[ModernDayCowgrl]

I know that I use treats as a reward when training, but I've never been fond of feeding from my hand - I normally wait until afterwards and give a couple treats in the feed bucket. I use verbal praise when working, and find that most horses pick up "praise" and can figure out the difference between my nice voice and my "your in trouble" voice...

What does everyone else believe, do you think that it is ok to feed treats by hand? Do you even feed treats, or do you use verbal praise and pats on the neck? What treats do you use (i.e - alfafa cubes, grass, etc.)?

[FloraDanicaHR]

I don't usually praise with treats when I am working with a horse, as they usually (my horses anyway) act like kids on candy, and get side tracked faster- always verbal praise, and lots of it. I also don't like feeding treats by hands. I always use some kind of bucket. I use an apple crunch or just some alfalfa/timothy cubes. They seem to love it.

[HunterJumper101]

I always give treats by hand but I don't give treats out that often anyways. The only time I give a treat really is when I get the horse from pasture. This one horse I ride always likes to play a game of tag but she walks over to me now even without treats. I mostly use pats and my voice as a reward.

[Rhythm 'n Blues]

I don't use treats as praise or reward really.

IF treats are fed (that's abig if, because it's seldom) they are fed by hand (unless the horse is a know nipper, but I have never had/worked with one of those) after a good solid ride where the horse really worked hard and did his best. My treats are nearly always carrots.

Oh wait, I should also add that I will use carrots for carrot stretches that were instructions given to me by the horse Chiro lady.....well depending on the horse. If it's a horse I can get to do the stretches without any treats (yes I've had a few of those) then I will, but if it requires the treat, then I use it! Better to get the stretches in with a treat, then no streatches & no treat

**side note: I didn't answer the pole as I don't consider it a "reward"**

[rageandglory]

the young ones here don't get edible treats until all adult teeth are in. then, when into more formal training, they get treats for clarity and when they have worked. once i know a horse is respectful both in not grabbing, checking first and not begging/demanding, i will random treat tho not on a regular basis.

[RedandChaz]

Treats are just that, treats. Our horses rarely get treats, and none of them are nippers. Treats range from pulled grass the apple wafers to just a little handful of grain. If one of the horses does nip, then no treats for a long, long time. As far as rewards for good behavior go, getting to be tied to the fence is a reward being it lets my horse rest. Otherwise it is verbal praise and a good rub.

[tbtrainer]

I should own stock in a peppermint factory. And yes, I do feed them by hand, but not while they are training or being ridden.

[angie j]

I don't use treats in training at all.

But, I want a horse to learn 'how' his mouth and lips are to be used in connection with 'my' hand..lol. They always get treats hand fed (carrots, sweet feeds, apples) and must use 'gentle' lips and tongue to qualify to get some.

Angie J

[JBandRio]

I'm in the "yes and no" category.

I use treats when working on stretches. Very very effective.

I'm not above using treats as a way to have a horse happy to accept a bit.

I don't treat while in the saddle, but have seen it done correctly with good results.

I treated my TB mare for good behavior in one situation - I prefer to not hassle with cross tying, so my horses learn to stand in the aisle while I'm grooming and tacking up, no halter. With my WB gelding, it was easy - moving is too hard But my mare would prefer to follow me and see what I'm doing. She *very* quickly learned it was much better to stay put Could I have done the same thing without treats? Sure. But sometimes "cheating" is very, very worthwhile.

If I had a horse prone to nipping/nudging/digging around pockets, there would be no hand treating, period, either until that space issue was resolved, or ever.

[rwinksters]

I am really not that big into treats, but it is kind of fun to give a treat or two every now and then. I hardly ever give it as a "reward". It's mostly just because.... although if the horse gave me an incredible ride and did especially well, I make sure to either give them a treat or hand graze them for a few minutes.