Every horse has a favourite treat! Have you discovered your horse’s favourite? Giving your horse treats is good for bonding. It is also good to give a treat when you want to reward good behaviour.
You can tell if they love a particular because they get really excited when you offer it to them. Many horses will actually smell the treat in your pocket and try to pull it out by themselves! Here are a few of the most popular treats:
Carrots, apples and liquorice are the three most common (and most loved) treats for horses. But they are not the only ones! There are a few other treats your horse may or may not be familiar with. Why not experiment? These treats can be given in moderation (small portions and not every day): Grapes, Bananas, various types of melons, strawberries , pumpkin pieces, celery, pineapple, oranges, coconut, cherries, blackberries, and blueberries.
Remember peal the fruit and vegetables and cut into good size pieces. Don’t forget to take the pips out. Watch your horses reaction and you’ll know if they love or merely like them.
What not to give your horse!
Although it can be fun giving your horse treats, there are foods you should not give your horse! The following foods can disrupt a horse’s digestive system and can cause colic and/or diarrhoea: Potatoes, avocados, pitted fruits, bread, dairy products, chocolate, lawn clippings, onions, garlic, tomatoes and rhubarb persimmons, cattle feed and meat.
Try giving your horse different types of treats. If your horse doesn’t like that treat try a different food. Just test it out. If you have a very picky horse don’t give up just keep trying.
My Horse Lovers 