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The Horse

There are usually divergent views from owners on whether to feed treats at all.  Some people believe that a horse should never be fed treats and that rewards should only take the form of praise and\or a scratch or pat, others believe that feeding treats is fine but never from the hand as this encourages nipping and biting, while a third group believe that feeding special food rewards helps bond with the horse and is an excellent way to train. 

Whatever your views you should be aware of foods that are appropriate to feed a horse and whether they can be included as part of a normal diet or should only be fed in small quantities.  When feeding your horse do not think that you are doing him a kindness by providing unlimited access to food or by overdoing treats.  Any treats should be for training or as a special reward and should be fed in small quantities.

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Flavour Preferences

The most natural treats that you can offer your horse are those that they can find for themselves in a varied pasture.  They may not be the most convenient for you to carry in your pocket but here is a list of plants that are safe in limited quantities (and free) and your horse will find delicious!

• Dandelion (and its relatives hawkbit etc),
• Thistles such as Bristly Oxtongue and Sowthistles (they will naturally avoid Scotch, California etc which are not good for them)
• Raspberry and Blackberry bushes
• Plantains (all varieties)  - broadleaf plantains are yummy and all plantains are good for the digestive system
• Willow, poplar, hazel (leaves, twigs and bark are all edible and enjoyed by horses)

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the well known -

• Carrots, apples 

and the not so well known -

• peas, green beans, lettuce, celery,
• mangoes*, squash*, peaches*,nectarines*
• Raisins, sultanas, prunes*, grapes
• Pasta (cooked), bread
• maroons, mandarins, tangelos
• coconut (copra), bananas, watermelon (including the rind which many horses are often very enthusiastic for), pears

*avoid feeding the seeds

• Dairy products (tryptophan in milk products has a calming effect)
• Eggs
• Fruit Juices
• Hamburgers, Hot dogs, tuna, ham, any cooked meats (sandwiches or however your horse likes them) and most cat and dog foods - yes, I know they're supposed to be vegetarians but hey these are 'treats' and these foods are a good source of proteins and fats

• Cabbage, broccoli, kale, brussel sprouts, spinach
• garlic and onions
• turnips, radishes, swede, potato (never any green parts!)
• sunflower seeds and plants
• sugar, peppermints, jelly beans, sweets (peppermints)

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• Willow and poplar leaves and bark
• Licorice
• Chocolate*
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• valerian
• caffeine*
• alcohol (beer)
• Carrots in large quantities (over 2.5kg per day)
• Chillies

*only ever feed in small quantities

Horse Flavour Preferences Study

Horses prefer fenugreek, banana and cherry-flavored feed to all other flavours, according to one of the most detailed studies yet on horse flavour preferences.

Three of the most popular flavours added to commercial horse feed — molasses, garlic and mint — did not fare nearly as well. In fact, most horses in the study rejected garlic-flavoured food, unless it was their only choice.

According to a study, which is published in December 2005's Applied Animal Behavior Science, horses ranked flavours as follows: fenugreek, banana, cherry, rosemary, cumin, carrot, peppermint and oregano.

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Unusual Horse Feeds

Caligula insisted that his horse Incitatus be fed oats dipped in gold, along with mice dipped in butter, marinated squid, raw mussels, and roasted chicken were also a part of this horse's diet.

According to legend, the Japanese hero fed his horse, Onikage, human flesh.

The Tungus of Manchuria start their weanlings salted fish, and as the horses age, feed them raw meat.

People of ancient India fed their horses root vegetables steeped in honey, and peas boiled in sugar and butter. On military campaigns, the horses were given wine to calm them.

The national sport of Afghanistan is Buzkashi, a game where riders try to capture a goat carcass. Players will hire servants and grooms to care for their horses. Their feeding schedule isn't too strange: Horses are fed alfalfa, oats and hay, and in the wintertime are given sheep fat and eggs as a supplement.

In medieval times in Europe, horses were fed bread during hay shortages.

Romans fed their horses sparrow eggs as a supplement.

In Algeria and other Arab countries horses are frequently dates. They were also given camel milk to drink when water wasn't available.

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