OUR horse pastures are beginning their slow, seasonal transformation. But amid the beauty of crisp leaves and conker hunts lies a hidden danger that’s both familiar and frequently overlooked: acorns and sycamore seeds. These seemingly innocuous signs of the season can pose serious - and sometimes fatal - risks to horses. And as horse owners, we must remain vigilant.

Every year, cases emerge across Ireland involving horses that have ingested acorns or sycamore seeds, often with devastating consequences. While not every horse will be affected, individual sensitivity varies, and ingestion can lead to severe illness or death.