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One of my horse paddocks used to boast about four pieces of ragwort — a potentially lethal poisonous plant for horses — in early summer. Now the number is more like 40.
I’m not sure what has caused this dramatic escalation in numbers, but it’s a pest because I have to move my mare, Panda, to ensure that she doesn’t eat it.
Having said that, I have never known one of my horses munch on ragwort because they always have plenty of forage, but those on starvation rations may be tempted and it is a very dangerous plant that can ultimately kill a horse.
Exercise caution, therefore, if you see it appear in your fields and make sure that every piece — including the roots — are removed and burned or disposed of safely.
Also always wear gloves when doing so.
Initial thoughts
A month or so ago I was contacted by a sales manager from Spear & Jackson, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of garden tools, asking if I would like to test its new Ultra-Weeder — Ragwort Removal Fork.
This offer was manna from heaven as previously I had always relied on a bog standard garden fork, which admittedly did the job, but it was tough, laborious work.
It also made huge holes in my paddock and it never coped in very hard, dry ground.
Video
Watch the Ultra-Weeder — Ragwort Removal Fork in action during our ragwort removal session below:
A satisfying, speedy process
Ragwort removal isn’t just my job at home, but it’s a whole family affair.
Last year I roped in my son, Will, just back from university.
My husband, Andrew, is usually in charge, especially of locating the used sacks into which every nuisance plant is popped to prevent any of it dropping and potentially seeding in other spots in the paddock.
This year my daughter, Chloe, assisted Andrew and myself, admittedly reluctantly at first, but after the first five plants she was enjoying the experience so much that she was still removing ragwort an hour later, with no moaning at all.
In fact, the three of us virtually argued over who would use the two tools that had been supplied as the process was so satisfying, enjoyable and speedy too.
First impressions
The ease at which plants relinquish their hold on the soil, even in hard, dry conditions like the ones we tested in (we conducted our test during mid-June’s sizzling hot spell) is impressive.
When you hear that Spear & Jackson developed this new, innovative tool in collaboration with horse riders and yard managers, it becomes clear why it is actually so good.
First and foremost, it’s a robust, well made tool. That doesn’t mean that it’s overly heavy, but it is solid and you can tell from the get-go that the quality is excellent.
In fact, I would have no doubt in taking a punt that it is likely to still be in use in 10 or even 20 years’ time.
Ease of use
Additionally, it’s super easy to use.
Small plants usually come out with just one thrust into the soil and then a pull down on the extra wide T handle.
Usually the prongs remain in the root/soil as you remove the plant from the earth, so that you can manoeuvre flowers, stem and root together into your sack or wheelbarrow with no hand contact needed.
At the point where you hover the plant over the open sack, the pump-action mechanism releases the root from the prongs.
Removing bigger plants
Bigger plants need a little loosening first.
We went around each one, putting the prongs into the soil in four places, lifting lightly, but not pulling yet, and then, when the soil around it was loose enough, with one almighty pull even the tallest ragwort plant would obligingly come away from its place of residence with its roots too.
Long term, one of the key benefits of the Ultra-Weeder isn’t just its ability to do such an exceptional job of ragwort removal.
The divots it creates are very small compared to those made by a garden fork, and so just a tiny bit of soil placed in the holes will soon see the paddock looking as good again as it did pre ragwort invasion.
Final thoughts
I would not only recommend the Ultra-Weeder — Ragwort Removal Fork to every equestrian I know — I would shout its brilliance from the rooftops.
This really is a must-have addition for any yard that suffers a yearly ragwort assault. And besides all that, at just £31.99 it’s a complete steal.
Key features
- Durable all-metal construction: Built for long-lasting strength and performance.
- Extra-wide T-handle: Soft-feel, non-slip grips for enhanced comfort and control.
- Wide foot treads: Provide stability and ease of use when inserting into soil.
- Innovative pump-action mechanism: Allows for easy ejection of the weed without direct contact.
Key information
Full name: Spear & Jackson Ultra-Weeder – Ragwort Removal Fork
