cause excessive salivation or photosensitivity due to high protein or fungal growth. While often misunderstood as inherently toxic, the real danger arises when clover makes up too much of a horse’s diet or becomes infected with mold.
Clover and equine health issues
| :— | :— | :— | :— | | Excessive salivation | Very common | Check for heavy drooling | Yes | | Photosensitivity | Common | Look for sunburned white skin | Yes with care | | Dietary imbalance | Common | Monitor weight and energy | Yes | | Bloat or gas | Occasional | Watch for signs of colic | No | | Fungal infection | Occasional | Inspect leaves for black spots | Yes | | Toxic plant mix | Rare | Check pasture for weeds | No |
Excessive salivation usually stems from slaframine, a mycotoxin found in red clover infected with black patch fungus. If your horse is “slobbering” excessively, remove them from the pasture for 48 hours to see if symptoms subside.
Photosensitivity occurs when clover triggers a reaction to sunlight on non-pigmented skin. If you see crusting or peeling on white markings, move the horse to a shaded stall during peak daylight hours.
Dietary imbalance often happens when horses graze lush clover, which is high in protein and calcium. If your horse shows sudden weight gain or lethargy, supplement their diet with mature grass hay to balance the nutrient intake.
Bloat is a medical emergency. If the horse is kicking at its belly or rolling repeatedly, call a veterinarian immediately. Don’t wait for the horse to pass gas on its own, as internal pressure can cause fatal tissue damage within hours.
Managing excessive salivation from clover
The most frequent issue horses face when grazing on red or white clover is “slobbers,” which is caused by a mycotoxin produced by a fungus on the plant. This fungus, Rhizoctonia leguminicola, creates a substance called slaframine that triggers the horse’s salivary glands to produce massive amounts of saliva. You’ll notice your horse drooling excessively, sometimes leaving large puddles on the ground. While it looks alarming, it’s rarely fatal and usually stops once the horse is moved to a different pasture.
To confirm this is the cause, check the clover leaves for small, dark, or black spots. These spots are the physical evidence of the fungal growth. If you see these signs, the fix is simple: remove the horse from that specific patch of grass. You don’t need to call a veterinarian unless the horse stops eating or drinking, which could indicate a more serious issue like dehydration or severe colic. The cost of this fix is just your time spent moving the animal or mowing the affected area to reduce the clover density.
If you have a large pasture, you can use a mower to cut the clover down, which encourages other grasses to grow and reduces the concentration of the fungus. This works because the fungus prefers the moist, shaded environment found within dense clover patches. If the horse continues to show symptoms after 48 hours of being in a clean area, you should consult a professional. This varies by management style; if you have a small paddock, you may need to reseed the area with non-clover forage to prevent the problem from returning next season. Always ensure your horse has access to fresh, clean water, as the loss of saliva can lead to mild dehydration.
Photosensitivity and skin reactions
Photosensitivity is a reaction where a horse’s unpigmented skin becomes extremely sensitive to sunlight, leading to severe sunburns or blistering. While clover itself doesn’t cause this directly, certain types of clover or plants mixed into a clover-rich pasture can contain compounds that make the skin reactive to UV light. You’ll see redness, peeling, or swelling on the white areas of the horse’s face, legs, or body. This is a painful condition that requires immediate action to protect the animal.
To distinguish this from the “slobbers” mentioned earlier, look at the skin rather than the mouth. If the horse has sores, crusts, or peeling skin on its white patches, it’s a photosensitivity issue. The fix is to move the horse into a shaded stall during the brightest parts of the day, typically between 10 AM and 4 PM. You can also use fly masks or light sheets to provide physical protection from the sun. If the skin is already broken or infected, you must call a veterinarian to treat the wounds and prevent a secondary infection.
This condition is a trade-off between allowing grazing time and protecting the animal’s health. If you have a horse with extensive white markings, you must be more cautious than you would be with a dark-colored horse. Never apply human sunscreen to a horse without checking with your vet, as some ingredients can be toxic if ingested during grooming. The cost here is the time spent managing the horse’s schedule and the potential cost of veterinary care if the skin damage is severe. According to the University of Minnesota Extension, monitoring pasture composition and managing weeds are the best ways to prevent these types of dietary skin reactions.
Dietary imbalances and clover consumption
Horses that eat a diet dominated by clover may develop nutritional imbalances because of the high protein and calcium content. A horse’s digestive system is designed to handle a variety of grasses, and a sudden shift to a high-clover diet can lead to weight gain or metabolic stress. You might notice the horse becoming lethargic or showing signs of discomfort after feeding. This is a common mistake people make when they try to “improve” a pasture by adding too much clover, which actually makes the forage too rich for most horses.
To confirm this is the issue, evaluate the total percentage of clover in your field. The fix involves diluting the pasture by overseeding with grasses like orchard grass or timothy. This process takes time, as you’ll need to wait for the new grass to establish before the horse can graze heavily again. If you have a horse that’s prone to metabolic issues, such as those with insulin resistance, you must keep the clover percentage even lower.
