by Staff Writer
The holiday season is a time of joy, and there’s no reason why your beloved horse shouldn’t join in on the festivities. What better way to make your equine companion feel cherished than by baking some special Christmas treats just for them? Baking holiday horse treats is not only fun but also a fantastic way to bond with your horse during this magical time of year.
We have two delightful holiday horse treat recipes that are easy to make, and your horse will absolutely love. So, don your apron, gather your ingredients, and let’s get baking!
Peppermint Horse Treats
Peppermint treats are a Christmas classic, loved by humans and horses alike. To make these refreshing and festive delights, you will need:
Ingredients:
• 2 cups of whole-grain oats
• 1 cup of flour (you can use whole wheat or all-purpose)
• 1/2 cup of crushed peppermint candies (make sure they contain no harmful additives)
• 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup of molasses
• 1/4 cup of water
Instructions:
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, flour, and crushed peppermint candies.
• In a separate bowl, mix the applesauce, molasses, and water.
• Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until you have a dough-like consistency.
• Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/2 inch thickness.
• Use cookie cutters to create fun holiday shapes like stars, candy canes, or Christmas trees.
• Place the treats on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until they’re golden brown.
• Let the treats cool completely before serving them to your horse. Store the remaining treats in an airtight container.
Carrot and Apple Horse Treats
Carrots and apples are staples in many horse diets, and this recipe combines both into a festive, wholesome treat that your horse will adore. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
• 2 cups of shredded carrots
• 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce
• 2 cups of whole-grain oats
• 1/4 cup of flour (whole wheat or all-purpose)
Instructions:
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded carrots and applesauce.
• Gradually mix in the oats and flour, stirring until you have a sticky, thick mixture.
• Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. You can make these as small or as large as you like.
• Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes or until the treats have firmed up and are slightly crispy on the outside.
• Allow the treats to cool thoroughly before presenting them to your horse. Store the remaining treats in an airtight container.
Feeding Holiday Treats to Your Horse
While these holiday treats are a delightful way to share the festive spirit with your horse, remember to exercise moderation. Too many treats, even healthy ones, can upset your horse’s digestive system or lead to obesity.
Limit the number of holiday treats to a few per day and ensure they are part of your horse’s daily dietary intake. Always consider your horse’s individual dietary needs and consult with your veterinarian if you have concerns.
Baking holiday horse treats is not only a joyful activity that will get you in the holiday spirit, but it’s also a wonderful way to show your horse how much you care. With these easy and nutritious recipes, your equine friend can indulge in the magic of Christmas alongside you. So, this holiday season, whip up a batch of these delicious treats and spread the joy to your four-legged companion!