Whether your horses stay out in a paddock or spend a few hours a day enjoying the fresh air, hedges can help create a more natural environment for them to thrive.
From shade and shelter to natural boundaries, the right hedging can do a lot — but not every plant is safe for equine spaces. In fact, some of the most popular hedging species can be toxic to horses, and that’s the last thing any owner wants to worry about.
We’ll walk you through some horse-friendly hedging alternatives to help your paddocks flourish and keep your horses happy and healthy.
What are the benefits of horse-friendly hedging?
While hedges aren’t essential for your paddock, they bring plenty of benefits for your horses and their surroundings. Taking the time to plant suitable hedging can create a safer, more comfortable area for your animals to roam — leading to happier horses in the long term.
Here are some of the benefits of adding horse-friendly hedging to your paddock:
1. Protects horses from harsh weather
One of the biggest benefits of paddock hedging is the protection it offers against harsh weather conditions. In the UK, where weather can shift from sunshine to storms in no time, having a natural barrier can help keep your horses comfortable no matter the forecast.
Dense species, like Hawthorn, are excellent windbreakers as they deflect strong gusts away from the paddock and create a calmer environment for your horses. This can be especially helpful during the colder months or in more exposed paddock locations.
During the summer, hedges also provide much-needed shade, giving your horses a place to cool off and escape the heat.
2. Marks boundaries to paddocks
Hedges are a great way to define the boundaries of your paddock. They offer a more natural alternative to fencing that still keeps uninvited guests away from your property. Hedging not only provides a softer look but also blends seamlessly into the surrounding environment.
Unlike fencing, which can sometimes feel harsh or intrusive to look at, hedges also create a living boundary that grows with your paddock. They offer privacy and security while still being kind to the local wildlife, and many of them double as a healthy snack for your horses. Plus, they’re durable and long-lasting, meaning the only maintenance they’ll need once established is occasional pruning.
3. Supports biodiversity
Planting horse-friendly hedging isn’t just beneficial for your paddock — it’s also a fantastic way to support biodiversity and encourage wildlife into your space. Many of the native hedge species that are horse-friendly, like Hawthorn and Hazel, also attract a wide variety of birds, butterflies, and insects, creating a thriving ecosystem around your horses.
Birds help keep insect populations in check, which is vital during the summer months when horses are at a higher risk of fly bites, while pollinators like bees and butterflies are crucial for the wider environment. By planting wildlife-friendly hedges, you’re enhancing your paddock while giving back to nature.
Best horse-friendly hedging plants
When it comes to horse-friendly hedging, there’s no shortage of options to suit your paddock’s style. From dense, hardy hedges that offer excellent wind protection to colourful varieties that brighten up the area, the right hedge can make a world of difference.
Below are some of the best hedging species that are safe for horses:
Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)


Hawthorn is a fantastic all-rounder species for horse paddocks. As a native deciduous species, it’s well-acclimated to UK weather and grows into a dense, sturdy hedge that’s perfect for protecting your horses from wind and sunshine. It’s a fast-growing option, too, with an average growth rate of 40–60cm per year, making it a great choice if you’re looking to establish hedging quickly.
Hawthorn thrives in well-drained or clay soils and can handle both exposed or shaded conditions. In autumn, its leaves turn a warm auburn, adding seasonal colour to your paddock.
Hawthorn is completely safe for horses to graze on, and the fresh shoots that grow from the bottom of the hedge are a popular snack. The hedges are also great for attracting birds, butterflies, and other wildlife.
Dog Rose (Rosa canina)


Dog Rose hedging is a fantastic way to add colour to your paddock while keeping it safe for horses. This native flowering species produces beautiful pink blooms in the spring and summer, bringing a soft, eye-catching look to your boundaries. These hedges grow at a steady rate of around 40–60cm per year and are easy to manage — making them ideal for paddocks that are further away and can’t be maintained as often.
It thrives in various soil types, including clay and sandy conditions, and does well in sunny and partially shaded areas. Dog Rose can be planted on its own or combined with other species for a more natural-looking hedgerow. And, of course, this species is also completely safe for horses to eat, including the leaves, flowers, and roots.
Field Maple (Acer campestre)


The Field Maple is the UK’s only native maple species and a brilliant option for framing your paddocks. It’s a hardy, deciduous hedge that grows around 30–60cm per year, so you won’t have to wait long to see it take shape. In autumn, its green leaves turn a vibrant golden yellow, bringing a splash of colour to your fields.
Field Maple is suited for a variety of soil types and thrives in all light conditions. It’s completely safe for horses and works well on its own or mixed with other species. Plus, it encourages biodiversity and attracts birds, insects, and even small mammals to your paddock.
Crab Apple (Malus sylvestris)


If you’re looking for a fruit-bearing hedge that’s safe for your horses, Crab Apple is a fantastic option. This low-maintenance deciduous species grows at 20–40cm per year, making it easy to manage. In spring, it bursts into life with delicate pink or white blossoms, while in autumn, its small edible fruits provide additional nutrients for your animals and local wildlife.
Crab Apple hedging thrives in well-drained or clay soils and adapts well to sunny or partially shaded areas. It’s safe for horses and benefits the local ecosystem, attracting pollinators to its flowers in the spring and birds when the fruits appear.
Hazel (Corylus avellana)


