How to Make Cooling Summer Treats for a Horse

The hot summer months can be difficult for everyone, but fortunately humans have the luxury of air conditioning and other cool treats. Horses on the other hand are stuck outside in the elements and sometimes a little piece of shade just isn't enough to help cool down in the heat. If you would like to make your horse a bit more comfortable this summer, a few cool treat ideas will help.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Carrot strips
• Apple slices
• Horse feed
• Ice cube trays
• Apple juice
• Block ice
• Large turnips
• String

1. Freeze your regular horse treats for a cool, refreshing snack. Carrot strips and apple slices are among the most common goodies for horses and can easily be stored in the freezer. Your horse will be grateful for a sweet and cool reward.
2. Take a small bit of your horses regular feed and fill the compartments of an ice cube tray about half way with the food. Fill the remaining portion with water, or even apple juice, and freeze. Offer these cool, crunchy snacks to your horse on a hot summer day.
3. Cool off your horse with some ice cold water. Add a large block of ice to your horses watering trough to cool down the water. Your horse can enjoy a cold drink of water and even lick the ice cube for a bit of relief from the heat. This is especially helpful if you keep your horse indoors during the day, as a large trough of cold water will help to cool the air temperature as well.
4. Cut holes in the center of a few large turnips, soak them in water and then place them in your freezer for a few hours. Hang the frozen turnips in your horses stall for a cool nibble and a healthy treat.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure your horse always has a shady place to graze during hot summer days.
• It may be tempting to bathe your horse as a quick way to cool off. However, your horse needs it's natural oils to help in defense against the elements. You may bathe your horse a bit more frequently in the summer, but not everyday. Instead, try brushing your horse more often, another great method for cooling down.