Help Your Horse Beat the Heat with a Tasty Treat

Help Your Horse Beat the Heat with a Tasty Treat

Help Your Horse Beat the Heat with a Tasty Treat

The long hazy weeks of Dog Days mean we give extra attention to our equine residents at Oak Haven Acres. These senior horses are loving companions and look forward to occasional treats. Try some of our favorite tasty treat recipes for your horses.

1. Carrot-Apple Kisses

Show your equine friend some love with these delightful treats. The fresh taste of carrots, apples, a kiss of honey, and warm cinnamon will put a spring in their step. Plus, your kitchen will smell like heaven making these delicious snacks.

Ingredients:

•2 large carrots, grated
•1 large Granny Smith apple, seeded and grated
•¼ cup organic applesauce
•¼ cup honey
•1 cup whole wheat
•1 cup oats (not instant)
•1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions:

•Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

•Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or silicone pad and set aside.

•In a large mixing bowl, add all ingredients and mix until combined.

•Roll into doughballs about 1 inch in diameter. Place dough balls on the prepared sheet pan with about an inch or so space between each one.

•Bake until golden brown, about 20-25 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and allow the treats to cool. Store in a sealed container.

2. Mystic Unicorn Treats

Your horse doesn’t need a golden horn to be a magical beast. These sparkly treats will dazzle their eyes and taste buds. Who knows, maybe you have a unicorn after all.

Ingredients:

•1 cup rolled oats
•1 cup whole wheat flour
•¾ cup ground flaxseed
•3 Tablespoons coconut oil
•½ teaspoon baking soda
•½ teaspoon baking powder
•½ cup molasses
•½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
•Edible glitter and sanding sugar in whatever colors you prefer

Directions:

•Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

•Spray a large sheet pan generously with cooking spray and set aside.

•Add oats and flour to a large mixing bowl, stir until combined, and set aside.

•In the bowl of a food processor, add ground flaxseed, coconut oil, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon. Process until combined well.

•Pour flaxseed mixture into oat mixture and stir. Add molasses and keep mixing until you form a dough ball.

•Use a tablespoon to measure small dough balls and arrange them on the prepared sheet pan. Sprinkle each treat with edible glitter.

•Bake for 15 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle each treat with colored sugar. Bake until lightly done, about 5 to 10 more minutes.

•Remove the pan from the oven and allow the treats to cool. Store in a sealed container.

3. Nutty No-Bakes

Who wants to turn on the oven when the temperature is hovering high? You can make these quick and easy treats without baking. Make a double batch because your horses are bound to love them.

Ingredients:

•½ cup organic peanut butter
•¾ cup powdered sugar
•¾ cup whole or 2 percent milk
•1 cup old-fashioned oats
•¾ cup granola
•¼ cup dried apple chips, crumbled

Directions:

•Add peanut butter, powdered sugar, and milk to a large mixing bowl. Mix well until combined.

•Stir in oats, granola, and apple chips until blended.

•On a sheet of wax paper, drop the mixture by rounded teaspoonfuls, leaving a bit of room between each treat. Leave them to sit until they are firm.

•Store in a sealed container.

4. Pasture Popcorn Balls

Like most humans, horses have a penchant for sweet/salty/crunchy treats. These tempting morsels are like classic popcorn balls with some added sweet feed. Carry a few in your pocket when spending time with your loving four-hooved friend.

Ingredients:

•1 cup molasses powder or regular sugar
•1/3 cup light corn syrup
•1 cup water
•¼ teaspoon salt
•1 teaspoon pure vanilla
•3 quarts of sweet feed
•2 cups popped kettle corn

Directions:

•Lay a long sheet of wax paper on your counter and set it aside.

•Add molasses powder, corn syrup, and water in a heavy medium-sized pot over medium heat.

•Stir and cook until the mixture reaches the medium-crack stage at 280 degrees on a candy thermometer.

•Stir in salt, vanilla, sweet feed, and kettle corn until blended. Remove from heat.

•Grease your hands well with shortening and form the mixture into small dough balls.

•Place on prepared wax paper and allow to set until firm. Store in an airtight container.

5. Minty Delights

Unsurprisingly, the same mint that helps your upset stomach is also soothing for your horse. Not only are these delicious goodies a digestive aid, but it also cools and freshens your horse’s breath. It’s a doubly delightful treat that they’ll be anticipating time and time again.

Ingredients:

•3 medium carrots, grated
•1 small apple, seeded and grated
•1 large bunch of fresh mint leaves, chopped
•2 tablespoons canola oil
•1/4 cup molasses
•1 teaspoon of salt
•1 cup of old-fashioned oats
•1 cup whole wheat flour

Directions:

•Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and set it aside.

•Add carrots, apples, oil, and molasses to a large mixing bowl. Mix well until combined.

•Roll mixture into teaspoon-sized balls and arrange on the prepared sheet pan. Bake until lightly brown, about 25 minutes.

•Remove the pan from the oven and allow the treats to cool. Store in an air-tight container.

If your equine friends are ready for rest and retirement, consider Oak Haven Acres in Spring Hope, NC. Our experienced staff gives our senior horses the love and care they deserve. Call today to see how we can help you.

Phone: 252-478-5239 or 919-818-6241
515 Huford Harris Rd, Spring Hope, NC 27882, USA
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