This varies by the individual horse’s activity level and age; a working horse can handle more protein than a sedentary one. If you’re unsure about the nutritional quality of your pasture, contact a local agricultural extension office for a soil and forage test. This is an inexpensive way to know exactly what your horse is eating. Taking this step prevents the long-term health costs associated with obesity or metabolic disorders, which are far more expensive than simply managing your pasture correctly.
The less likely causes
Nitrate poisoning occurs if clover is heavily fertilized and consumed during a drought. Look for dark, chocolate-colored blood or labored breathing. This is a medical emergency; contact a veterinarian immediately. If you see these signs, move the horse to a shaded area and keep them calm while waiting for help.
Cyanogenic glycosides in rare clover varieties release cyanide during digestion. Symptoms include rapid, shallow breathing and sudden weakness. If you suspect this, remove the horse from the pasture instantly. Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen, as cyanide toxicity progresses within minutes.
Moldy hay containing clover causes respiratory distress or allergic reactions. Identify this by a sharp, musty odor or visible white webbing on the stems. This is a management error that requires disposing of the entire batch. Feeding around the moldy patches is a common mistake that costs horses their lung health; discard the whole bale.
Physical trauma from sharp, woody stems causes mouth ulcers. These appear as small, red sores on the inner cheeks. While usually minor, they signal that the pasture is overgrazed. If the grass is shorter than three inches, the horse is forced to eat the abrasive stems. Move the animal to a new paddock to allow the grass to recover and prevent infection.
Pasture management and fix requirements
Fixing a clover-related problem usually involves changing your pasture management strategy rather than using medication. If the issue is excessive clover, you’ll need to spend time overseeding your field with different grass seeds. This is a small cost compared to the price of constant veterinary bills. You can buy these seeds at most farm supply stores, and the process is something you can do yourself with a basic spreader. Always check the label on the seed bag to ensure it’s safe for horse pastures and doesn’t contain toxic weeds.
If the problem is fungal, you’ll need to mow your fields regularly. This requires a tractor or a sturdy brush mower. The cost of this fix is mostly your time and the fuel for the mower. By keeping the grass short, you reduce the humidity near the ground, which makes it harder for fungi to grow. If you don’t have the right equipment, you can hire a local landscaping service to handle the heavy mowing work.
Finally, if you suspect a nutritional imbalance, you should work with an equine nutritionist or your vet. They can help you calculate the right hay-to-pasture ratio for your specific horse. This service may cost a small fee, but it provides a clear plan that prevents future health problems. Always keep your veterinarian’s number handy, as they’re the only ones who can provide a definitive diagnosis if your horse stops acting like its normal self.
Can horses eat white clover?
Yes, horses can safely eat white clover in moderation, provided it doesn’t make up the majority of their diet. It’s a common component of many healthy pastures and provides good protein. The danger only occurs when the clover becomes the primary source of food or when it’s infected with fungus. If you notice your horse eating it, there’s no need to panic unless you see signs of drooling, skin irritation, or physical distress.
How much clover is too much for a horse?
This keeps the protein levels balanced and prevents the digestive issues that come with a diet that’s too rich.
Does clover cause colic in horses?
No, clover doesn’t directly cause colic, but a sudden change to a high-clover diet can disrupt a horse’s digestion. This disruption can lead to gas or discomfort, which may look like mild colic symptoms. If you see signs of colic, such as rolling, pawing, or refusing to eat, you must call a veterinarian immediately. It’s always better to be safe when dealing with potential digestive blockages, as these can progress quickly in horses.
Why is my horse drooling after eating clover?
Your horse is likely drooling because the clover is infected with a fungus that produces slaframine. This is a common, non-lethal condition often called “slobbers” that causes the salivary glands to overwork. The best thing to do is move your horse to a cleaner, mowed area of the pasture. The drooling usually stops within a few days once the horse is no longer consuming the infected plants, but keep an eye on them to ensure they stay hydrated.
Is it safe to let horses graze on clover during a drought?
No, it isn’t recommended to let horses graze heavily on clover during a drought. Stress from dry weather can change the chemical composition of some plants, sometimes increasing the risk of nitrate accumulation. If your pasture is very dry and mostly clover, it’s safer to provide supplemental hay until the grass recovers. This protects your horse from potential toxicity and ensures they’re getting a consistent, safe source of nutrition that’s easier on their digestive system.
How do I get rid of clover in my horse pasture?
You can reduce clover by mowing the pasture regularly and overseeding with competitive grass species like orchard grass or timothy. Mowing prevents the clover from flowering and spreading, while the new grass seeds will eventually crowd out the clover plants. This is a slow, natural process that takes a few growing seasons to see a real difference. Avoid using harsh chemical herbicides unless absolutely necessary, as these can be harmful to your horse and the environment if not managed correctly.
Can horses eat red clover?
Manage red clover just as you would white clover by limiting its presence in your horse’s pasture. Because both varieties carry similar risks regarding protein levels and fungal contamination, you should consult with a local equine nutritionist to develop a balanced grazing plan that minimizes these specific health concerns.
Can’t horses, in short
If you’re worried about your horse’s pasture, it’s a good idea to walk the fields and check for signs of mold or overgrowth. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your local vet if you notice any unusual drooling. They’ll help you manage your grazing plan so your horse stays happy and healthy.