A Word on Horse Treats
It seems appropriate just days after Halloween, one of the candiest times of the year, to think about horse treats. There are a lot of options: home grown (apples & carrots), home made (there are lots of recipes online), store bought or of course ‘people’ treats like peppermint candies. I recently read an excellent article that I’d like to share.
But first: I’ve heard some people don’t give their horse treats.
Nada. None.
Never.
No Way Ever!
I’d guess they have more of a business relationship with their horse because other people believe that giving treats as a reward for coming when called, a good performance etc. is not only acceptable but helpful in the training process. Still others (I won’t name names) feel giving a treat is communicating affection for their horse, so the more treats the more love! But that’s not necessarily the case as the WARHorses article “Horse Treats 101 – Good Choices for Your Good Horse” points out.
While I’ve been offering my mare more treats in her later years (getting sentimental I guess) I have made age appropriate changes. Switcing to more healthy options and from carrots to apples as her ability to chew harder food declines. Now I find a LOT of options for healthy snacks and list of good treats/bad treats, and related explanations, is very informative (did you know horses are lactose intolerant?). But read it for yourself and let me know what you think. You can find the full article at: https://womenofageridinghorses.com/training/advice/horse-treats-101-good-choices-for-your-good-horse/
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