Since I got slammed for answer I gave about feeding a horse treats, I would like to comment on this. Giving a horse treats only makes the owner feel better. Not the horse. It does not make him love you more. They can eat out of your hand and kick you with the same emotion. In fact it can backfire, when he is trying to shake more food out of his "living" feed trough (you). Not to mention the colic than can occur, or a host of other things that can happen that can result in a huge vet bill. In my opinion, since your horse gave up his freedom for you, the best "treat" you can give him is your time. Instead of running out and spending half and hour a day and then giving a treat, spend time with your horse riding, exercising, and grooming him. Think about which way you would like to be treated. 1/2 hour and an apple or two hours (or more) enjoying time out of a stall or paddock with the owner / rider. Might give you a different outlook on the "treat" thing.
2007-09-12 05:06:17 · 34 answers · asked by Paint Pony 5 in Pets ➔ Horses
The succinct answer to your question, in my opinion, is NO! I answered a questioin a few days back that said almost exactly what you are saying and yes, took the heat from it too. Horses are wonderful, beautiful animals that add to our lives immensely, but....THEY ARE NOT HUMANS and don't process emotions as a human...so, I believe that they appreciate the feeling of kind contact of your hands on their body, hear your kind words and encouragement, actually require and enjoy structure (knowing what is expected of them and what they can expect of their l you.) However, I do believe that it does teach them some things, mostly negative in nature. I have seen it over and over...a good, well mannered horse is rewarded for being well mannered using treats, from the hand, allowing that horse to push into your space and forget his place. People forget that there is much security for a horse to know his space and to know your space. To know where he is within the herd and what is your position in that same herd. We do them no favors by disrupting that natural order of things. Treats, yes, I've been known to put a few alfalfa cubes in the feed trough for my horses, whether they need it or not...do you think that they are aware I put them there or that they are a treat? Do you think that I even get any credit from the horse for being the one that shared the little morsals with them? NOPE, again I say, I did it to make me feel better, to make me feel that I did a little extra in showing my affection and appreciation...nothing wrong with that, as long as it doesn't ultimately hurt the horse physically and/or emotionally. Well, that's my 6 cents worth, I tend to get a little carried away, sorry.
2007-09-12 05:42:09 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I never feed treats. It makes horses nippy and nosey. Unless you call dropping a apple in their stall feed box a treat.
Amazingly Every horse in my heard meets me at the gate and follows me around the pasture. The best treat you can give your horse is a good scratching and physical attention, Treats LOL buy your horses love, Real attention earns it.
Don't feel bad about the slam you got, most people just can't believe their horses can live without all the xtras let alone love them with out them.
If you want to give your horses a treat ride it or groom it everyday
2007-09-12 08:54:39 · answer #2 · answered by mike093068 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You did? I'm sorry. People here have pretty strong emotions, usually fueled by what they perceive as the good road, not based on actual life. My neighbors lure the horses to the fence with treats. After the treats are gone, the horses go back to grazing. Takes about five minutes. Works for them they get to "pet the horsie", who is on the other side of the fence. They are told the horses may bite, feed at their own risk. And feed only what we approve. Other than that, these guys get treats extremely rarely. What they go for is attention... grooming, riding, etc.
2007-09-12 05:17:05 · answer #3 · answered by ibbibud 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO I don't think horses getting treats makes them love you more! They can be a training tool for behavior.I agree that it makes the giver of the treat feel better and I spend much time with my horses. They love it . Whether I am riding or training I watch my horses alot as they are right off my deck I am always out with them even in the winter. My horses love to spend time with us. Even when we are cleaning the paddocks they are right there however, they do understand personal space. I had a horse become depressed and lose weight when I was sick with the flu once. When he saw me he changed back to his Happy state and regained his spirit and weight. I bring them swimming , on trail rides even for walks they get the mail for me also. Their favorite is being groomed! You may want to bring a chair and a book out into their pasture you are part of the herd they actually show off and love the company. Plus my horses do not have stalls they all have run in sheds they come and go as they please they are free and that is their "Treat" They are loved I agree with your outlook!
2007-09-12 06:39:14 · answer #4 · answered by sassyfilly08 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The only way I could catch my paint horse from the field was to offer a treat or food. She would come running. That was also how I got her to start loading into a horse trailer. A horse is not stupid by no means. Some react to treats or food like a dog would. Every horse is different. You have to fine what excites your horse.
2007-09-14 17:27:12 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you feed it treats, it will allow you on its back and you can ride off into the sunset...........
Whatever, these people live in a dream world and either don't have horses or have 1/2 dead animals that can't move out of walk. Sorry, these my friend flicka ppl have been getting blocked by me lately so I know which idiotic posts to not open up. I'm tired of banging my head on the screen only to watch them choose a ' black stallion' love affair answer.
Good question and as always, I agree with you.
2007-09-12 11:20:45 · answer #6 · answered by Mulereiner 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I agree with you 110%!!
I have seen SO many horse owners pushed and even ran over for treats. I know a barn that gives treats for every little thing that the horse does. I'm sorry that's creating a monster! They do some thing bad they get rewarded? That's why my horses get treats once in a blue moon. It's not an every day thing at my barn.
2007-09-12 07:03:55 · answer #7 · answered by Heather K 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If treats are given at the proper time, with the proper training being the intent to teach the horse something useful--to move or behave in a certain way, then treats DO serve a purpose. Look up clicker training and check it out.
2007-09-16 10:13:38 · answer #8 · answered by nolajazzyguide 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know how you feel. I made the mistake of thinking that giving treats to a downright mean horse would make him like me, that just made him try to bite my butt(back pockets I kept treats stashed in) instead of my shoulders and arms. I've also seen perfectly respectful horses start getting snappy because they've been fed treats constantly and they want them NOW damnit, even if that isn't your plan.
They get treats from me after they've done something good that wouldn't usually be expect of them, and always after a workout not before, and in their feed buckets.
So in short, I agree with you, treats are not the way to go because it spoils them and they would much prefer a good workout.
2007-09-12 20:32:53 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i give my horse treats and of love and reward.
she doesn't always get them by hand, sometimes in her feed too.
i found that along with spending time with my horse it also encouraged her to be more responsive to me.
why you got slammed i don't know.
anyone ever heard of "each to their own"
i think you had fallen victim to the cocky little upstarts you can get.
if you want to treat your horse, then do it.
the worst that can happen (unless you are giving them the wrong treats) is that your horse will become greedy and nip at you.
don't let the insignificants bully you mate.
some people forget that people ask questions for answers and advice, not the jumped up lectures that make you feel bad.
xxx
2007-09-12 08:23:19 · answer #10 · answered by sasha 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