Instructions
Choose treats that are healthy for your horse. Carrots and apples are good choices, but lumps of sugar, human cookies or other junk food-like treats can be just as bad for horses as they are for humans. Many tack stores sell nutritionally balanced horse treats in a variety of flavors like apple, carrots, molasses, peppermint and even licorice but most horses will enjoy the cheaper option of carrots just as well.
Feed the treats carefully so you don't get bitten. You should always hold your palm flat so the horse can clearly see the treat and take it off your hand without biting you. By holding a treat gripped in your hand, you run the risk that the horse will accidentally bite you when trying to take the treat.
Feed the treats at an appropriate time. If you give your horse goodies too often, they will become an expectation. Use them as a reward for proper behavior. For example, when you catch your horse out in the pasture give it a treat so it will associate allowing you to catch it with a pleasant reward. If you feed treats too often, they won't be anything special.
Monitor other people who want to give treats to your horse. If you have friends visiting your barn, they may have no idea how to give a treat safely. Teach them the safe method of putting the treat on their palm. Monitor what they feed your horse to make sure that they're giving appropriate treats.
How to Feed Treats to a Horse
Horses enjoy treats, and handing out an occasional goodie can help you bond with your horse or reward it for good behavior. However, giving too many treats or the wrong ones, or handing them to the horse in the wrong way, can cause some problems. Knowing how to feed treats to a horse properly can make it a better experience for both you and the horse.