A reward works best when your horse understands exactly what it is getting it for. That is why this collection contains only treats: small, handy blocks and biscuits that you give straight after good behaviour, and larger nibble blocks for the stable.
What is in this collection
Most of it consists of Sweet Blocks from Excellent Horse: small blocks in apple, banana, carrot, eucalyptus, garlic and herb flavours, packed per 1, 1.2 or 3 kilos. Apple and herbs are also available grain-free. There are also the handmade apple horse biscuits from Excellent Horse and banana treats and apple treats (grain-free) from another brand.
For the stable, LAX Tierfutter makes alfalfa blocks with a hole, meadow nibble blocks with hay, alfalfa or vegetables, and alfalfa on a rope or play rope. From Horslyx there is the Mini with garlic flavour, a small lick for in between.
Rewarding without begging
- Give the reward within a few seconds of the desired behaviour, otherwise your horse links it to something else.
- Keep pieces small: it is about the signal, not the amount.
- Give it on a flat hand and only when your horse keeps its head calmly to itself. If it pushes at your pocket, it gets nothing.
- Combine the treat with a fixed word, so that later you can also reward with just your voice.
Choosing: size, flavour and grain-free
For training in the arena, small blocks or biscuits that fit in a jacket pocket are handy. For a stabled horse, a nibble block is more of a pastime than a reward. Grain-free versions are intended for owners who want to limit grain in the ration. If your horse is overweight or has a metabolic problem, consult your vet about how many treats fit in the ration.
Looking for toys such as balls, feed balls or snuffle mats? You will find them under stable toys for horses. Larger lick blocks and lick buckets are in lick stones and lick buckets. Other parts of everything for your horse are supplements, care, stable and field, protection against flies and horseflies, headcollars and lead ropes and items for the rider.
Frequently asked questions
How many treats can a horse have per day?
That depends on the product and on your horse. Stick to the recommendation on the pack and count treats as part of the daily ration.
Does rewarding with treats make a horse pushy?
Only if the treat often comes for no reason. Only give it after desired behaviour and never when your horse pushes for it.
What is the difference between Sweet Blocks and grain-free Sweet Blocks?
The grain-free versions are made without grain. For the full composition, check the label of the flavour you choose.
Which treat suits a horse on box rest?
A nibble block or alfalfa on a rope keeps your horse busy for longer than a single treat. Agree the amount with your vet.