Horse Treats & Toys

Horse treats and enrichment toys are more than just indulgences. They're practical tools for training, bonding, and supporting the mental wellbeing of horses that spend time in stalls or smaller paddocks. Horses are highly intelligent, social animals that evolved to move and forage for most of the day. When that natural outlet is limited, boredom and the associated behaviors that come with it, such as cribbing, weaving, stall walking, wood
chewing, are common results. Good enrichment doesn't replace turnout and social interaction, but it meaningfully improves the quality of life for stalled horses and gives riders a versatile reward tool for training work.

Treats are among the most versatile training aids you have. Used consistently and at the right moments, a well-timed treat reinforces positive behavior during groundwork, loading practice, farrier visits, and veterinary procedures. Soft treat options work well for horses with dental sensitivities, while crunchy apple, carrot, and mint-flavored biscuits are crowd-pleasers for most horses. Low-sugar treats are available for horses on restricted diets or those prone to metabolic issues. You don't have to deprive a horse on a diet of all the good stuff, you just need to choose the right options. Always introduce new treats gradually and in moderation; treats should be a complement to a balanced diet, not a substitute for it.

Enrichment toys engage a horse's natural curiosity and problem-solving behavior. Treat balls and puzzle feeders encourage movement and reward the horse for interacting with the toy. Hanging lick blocks and salt ropes give horses something to engage with between
feedings. Jolly balls and other durable equine toys provide an outlet for play behavior, particularly in younger horses or those with high energy. Slow-feed hay nets extend feeding time and more closely replicate natural grazing patterns, which benefits both mental and digestive health.

Whether you're looking for a thoughtful gift for a horse-loving friend, a treat for show day, or some new stable enrichment ideas, this collection brings together our favorite options for keeping horses happy, engaged, and feeling appreciated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What treats are safe for horses?
Many whole foods make excellent horse treats: apples (remove the core for large pieces), carrots, bananas, watermelon, peppermints, and plain horse cookies made from oats and molasses are all widely enjoyed and safe in moderation. Foods to avoid include anything containing caffeine, alcohol, onions, garlic, tomatoes, or stone-fruit pits. For horses with metabolic conditions like insulin resistance or Cushing's disease, high-sugar treats including most commercial cookie-style treats and sweet fruits should be limited or avoided. Look for low-sugar or balancer-based treat options instead.

Can horses get bored in their stalls?
Yes, absolutely. Horses are highly social and naturally spend up to 18 hours a day moving and foraging. When confined to a stall with limited social contact and nothing to occupy them, many horses develop stereotypies (repetitive behaviors like cribbing or weaving) or become anxious, difficult to handle, or hard to keep weight on. Enrichment toys, slow-feed hay nets that extend eating time, mirrors, regular turnout, and social contact with other horses are all evidence-backed ways to reduce boredom and improve stall welfare.

How do I introduce an enrichment toy to my horse?
Start by letting the horse inspect the toy at liberty without pressure. If the toy involves treats (like a treat ball), make it easy initially by filling it generously so the horse gets a reward quickly and learns the concept. Some horses engage immediately; others take a few days to warm up. Rotate toys periodically to keep things novel, and monitor first interactions with any hanging or large toy to make sure your horse interacts safely and doesn't get tangled or spooked.

How many treats can I give my horse per day?
There's no single right number, but treats should be a small fraction of a horse's overall diet, not a caloric replacement. A few pieces of carrot or apple, a handful of commercial horse cookies, or several small training treats per session is a reasonable amount for most horses. The more important consideration is the sugar and starch content: healthy adult horses on a balanced diet can handle moderate treat amounts without issue, but horses with metabolic concerns need treats specifically formulated to be low in non-structural carbohydrates. If you're using treats heavily in training, factor them into the horse's overall daily intake