Australian summers bring scorching temperatures, and while keeping your horse cool is a priority, offering them refreshing and safe treats can make the heat more enjoyable. The right treats not only reward your horse but can also aid hydration, provide essential nutrients, and support overall well-being.
The Importance of Summer Treats
Summer treats serve multiple purposes. They offer a way to bond with your horse, encourage positive reinforcement during training, and can even support hydration during hot spells. However, it’s important to choose treats that are safe, low in sugar, and suited to your horse’s dietary needs. Overfeeding treats or giving the wrong types can lead to digestive issues, weight gain, or colic.
Hydrating Fruits and Vegetables
High-water-content fruits and vegetables are perfect for summer:
- Watermelon: A favourite among horses, watermelon is over 90% water, making it a naturally hydrating treat. Remove seeds and rind before feeding.
- Cucumber: Crisp and refreshing, cucumbers are low in sugar and easy to digest.
- Carrots: A classic treat, carrots provide vitamins A and K, and their crunch makes them fun to eat.
- Apples: Sweet and hydrating, apples are best fed in slices. Avoid the seeds, which contain trace amounts of cyanide.
- Pears and Berries: Small portions of pears, blueberries, or strawberries can add variety and antioxidants to your horse’s diet.
Frozen Treats for Hot Days
Turning fruits or vegetables into frozen treats is a fantastic way to cool your horse down:
- Ice Blocks: Freeze chopped fruit, carrots, or even soaked hay in water or low-sugar electrolyte solution. Offer in a bucket or lickable ice block.
- Frozen Carrot Cubes: Small frozen cubes can be given as a mid-day refresher, helping your horse stay occupied and cool.
Commercial Horse Treats
There are also a variety of commercially prepared horse treats designed for summer enjoyment:
- Look for low-sugar, high-fibre options to prevent energy spikes or digestive upset.
- Treats containing electrolytes or natural herbs like peppermint or fennel can be soothing and cooling.
Feeding Tips for Summer Treats
- Introduce new treats gradually to avoid digestive upset.
- Always wash fruits and vegetables to remove pesticides.
- Limit treats to 10% of the horse’s daily diet to maintain a balanced nutritional intake.
- Never leave frozen treats in direct sunlight—thawed fruits can ferment or spoil quickly.
Bonding and Enrichment
Beyond nutrition, summer treats are a great way to strengthen the bond between you and your horse. Offering treats by hand encourages positive interaction, while frozen blocks or hanging treats can provide mental stimulation and enrichment, keeping horses entertained during hot, lazy afternoons.