If you’re looking for a hardy hedge that’s safe for horses and easy to grow, Hazel ticks all the boxes. This native, deciduous species grows 30–60cm per year, making it a manageable option for paddocks that don’t receive regular maintenance. Its lush foliage also forms a dense boundary that provides privacy and shelter for your animals in any weather conditions.
Hazel thrives in a wide range of soil types, including clay and loam, and can adapt to sunny or shaded areas, making it a versatile option regardless of how much light your land receives. This popular paddock plant is fully safe for horses and can be mixed with other species for a layered, natural border.
Hedging plants that are toxic to horses
Unfortunately, not every hedge species is suitable for lining your paddock, and it’s important to know which plants to avoid when creating a safe environment for your horses. Some of the most popular garden hedge varieties contain toxins that can cause serious harm if eaten by horses, so careful planning is key.
Here are some hedging plants to steer clear of when planting near horses:
- Privet – Contains glycosides, which are toxic to horses and can cause digestive issues.
- Leylandii – Contains thujone, a compound found in absinthe. Harmful if eaten by horses and any other livestock.
- Broom – Contains alkaloids that can be dangerous to all livestock, including horses.
- Box – All parts of the plant are highly toxic to horses, potentially leading to severe symptoms.
- Laurel – Includes cyanogenic compounds that are extremely dangerous for horses.
- Blackthorn – Produces long, sharp thorns that are a hazard for excited horses who might run alongside or jump over them and get caught. All parts of the plant are also mildly poisonous in large quantities.
- Wild Cherry & Bird Cherry – Like Laurel, all cherry plants contain a cyanide-type compound that is toxic to horses and livestock.
These are some examples of plants to avoid around your horses, but this list isn’t exhaustive. While these plants are beautiful and work wonderfully in gardens and other spaces away from livestock, they’re best avoided in or around horse paddocks.
Hedge planting and care
With any hedge type, the secret to a thriving plant is proper planting and aftercare. While most horse-friendly hedging species are naturally quite robust, giving them a good start and maintaining them over time will ensure they grow strong and healthy.
Below, we’ve outlined the basics of planting your hedge and keeping it in top condition.
Planting your hedge
Planting your hedge correctly is the first step to ensuring it grows strong and healthy. Here are four easy-to-follow instructions to help you get started:
- Prepare the soil — Clear the area of weeds and mark out your planting area with string to keep a straight line.
- Dig your trench — Depending on the root type of the hedge you’ve chosen, you’ll need to dig a trench that is deep and wide enough to accommodate the roots without bending them.
- Plant the hedge — Place the plants evenly along the trench, ensuring the roots are fully covered with soil and gently firmed down. Use Rootgrow and a secondary feed such as Bonemeal as you plant to ensure they receive the best start possible.
- Water generously — Once your hedge is planted, water it thoroughly.
For more detailed advice, check out our hedge planting guide.
Pruning your hedge
Pruning is essential for keeping your hedge looking and feeling its best. How often you’ll need to prune depends on the species you’ve chosen, with some requiring more maintenance than others.
Here’s a quick guide to pruning some popular horse-friendly hedging species:
- Hazel – Prune in August, cutting back side shoots halfway along their length.
- Field Maple – Trim to shape at the start of winter.
- Dog Rose – Prune back in late summer for routine trimming; carry out more extensive pruning in late autumn or winter.
- Hawthorn – To make the most of the berries, leave trimming until autumn. Or, for a really thorough cut-back, aim for February or March.
- Crab Apple – Prune twice a year: once in early spring and again in early winter when the plant is dormant and frost-free.
Hedging regulations to be aware of
Before removing or replacing existing hedges around your paddock, it’s crucial to be aware of the relevant regulations.
In the UK, the Hedgerows Regulations 1997 protects certain hedgerows — particularly in rural areas — to help with wildlife conservation. If you plan to remove or replace a hedge, you will need to check if the hedge is protected and may need to submit a removal notice to your local council.
Frequently asked questions
Is Leylandii poisonous to horses?
Unfortunately, Leylandii is poisonous and not safe for planting around horses. While it’s a popular hedging plant known for being fast-growing and dense, it contains compounds that can be harmful if eaten by horses. For paddocks, it’s best to opt for horse-friendly alternatives like Hawthorn or Hazel that replicate a similar full-hedge look.
Can I replace the hedges around my paddock?
Yes, you can replace the hedges in and around your paddock, but it’s important to do your research and follow the necessary regulations. Depending on your location, you might need to check the Hedgerows Regulations 1997 and reach out to your local council to make sure you’re not accidentally breaking any rules that could get you into trouble.
Can horses damage hedges by eating them?
Horses nibbling on hedges is natural, especially when they’re known to enjoy eating the shoots of safe species like Hawthorn.
However, excessive grazing can damage the hedge over time. To prevent this, consider combining hedges with fencing to create distance between the plant and your animals, or plant enough hedging to allow for natural regeneration.
Find horse-friendly hedging at Hedges Direct
Creating a safe environment for your horses starts with choosing the right hedging. From hardy Hawthorn to colourful Dog Rose, there are plenty of horse-friendly paddock plants to choose from that can help enhance the appearance of your horse’s home while also creating a safe haven for helpful wildlife.
Explore horse-friendly hedging at Hedges Direct. Find the perfect fit for your paddock with our curated bare-root mixed plant packs, available from autumn until spring, containing everything you need to create beautiful native hedges.