Horse-friendly hedging plants are suitable for all soil types in full sun or partial shade. When you may want to consider protecting your new hedge, firstly from rabbits with some of our spiral tree guards (and 4ft bamboo canes to keep them firm). And something to keep the horses on the field away while the hedge establishes, as they are very inquisitive and love a nibble on something new! We would recommend a temporary fence or electric tape at a distance of 2 metres from the plants.

Our Horse Friendly Hedging Mix is made up of the following species:

• 50% Quickthorn or Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna). Needed in quantity to knit the hedge together and make it stockproof.
• 50% selected from the following: 
  • Common Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea)
  • Dog Rose (Rosa canina)
  • Guelder Rose (Viburnum opulus)
  • Hazel (Corylus avellana)
  • Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus)
  • Red Rugosa Rose (Rosa rugosa Rubra)
  • White Rugosa Rose (Rosa rugosa Alba)

(Minimum of 5 species on small orders, larger orders will contain most or all the species below).

What are the benefits of Horse-Friendly Hedging?

There are five main benefits of horse-friendly hedging:

1. Happy, healthy horses! Horse-friendly hedging does not  pose any risk to your horses if they choose to munch on the foliage, giving you that all-important peace of mind.
2. It encourages biodiversity. By using a mix of horse-friendly hedging plants, you’re creating a natural sanctuary for local wildlife. It’s a safe space for nesting birds, and supports pollinators like butterflies.
3. It keeps your horses secure. Horse-friendly hedging naturally marks the boundaries of your paddock, ensuring your horses are safe and contained while they’re out grazing. 
4. It protects your horses from harsh weather. Minimise the intensity of bright sunshine and strong winds – horse-friendly hedging is a natural windbreaker and source of shade.
5. It offers long-term value to your paddock. Once your horse-friendly hedging is established, that’s it – you have a durable, long-lasting addition to your property that only requires the occasional trim.

How many plants do I need?

The number of plants needed is a matter of choice. As a rule, the more plants you use, the quicker the hedge will develop, and it will become stockproof more quickly. ( approximately within 5 years). Here are some guidelines:

Single Row

When planting a new horse-friendly hedge, we recommend using 3 plants per metre for a single row hedge (setting each plant 13 inches/33cm apart).

Double Row

For a thicker double row hedge, use 5 plants per metre (setting the plants 40cm apart in each row with 40cm between the 2 rows).

Extra-thick hedging

For an extra thick and dense hedge that may be achieved more quickly, use 7 plants per metre in a double row (setting each plant 11 inches/28cm apart in each row with 40cm between the 2 rows).

Are laurel hedges poisonous to horses?

Most laurel plants are poisonous to horses. 

Excluding Bay Laurel, nearly all varieties of laurel hedging, including types like Spotted Laurel, Etna Laurel, and even Compact Hedging, are poisonous to horses. This is due to the hydrocyanic acids found in the leaves, berries and stems of the plant.. 

This toxin is fatal towards horses, and therefore should not be in your hedge mix or garden. Bay laurel, on the other hand, is considered to be far less toxic to horses. However, it should be noted that ingesting the raw Bay Laurel leaves in large quantities can pose dangerous health risks to your horse.

Explore our page on the extent to which Laurel Hedges are poisonous for more information, to keep your horses and other wildlife safe.