Treats are a fun way to bond with your horse, reinforce good behavior, and show appreciation. But like any part of equine care, feeding treats requires knowledge and moderation. Overfeeding or using unsafe items can lead to health issues or behavioral problems.
Here’s a practical guide on how and how often to feed treats to your horse, along with safe options and best practices.
Why Treats Are Important for Bonding and Training
Treats serve multiple purposes in horse care:
Rewarding good behavior during training or groundwork.
Building trust and strengthening bonds between horse and handler.
Encouraging learning when used as positive reinforcement.
When used correctly, treats can make training sessions more effective and help your horse enjoy being handled.
Safe Treat Options for Horses
Not all human foods are safe for horses. Stick to these horse-friendly treats:
Carrots – Wash thoroughly and cut into small pieces to prevent choking.
Apples – Cut into bite-sized pieces; remove seeds.
Horse-specific commercial treats – Formulated for equine digestion.
Other vegetables – Such as celery, pumpkin, or sweet peppers in moderation.
Treats to Avoid:
Chocolate, candy, or anything sugary for humans.
Bread, crackers, or processed foods.
Large whole apples or carrots that can be choking hazards.
How to Feed Treats Safely
Flat hand method: Place the treat in a flat palm to avoid your fingers being bitten.
One at a time: Feed small pieces to prevent gulping and choking.
Use during calm moments: Avoid giving treats when the horse is overly excited, nervous, or near other horses that may compete.
Supervised feeding: Always supervise treats, especially around young or inexperienced horses.
How Often to Feed Treats
Moderation is key. Overfeeding treats can cause weight gain, digestive upset, or behavioral issues like nipping or rushing.
Training sessions: 1–3 small treats as rewards per session.
Daily bonding: 1–2 small treats, not exceeding a few ounces per day.
Special occasions: Extra treats can be given on holidays or birthdays, but still in moderation.
Remember, treats should never replace a balanced diet. Your horse’s primary nutrition comes from hay, pasture, and any supplemental feed recommended by a veterinarian.
Tips to Prevent Treat-Related Problems
Set boundaries: Only give treats when the horse is calm and following basic commands.
Avoid hand-feeding in the stall when horses are crowded — it can lead to nipping.
Mix with training: Use treats as a reward, not a bribe. Reward behavior after the horse performs a task correctly.
Monitor weight: Adjust feed and treat frequency to maintain a healthy body condition.
Store treats safely: Keep them in sealed containers to prevent spoilage or attracting pests.
Alternatives to Treats for Bonding
Not all bonding has to involve food. Other ways to reward and connect include:
Gentle grooming sessions.
Praise with calm voice and petting.
Scratch in favorite areas like the withers or chest.
Short, enjoyable play sessions in the paddock.
Combining treats with these alternatives reinforces trust and prevents over-reliance on food.
In Summary
Feeding your horse treats is a wonderful way to bond and reinforce good behavior, but moderation and safety are essential.
Use horse-safe treats like carrots, apples, and commercial equine snacks.
Feed small amounts one at a time, in a flat hand.
Limit treats to a few per day or per training session.
Treats should supplement, not replace, your horse’s regular diet.
When given thoughtfully, treats enhance training, strengthen your relationship, and make your horse happy — without compromising health or manners.