Drought Weather Concerns Posted: July 4, 2012 By: Ann Swinker,
Extension Horse Specialist, PSU During a very dry season, some
plants begin to accumulate Nitrates. Slightly high nitrate
concentrations can result in broodmares aborting. By the time
the source of the problem is determined, the horses will have
suffered severe effects. Horses avoid these types of plants
under normal circumstances, but when grass is scarce or pastures
are overgrazed, they will sometimes turn to them for
nourishment. The best solution for ingesting these types of
plants is to remove animals from affected forage. Horses on
over-grazed or drought-stricken pastures will need to be fed hay
or other alternative forage sources to keep them from eating
infected weeds or accumulator plants. Extreme weather conditions
can place a heavy strain on pastures, hay fields, and feedstuff
growth, which could mean you need to supplement your horse's
diet with alternative forages. Horses require more water during
a drought because they are forced to