A reader asks:
What sorts of treats can I give a horse?
Carrots and apples are well-known as being favorite treats for horses. An apple corer makes neat wedges and peeled baby carrots are very convenient as well. But feel free to experiment with other flavors. Some horses enjoy watermelon, and many love bananas!
"At the World Cup Competitions, bananas were fed to horses from seven countries and were a big part of the diet of the lone horse from the Philippines and Australian dressage horse Crisp, as well as some Russian dressage horses." ~ HorseAdvice.com
If feeding fruit with pits, such as cherries or peaches, remove the pit first.
In addition to fresh fruits and carrots, feed stores and tack shops sell a large variety of packaged horse treats.
Horses also like candy. Besides the classic sugar cube, other candy that horses are fond of include peppermints and licorice. Reserve candy for "jackpots" or extra special occasional treats.
What shouldn't I give?
It's surprising how many horses die from a kind neighbor's good intentions. Be careful feeding horses plants you may pick outside the pasture. Stories abound of the thoughtful neighbor who unloads his grass clippings in the neighbor's pasture for the horses to eat, unaware of toxic buttercups, red maple leaves or oleander that is mixed in with the grass.
Use common sense when experimenting with new foods and flavors. Check this list to be sure it's safe.
http://www.aspca.org/Pet-care/poison-control/Plants.aspx?plant_toxicity=non-toxic-to-horses
How much is too much? Like how many apples is a good snack and how many will make a horse sick?
Remember, it's a snack or a treat - not a meal. A couple of apples or half a small pack of baby peeled carrots is more than enough for one horse.
What do horses do for fun? Are there any toys I could get them?
Horses have a good sense of humor and enjoy playing. By combining play with treats, one could use clicker training to teach the horse some tricks, such as "shake hands," "pick up the hankie" or "stand on the mat".
The video "Using Treats as a Training Tool" by Sue DeLaurentis and Allen Pogue of Imagine a Horse is an excellent resource to learn more about treats and training.
Check your local tack shop or feed store for horse toys like balls. Maybe you want to get into the newest equestrian sport, Horse Agility, which involves hula hoops and tarps.
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