b'the procedure more easily, Foster says. If people did this before and after every injection, there would be fewer needle-shy horses.Conversely, feeding a horse treats at the wrong time can accidentally reinforce behaviors the owner would prefer to discourage. For example, a horse that is pawing, begging, nosing human pockets for hidden treats, or mugginggetting pushy around humans and other horsesin anticipation of a treat can be danger-ous. That kind of behavior can not only annoy humans but also negatively affect the horse displaying it, Foster says.Horses can become aggressive and demanding over food, she says. And horses that are pawing or begging for a treat are actually feeling aroused and ARND BRONKHORSTdriven in anticipation of food, and thats often not a feel-good experience for the horse.Treats as Part of the Diet When done properly, positive-reinforcement-based training programs, such as clicker-training, Meanwhile, because food is directlyreward horses with food for performing desired behaviors.connected to equine well-being, it is powerful in another way, too, says Burtand equine metabolic syndromea special low-sugar and -starch treat Staniar, PhD, equine nutritionist in Penn- (EMS), a condition characterized byproduct instead.sylvania State Universitys Departmentgeneral obesity, regional adiposity of Animal Sciences, in University Park.(fat accumulation in certain areas ofChoosing TreatsThats why its just as important to knowa horses body, such as in the neck),The good news is, when it comes to how treats affect a healthy horses diet. insulin resistance (a reduction in insulintreats, there isnt one that owners should Nutrition is complicated and notsensitivity that makes it more difficult forabsolutely never feed their horses.straightforward, but there is some com- cells to take up blood sugar, or glucose,Horses are picky eaters, and often they mon sense to the way it works, Staniarfor metabolism or storage), and laminitis,turn their noses up at something new, says. The simplest rule is everything ina painful foot condition that causesStaniar says. So we experiment with fla-moderation. inflammation and weakening of thevors such as molasses and anise because Staniar says a 1,000-pound horsetissues that attach the coffin bone to thehorses like them.should consume about 20 pounds of foodhoof wall.And though apples, carrots, and pep-every day. Most of that is in foragehaypermints might be common favorites, and pasture grassand the rest is insome owners prefer to feed their horses grain and then in supplements, includingIf you give the horsehomemade treats because they believe treats, he says. So no matter what they10 carrots, you shouldthey are healthier. Staniar reminds us, are, treats are only going to account for ahowever, that treats from the kitchen small percentage of horses diets.be giving them over themight not be more beneficial than those But thats not to say owners shouldcourse of the day. bought off the feed stores shelf. downplay the nutritional value of theId rather have a homemade cookie treats they do feed, especially in light ofDR. BURT STANIAR than a commercial one, too, but I have what those items contribute to a horsessome concerns about homemade cookies overall diet.So it is important for owners to pay(for horses) because I dont know what I go to the barn to visit my horse aattention to how many treats and whatingredients are used to make them, couple of times a week, and I alwayskind they feed their horses at any onehe says. Ill bet that a nutritionist has bring an apple or a carrot, Staniartime. If you give the horse 10 carrots,worked on the ingredients for the com-says. But actually there is no differ- you should be giving them over themercial cookies.ence between an apple or a carrot or acourse of the day, Staniar says. If youIndeed, manufacturers involve peppermintthe nutritional value is ingive them all 10 carrots at once, you havenutritionists in treat development and the sugar, and they all contribute sugar tocomplications in the glucose-insulintesting, and product packaging designers a horses diet. response. make sure each bag provides information As a result, upping a horses sugarIf your horse has one of theto help consumers use the treat properly, intake by overfeeding treats can promoteabovementioned conditions, ask yoursays Katie Young, PhD, senior nutritionist unhealthy conditions such as obesityveterinarian if you should be feedingand product manager for equine technical TheHorse.com|The HorseNovember 201871'