I know that horses love peppermints, and I would occasionally feed my horse them, but I was wondering if I can use them on a daily basis as a"reward" after riding and working. I always reward my horse after working, and they would prefer them over everything lol. But afterall they are sugar, junk e.c.t. I am just wondering if they are harmful if she gets them everyday?
I would only give her one of those little starlight peppermints.
My horse loves them, but I wouldn't feed them to him every day.
- a LOT of sugar
- could get boring
I'd worry about cavities or something if I fed them to my boy on a daily basis. Not to mention behavioral problems. As for the boring thing...who knows if the horse would actually care, but I like to mix it up - apples, carrots, peppermints, muffins.
One small peppermint candy every day is not a big deal. If you are looking to give more than that, I wouldn't look into a forage-based treat and stick to that. But one peppermint candy? That's nothing. Posted via Mobile Device
Something else horses love and no refrigeration is involved is alfalfa cubes. I pull them apart into 1/4" wafers, or use a hammer and screw driver on the stubborn ones.
I have a mare that would kill for a peppermint - be warned they can find them addictive and lose self restraint - a bit like me and chocolate!!!!
One or two a day wont do any harm
My boys love treats. I sometimes give them Polo mints which they will kill for but only a couple and infrequently. I also give them special 'horse treats' which are based on herbs. They love those too. I always reward my horses when they have done well. Just a point - all the top training schools treat their hroses. Went to see The Spanish Riding School of Vienna when they came to london. I was expecting perfection and beautifully trained horses. I was not disappointed. They had them performing leaps in the air with riders on their backs without saddle or stirrups. It was amazing and you know what happened every time those horses got it right? Those professional riders all had pockets secreted in their riding breeches filled with horse treats and every one of those horses got a reward for just trying, even when they didn't do it perfect. It was amazing and I now never feel guilty for rewarding my two boys. You go for it!
I have a gelding that is new to me......trying different treats out on him. Does not like carrots or apples only grain treats, After our last ride i reached into my pocket and i felt a milkbone dog biscuit that i had brought along for the dog......i thought to myself "i wonder"? OMG.....my horse about ate my fingers trying to get it in his mouth. He loved it! He kept tossing his head up and down and moving his lips like mr. ed! Think these will hurt him at all? I guess if dogs can eat them so can horses! What do you think?
I'm not sure what's in a milkbone treat, but I'd check the ingredient list. Dogs and horses are at pretty opposite ends of the food spectrum, so I wouldn't assume it's safe for a horse just because it's safe for a dog.
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