When you're working with your horse and training him or you just want to show him how special he is to you, there will come a time when you want to give him treats.

What type of treat to give your horse will depend entirely on his personal tastes. Some horses will do anything for a carrot and others will run from the very site of a carrot. The best way to find your horse's favorite treats is to give him small "tastes" of treats as you work with him and see which ones he really enjoys.

Some commonly given treats for horses include
* Pitted Dates
* Raisins
* Sugar cubes
* Hay cubes
* Apple pieces
* Carrot pieces
* Sunflower seeds (with or without shells)

and some people even give candy and peppermints though many horses don't like them. You will also find your horse is a whiz at figuring out where you have the treats hidden if you often carry them in your pockets or feed him from a small bag. Your horse may nudge you on site or nip at your pockets to see if you have a treat. If that's the case, limit his treats and review ground manners with him. Don't let him get pushy for treats, they are a reward for good behavior.

Horses can choke just like any other living thing. An excited horse may quickly bolt a treat down and this can cause choking. Give small pieces of apple or other crunchy treats and make sure any fruits with large pits like a peach or a plum have had their pits removed prior to giving them to your horse.

Do not give your horse cabbage or other gas inducing vegetables, potatoes, tomatoes or chocolate. Especially if you compete with your horse, the theobromine in chocolate can cause a false positive on the drug test your horse will probably be given.

It's great to give your horse treats for good behavior and during training, but make sure he gets the right treats that are safe and healthy!