Black locust - toxic to horses?
Many horse owners wonder: Is black locust wood toxic to horses? The answer is: Yes - but only in its natural form. When processed correctly, a pasture fence made of black locust wood is completely safe.
Which parts of the Robinia are toxic to horses?
The Robinia contains toxic substances in its bark and leaves such as toxalbumins and glycosides, which can lead to poisoning if ingested. Therefore, horses must not nibble on living Robinias.
The bark, especially the inner bark, is the main source of the toxins. The seeds of the Robinia (in the pods) also contain toxic proteins and lectins (e.g., robin, phasin), which can cause nausea, weakness, and neurological symptoms when swallowed. The leaves and young shoots also contain the toxalbumins robin and phasin – particularly young shoots are highly toxic. Similar to the leaves, the branches are also burdened with toxic proteins.
Why are paddock fences made of Robinia wood still safe for horses?
For paddock fences, the wood is completely stripped of bark and dried. In this process, the toxic components disappear. Professionally stripped and dried Robinia posts are free of toxins and thus safe for use in horse paddocks.
Advantages of Robinia wood for paddock fences
The use of Robinia wood for paddock fences is therefore harmless and has many advantages over other types of wood:
Extremely durable: Durability class 1–2, service life up to 80 years without chemical treatment
Weather resistant: High resistance to moisture, fungi, and insects – ideal for outdoor areas
Sustainable: European hardwood, no tropical wood imports, no impregnation needed
Natural design: Rustic appearance, harmoniously blends into the landscape
Safe for horses: No splintering risk, no toxic residues with proper processing
Conclusion
A paddock fence made of Robinia wood is the perfect combination of safety, durability, and sustainability. When the posts are stripped and dried, there is no risk to horses. Rely on quality and protect your animals – with Robinia wood.
