High endophyte-infected fescue should be avoided for the broodmare during the last 30 to 45 days of pregnancy. It is also suspected, but not well documented, that fescue containing high levels of endophyte may slow the growth rates of young horses. Sudangrass or sorghum x sudan hybrids are not recommended for horse pastures. These pastures have been implicated in cases of cystitis (infection of the urinary bladder) and abortion. Mares affected by cystitis may have urethral irritation. Yellowish, sticky granular fluid may accumulate in the bladder, and death may result from kidney infections. These grasses may also develop toxic levels of prussic acid under stressed growth conditions such as drought and cool weather. The winter annual clovers such as arrowleaf, crimson and subterranean are sometimes recommended for horse pastures. However, they should be avoided for several reasons. Personal observation and limited research suggest that horses will avoid eating these legumes. Also, clovers will mature and shade out the more desirable summer perennial grasses. Therefore, the winter annual clovers are not recommended for horse pastures. Another problem with clovers is that under certain conditions black patch mold may grow. Horses consuming clovers with this mold will slobber excessively.

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