COOL AND HEALTHY HORSE TREATS FOR SUMMER

Keep your horse hydrated, happy and refreshed in the heat.

Most of us enjoy a cool treat in the hot summer – and so do our horses.

Plenty of shade and fresh, clean water is always the top priority, but a few healthy cooling horse treats can go a long way in helping your horse cool down and feel refreshed.

Here are some tasty but also safe, hydrating and fun to make horse treats to help keep your horse cool.

 

ICE BLOCK TREATS: The Ultimate Summer Cooler

Our horses can’t go to the freezer for a cooling treat, but you can certainly make them ice blocks to enjoy under a shady tree or shelter on a hot day.

Ingredients:

• Your choice of chopped fruits and vegetables  (Choose from carrots, apples, pears, watermelons, grapes or other safe fruits and vegetables and preferably have at least 2 to 3 different varieties in each ice-block) 
• Pinch of salt or electrolytes (optional) 
• Handful of hay cubes of a few pellets (optional) 
• Fresh mint leaves (optional cooling herb) 
• Water or diluted apple juice

Instructions:

1. Add all the ingredients in a large container (eg, ice-cream tub, small clean bucket)
2. Fill with water, juice or both and freeze overnight 
3. Pop it out and place in your horse’s feed tub or bucket 

Voila!  A cool, lickable treat that not only helps cool your horse, but also encourages water intake – a must for good hydration in hot weather.

 

WATERMELON – Nature’s Perfect Summer Snack

Who doesn’t like cold watermelon on a hot day?  Not only is it cooling for horses, but it’s 90% water, naturally sweet, and full of vitamins A and C.  Most horses love both the flesh and the rind, and it’s a great way to encourage hydration

Tips:

• Cut into large chunks or slices and served chilled; or
• Freeze small cubes for a refreshing crunch
• Offer in moderation – it’s sweet so a few pieces are plenty
• When you're enjoying a cold slice of watermelon, think about sharing the moment with your horse and offer them a slice too!

 

COLD APPLES AND CARROTS:  Simple, Classic and Cooling

There are not too many horses who would give up the opportunity to crunch on an apple or carrot.  But they become so much more special when they’re served cold in summer.

Apples 

Straight from the fridge they provide a crisp, hydrating bite

Carrots

Full of natural electrolytes and beta-carotene they’re not just delicious but nourishing. 

  

OTHER COOLING FOODS HORSES CAN ENJOY

There are a few more safe summer foods to add variety, that can help your horse stay cool and hydrated:

Cucumbers

Crisp, low in sugar, and packed with water — perfect for hot days.

Celery

High in water content and naturally salty, making it great for sweaty horses.

Frozen bananas

A sweet, energy-rich snack after exercise (best in small amounts).

Cold soaked fibre

For example beet pulp, lupin fibre, a hydrating feed option that provides moisture and fibre in one.

Tips:

Serve in moderation, either fresh from the fridge or frozen into small treats for an added cooling effect.

If you soak or dampen your regular feed with water, think about taking the water straight from the fridge, or add ice cubes to melt while soaking..

My personal tip

I have an elderly horse who has difficulty chewing, so instead of slicing, chopping or offering large pieces of treats – try grated or pureed fruits or vegetables.  That way you don’t have to let your dentally challenged horse miss out on cooling treats.

 

HYDRATION IS KEY

Even with all the fun treats, hydration remains the most important part of summer horse care. Always ensure your horse has access to:

• Plenty of clean, cool water.
• Salt blocks or electrolyte supplements (especially after work). 
• Shade or shelter to escape the hottest part of the day. 

You can even add a splash of apple juice or a handful of soaked treats to encourage drinking if your horse tends to sip less when it’s warm.

 

SIMPLE, FUN AND REFRESHING

Making DIY cooling horse treats is one of the easiest ways to brighten your horse’s day and help them stay comfortable in the heat. Ice blocks, watermelon, chilled fruit are all simple, natural, and horse-approved.

So next time the temperature soars, take a few minutes to whip up some cooling summer horse treats. You’ll have a happy, hydrated horse; and maybe a little fun for yourself, too.

🐴Together - making our horses’ lives better – Yvette

 

Related HorseTalk blogs:

Managing the Allergic Horse in the Hot Australian Summer

The Rugging Debate!

Related Resources: - more recipes you might like to try

“Cool Summer Treats for Your Horse” – Casie Bazay – 16 July 2020

“Beat the Summery Heat with Horse Treatcicles” YouTube Video – Shelley Paulson 

 

Disclaimer:  These are my thoughts and opinions and should not be considered expert or medical advice.  I recommend that you seek professional advice in relation to your horse/s.