Do you fancy giving your horse a festive edible treat this Christmas? We have four peppermint recipes courtesy of Horse & Country, headline sponsors of our interview stage at Your Horse Live, that are the perfect indulgence for our equine friends at this time of year.

Each recipe features peppermint which is a great choice for horses as they love the sweet, minty taste. Peppermint also has many health benefits, including helping to soothe the digestive system, reduce gas and encourage fussy feeders to eat.

It is best to use fresh peppermint leaves or natural peppermint oil in recipes for horses to avoid them consuming artificial additives or excess sugar.   

“Peppermint is more than just a festive flavour,” said Katie Allen-Clarke, director of marketing at Horse & Country. “Known for benefits like its soothing effects on digestion, it can be beneficial to your horse’s health. 

“Pair it with other Christmassy ingredients like apples, cinnamon, and cranberries, and you’ve got the perfect way to show your horse some love this holiday season.”  

Peppermint and apple bites

These no-bake treats are simple to make and packed with festive flavours. They are perfect for a quick snack and can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup grated carrots
  • 1 cup grated apple (any variety)
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 2 tablespoons molasses or honey
  • 1 teaspoon natural peppermint oil or a handful of chopped fresh peppermint leaves
  • Optional: a pinch of ground cinnamon

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, mix the grated carrots, apple, and oats.
  2. Stir in the molasses or honey to bind the ingredients.
  3. Add the peppermint and cinnamon, mixing well.
  4. Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized balls.
  5. Refrigerate for at least an hour to firm up before serving.

Cranberry and peppermint mash topper

This mash is an easy way to bring a festive touch to your horse’s bucket feed. Cranberries are rich in antioxidants but only safe for horses to eat in moderation. Remember sudden dietary changes are very risky and increases the likelihood of digestive upset like colic, so use sparingly.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of your horse’s regular mash
  • A handful of dried, unsweetened cranberries
  • 1 teaspoon peppermint oil or fresh leaves
  • 1 grated apple
  • A sprinkle of cinnamon

Instructions:

  1. Prepare your horse’s usual mash.
  2. Stir in the cranberries, peppermint, grated apple, and cinnamon.
  3. Serve warm for a comforting, Christmassy meal topper.

Peppermint and cinnamon oat cookies

These cookies combine festive flavours with horse-friendly ingredients for a crunchy, satisfying treat. They can be stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup plain flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 2 tablespoons molasses or honey
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon peppermint oil or finely chopped fresh peppermint leaves
  • A splash of water, as needed

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. In a bowl, mix the oats, flour, cinnamon, and peppermint.
  3. Add the applesauce and molasses, stirring to combine. If the mixture is too dry, add a splash of water.
  4. Roll out the dough and cut into festive shapes using cookie cutters.
  5. Place on a lined baking tray and bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden brown.
  6. Allow to cool completely before serving.

Carrot and cranberry festive garland

For a fun, interactive treat, create a garland of Christmas-themed snacks that your horse can nibble on. Make sure to supervise your horse to ensure they don’t try to eat the twine.

You will need:

  • Strong twine or rope
  • Large needle or skewer
  • Carrot slices
  • Apple slices
  • Dried cranberries
  • Peppermint leaves (fresh)

Instructions:

  1. Cut the carrots and apples into thick slices or festive shapes if desired.
  2. Thread the ingredients onto the twine, alternating between carrots, apples, cranberries, and peppermint leaves.
  3. Hang the garland in your horse’s stable or paddock as a fun, enriching activity.

Treats only — don’t offer too often

The above recipes also include apples, carrots, cinnamon and cranberries. It is well-known that fresh apples are great for horses while, in small amounts, cinnamon is also safe for horses to eat and promotes healthy digestion.

Cranberries make a good occasional chewy snack for horses, but they should be unsweetened and dried without preservatives or added sugars. 

Remember that treats should be just that — a treat. The treats listed on this page should be fed in moderation only and must not replace your horse’s regular diet. New flavours and ingredients should be introduced slowly to avoid digestive upset.

Lead image ©️ Shutterstock; inset Horse & Country TV

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