There are two kinds of people in the horse world: those who love giving treats, and those who are against it. When treats come up as a topic in nutrition, it’s easy to assume that they’re merely indulgent snacks. Treats often get a bad rap as unnecessary or detrimental to a horse’s diet. But let's be honest: giving treats is often about those special, heartfelt moments with our horses rather than just nutrition.

We could start a ten-page exploration into the dos and don’ts of treats, sugar content, the sensitive microbiome of your horse’s digestive system, and potential risks…but we’re not here to spook you! Today, let’s flip the script and explore how treats can serve a meaningful purpose in your horse’s life!

Stretching & Strengthening

Treats can be a useful tool in supporting your horse’s physical health, especially during rehabilitation from injury or as they age. Senior horses, or those with a poor topline, can benefit from exercises that help improve their mobility and strength. Using treats strategically, you can encourage your horse to engage in stretching or strengthening exercises to target specific areas of their body.

Need a visual? Check out this quick video of a veterinarian demonstrating some treat stretches.

We love using treats to help decrease the risk of injury, increase blood flow, and provide extra “bonding” time for horse and rider. In colder seasons, you might find that a stretching routine can help warm up your horse and prevent some of those “cold back” moments.

*If your horse has a known neurological disorder or is generally unsteady - chat with your veterinarian before trying a new stretch routine ✅

Mind Motivation

Positive reinforcement is one of the most effective ways to foster a thriving learning environment. Treats can trigger desired reactions in training sessions, making the process enjoyable for both the horse and the handler.

Some people use treats to reinforce fun, functional, or even “useless” tricks. It may sound crazy, but horse owners have even been able to train their horses to use the bathroom on command! Yes, we’re serious! Wouldn’t it be handy if your horse came to the gate at a whistle every time, picked you up from a fence or mounting block, or even held up their feet on cue for the farrier?

Using treats for training requires consistency, timing, and clear expectations. If you’re new to treat training, consult someone with experience to ensure it sticks! We’re all about reducing stress in the training environment and creating more willing partners.

Giving Meds

Let’s face it: often, medication just doesn’t taste good - no matter how hard we try to mask it. Giving meds can be challenging for any horse owner - especially when doing it solo. Treats can help turn this necessary process into a more positive experience.

For example, antibiotic powder gets much more appealing when mixed with applesauce, and your senior partner might not even notice his arthritis pill if it’s hidden in a carrot!

Alternatively, you can use treats as a training reward for taking meds willingly, especially for something like dewormer paste. For horses that like to resemble giraffes at the sight of medication, a treat afterward helps reward them for handling an otherwise unpleasant experience.

Everything in Moderation

Treats have the potential to be far more than indulgences, they can be valuable tools to enhance your horse’s life through lower stress, more enjoyable training moments, and even improve times of illness and injury.

Like always, be mindful of what you offer. While sugar cubes and candies may seem tempting, they can be detrimental to your horse’s health if given too frequently (especially for those sensitive to sugar). Give those labels a look, and opt for digestive-friendly treats that are forage or fiber-based. You’ll be surprised how well regular alfalfa cubes or even a handful of your horse’s regular feed can work as a motivator or reward.

*If adjustments to your feed program have led to mood, manure, or appetite changes, your friend may need help rebalancing their gut. Check out 3 Signs You Might Need A Probiotic for tips to help them reset.