treated wood

Question
Lisa,

I'm installing kick walls in my run-in shed. I would like to use treated lumber 2x10. Is treated lumber harmful to a horse if they start chewing?

Thanks
John C

Answer
Hi John -

I personally would not use treated lumber if I could help it.  I am lucky enough to have local saw mills who will custom cut lumber from Larch (Tamarack) or other hard woods, and have larch boards on my own run-in. If you have any mills near you, that may also be a cheaper option than buying retail.

As for harming a horse if they chew, if you have old PT lumber, yes, the cyanide in the wood could definitely be harmful.  Newer wood does not have this chemical, but I still would not want my horses chewing on something treated with any chemicals.  

I hope this helps - if you have any additional questions I'm happy to try to help! Lisa