Feeding horses

[Evoluzione]

Are horses mindful enough to be gentle with their teeth? Do they know that they could chomp off your finger end if it got in their mouth whilst you were feeding them and so take avoiding action?
The question arose whilst I was feeding them an apple or two on my way to work. I was taught as a kid to hold out your hand flat with the food on it, but:
A. The apple would have rolled off as Neddy went for it.
B. I didn't want hoss dribble all over me.
C. They were really keen on the apples, a huge crunch came as it chomped it in half, no way was I risking my fingers!

So I put them on the wall and they got quite good at picking them up

I suppose the answer is it depends on the horse....

• Yes I know about feeding horses too many apples.

[P700DEE]

No. they can easily think your finger might be food and will bite. They can get nippy if they think you have more Polos apples or similar.
For apples cut in half first. Easier for the horse and your hand.

[Chester draws]

I've walked past a few fields with horses in them recently.

Most of these had signs up requesting people not to feed them.

I think that's a fair request.

[fttm]

One of ours is a nibbler , we give out carrots which is easier .

[The jiffle king]

Please don’t feed the horses. Much as you are feeding a suitable food, horses don’ need many treats and their owners really like to know what they are eating

If you do have permission , it really depends on the horse, but most will accept a flat hand although apples are big so they should be cut in half if possible

As a horse owner people feeding them is frustrating and they will take as much as you can give them as they are greedy

[The jiffle king]

Give them a scratch and they will move around to show you where they want scratching . Nearly every horse loves a scratch

[kippertie]

PLEASE do not feed another persons horse...anything other than a hand grab of grass is a no no and even then make sure there is nothing other than grass, many "weeds" do not agree with horses....

Stupid things that just try and generate Vets bills....

[Evoluzione]

P700DEE said:

No. they can easily think your finger might be food and will bite. They can get nippy if they think you have more Polos apples or similar.
For apples cut in half first. Easier for the horse and your hand.

Thanks for the sensible reply

[Chubbyross]

kippertie said:

PLEASE do not feed another persons horse...anything other than a hand grab of grass is a no no and even then make sure there is nothing other than grass, many "weeds" do not agree with horses....

Stupid things that just try and generate Vets bills....

This, unfortunately. In the same way I’d hate strangers feeding my dog anything. I like to know what she’s eating, how much and when.