Horse Treats: These Are The Flavors Horses Prefer
Do horses really love peppermint—or is it just that you do? Here’s what research found out about the treats horses really love.
We all like to give horse treats to reward good behavior. Sometimes we need to give our horses something especially tasty to get them to take their medicine. Or just because we love to make them happy.
So which flavor do they like the most?
You probably would guess peppermint, molasses, or carrot. Maybe even chocolate.
Those might be great for you, but it turns out these rank pretty low among horsey favorites.
How about oats? Or bran? Don't horses love bran mashes?
Nope. Not those, either.
OK, how about apples. Surely, the must rank way up there in horsey favorites.
Afraid not.
So what do horses love the most?
You won't believe the answer.
So which flavor do they like the most?
You probably would guess peppermint, molasses, or carrot. Maybe even chocolate.
Those might be great for you, but it turns out these rank pretty low among horsey favorites.
How about oats? Or bran? Don't horses love bran mashes?
Nope. Not those, either.
OK, how about apples. Surely, the must rank way up there in horsey favorites.
Afraid not.
So what do horses love the most?
You won't believe the answer.
Deborah Goodwin, BSc, PhD at the University of Southampton, England, tested equine choices on 12 different flavors (including peppermint). The results were published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science (2008).
The three top ones that horses loved were:
Peppermint ranked 7th. (Fenugreek is a spice you can buy at the supermarket.)
© Denise Cummins, PhD January 2009; Updated June 5, 2024
The Thinking Equestrian
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The three top ones that horses loved were:
- Fenugreek
- Banana
- Cherry
Peppermint ranked 7th. (Fenugreek is a spice you can buy at the supermarket.)
© Denise Cummins, PhD January 2009; Updated June 5, 2024
The Thinking Equestrian
As long as you’re here, check these out:
Equestrian Products That Make Your Riding and Horse Care Easier and Better!
Six Vital Horse Facts That Every Horse Owner Needs to Know
Basic Horse Care Facts That You Absolutely Need to Know
