Today is I Love Horses Day! Horses are truly amazing animals. If you look at what the horse has done for civilization and humanity, it’s truly staggering. Silver of course isn’t interested in awards or statues in his honor: he’d much rather have a treat. We’re happy to help with that! Read on as a local Wickenburg, AZ vet lists a few snacks that will have your equine pal in hayven.
This recipe is from the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and Museum, so it’s pretty safe to say it’s been tried and tested on several prized horses. You’ll combine a half cup of peanut butter with two-thirds of a cup of milk and three-quarters a cup of brown sugar. Add a cup of raw oats, a cup of chopped apple, and a cup of granola or puffed wheat. Roll into small portions, and bake on parchment paper for about a half hour at 350F.
Combine a cup of dry molasses with a cup of water. Add a half cup of honey. Cook on a baking rack until you hear the batter start to ‘crackle.’ Then, add a quarter teaspoon of salt, a teaspoon of vanilla, and some sweet feed or kettle corn. Mix into balls, and let dry.
Mix a cup of flour with two cups of molasses, and a half cup of beer, then add a pound of grain and a half cup of raisins. Cook for about 60 minutes at 250. Take it out halfway, and divide into small portions.
Want a snack that will get every horse in the barn excited? Mix two cups of oats with grated carrots, a chopped apple, a half cup of molasses, a half cup of flour, and a tablespoon of coconut oil. Then add honey and brown sugar to taste. Some oats will make for a thicker batter than others, so you may need to add water. Roll the mixture into balls, and cook for 30 minutes at 325F.
You may have noticed that many of these treats are rather sugary. Don’t go overboard! Silver definitely has a sweet tooth, but too much sugar isn’t good for him. Plus, every horse is different. Ask your vet for specific recommendations.
Do you have questions about horse care? Contact us, your Wickenburg, AZ veterinary hospital, today!