A DEVASTATED mother and daughter have warned people not to feed horses newly-cut grass after one of their horses died from eating grass cuttings left on their land.

Georgina Lester, and her daughter Alana, spoke out after their six-year-old cob, Boston, died on Monday.

The horse, which was kept at stables between Wark and Chipchase Castle gorged on the grass cuttings, which had been left in the field by an unknown member of the public.

Speaking to the Courant on Tuesday, Georgina said the horses were well-known in the area for their sociable and friendly manner.

“We’re not doing a witch hunt because, I don’t think anybody has done it maliciously,” she said.

“Where we live, it’s such a big rural community but some people still don’t know about the dangers.

“What some people don’t realise is that lush green grass isn’t the best for horses.

“Often when the ground is looking forlorn and warn down, it suits the horses a lot better.”

By sharing the news, Georgina and Alana hope to further raise awareness to members of the public and horse owners alike, and they have received huge support from the community after the tragic event.

“Last night I put a temporary notice on the gate informing people to not feed the horses grass cuttings as it can be fatal,” Georgina said.

“I’m planning on putting a permanent sign there, but I don’t want to come across arrogant by saying don’t feed the horses. It’s more to educate people of the unknown dangers.

“The other horse Lofty is traumatised, and the worst thing is that due to the field’s location, everyone can see the dead horse as it’s still yet to be taken away.”

Vet Suzie Clark from Intake Vets in Hexham, said: “When grass is cut or left in the lawn mower, it starts to collate several gases and ferment.

“Once swallowed, this can either cause colic or a fatal bloat for a horse. We advise people to never feed horses cut grass.”