A reward works best when your horse understands exactly what it is getting it for. That is why this collection contains small, handy treats that you give straight after good behaviour, larger nibble blocks for the stable and toys that make the reward last longer.
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, apple (grain-free) and banana treats from other well-known brands, and around the holidays Christmas biscuits and raspberry blocks.
For the stable, LAX Tierfutter makes alfalfa blocks and meadow nibble blocks. Excellent Horse has the Foodie Friends in fruit and vegetable shapes and the Fun Play Ball, and Maximus the Feed & Play ball, which your horse has to work at for its reward.
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 specifically for biscuits or treats? See horse biscuits and treats. Other parts of everything for your horse are supplements, care, stable and field, protection against flies and horseflies, headcollars and rugs 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 reward suits a horse on box rest?
A nibble block or feed ball keeps your horse busy for longer than a single treat. Agree the amount with your vet.