Horsetail

Equisetum arvense · Field horsetail · Shave grass

Mechanism

Horsetail is rich in silicic acid/silicon as well as flavonoids and potassium salts. Traditionally the herb is used for its minerals and, in human medicine, to flush the urinary tract (aquaretic). Note that Equisetum arvense contains the enzyme thiaminase, which breaks down vitamin B1 (thiamine) — relevant with long-term or high-dose administration. The equine data on efficacy endpoints are limited. Strict differentiation from the toxic marsh horsetail (Equisetum palustre) is required.

Cautions

· Contains thiaminase (vitamin-B1-degrading) — no high-dose/long-term administration, mind B1 supply
· Risk of confusion/contamination with the toxic marsh horsetail (Equisetum palustre)
· Aquaretic use only with adequate water intake

Sources

EMA/HMPC Equiseti herbaEMA/HMPC — Schachtelhalmkraut-Monographie (Equisetum arvense L., herba)

PMID:33747109Boeing et al. 2021 (Evid Based Complement Alternat Med) — Phytochemie/Pharmakologie Genus Equisetum

Equiterna Score

51/100

limited

Science4.5/10

Practical experience6/10

Safety5/10

Overall score scale

high overall75–100solid55–74limited0–54

How the Equiterna Score is built

The Equiterna Score combines three dimensions into a value of 0-100: science (40%), practical experience (30%) and safety (30%). It is transparently derived from evidence level, attributed sources (PubMed/journals), legal classification and cautions. The FEI doping status is shown separately as a competition-law note and does not enter the score. Commissions and vendor relationships have no influence on the score. In addition, the editorial safety rating caps the result: it limits the safety dimension and the overall tier (orange: at most solid). For entries rated red, no score is calculated at all. The rating never raises anything — a green rating does not lift a calculated value.

An editorial assessment of the evidence and safety situation — not a healing claim and not an individual recommendation. It does not replace veterinary advice.

Dosagetraditionally low-dosed in courses; avoid continuous use because of thiaminase

AMG statusComplementary feed

FEI statusNot listed

SafetyIncreased caution

Evidenceemerging

Products containing Horsetail

Haut & Fell

Derma Inner Skin Balance

Velvet Naturel

Not orderable →

Hufe

Bergsiegel Huf-Wohl

agrobs

Not orderable →

Usage note

This content is for information and education. It does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment. If your horse shows signs of illness, consult a veterinarian.

“Nothing forced can ever be beautiful.”

Xenophon · On Horsemanship (c. 365 BC)

Equiterna is an intermediary platform for equine knowledge, marketplace and tools — not a veterinary-medicines dealer, veterinary practice or pharmacy. Compound information is study-attributed and free of healing claims. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009, FEI Prohibited Substances List, HWG.