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 horses health.Pair it with other Christmassy ingredients like apples, cinnamon, and cranberries, and youve got the perfect way to show your horse some love this holiday season.Peppermint and apple bitesThese 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 carrots1 cup grated apple (any variety)1 cup rolled oats2 tablespoons molasses or honey1 teaspoon natural peppermint oil or a handful of chopped fresh peppermint leavesOptional: a pinch of ground cinnamonInstructions:In a large bowl, mix the grated carrots, apple, and oats.Stir in the molasses or honey to bind the ingredients.Add the peppermint and cinnamon, mixing well.Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized balls.Refrigerate for at least an hour to firm up before serving.Cranberry and peppermint mash topperThis mash is an easy way to bring a festive touch to your horses 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 horses regular mashA handful of dried, unsweetened cranberries1 teaspoon peppermint oil or fresh leaves1 grated appleA sprinkle of cinnamonInstructions:Prepare your horses usual mash.Stir in the cranberries, peppermint, grated apple, and cinnamon.Serve warm for a comforting, Christmassy meal topper.Peppermint and cinnamon oat cookiesThese 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 oats1 cup plain flour1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce2 tablespoons molasses or honey1 teaspoon ground cinnamon1 teaspoon peppermint oil or finely chopped fresh peppermint leavesA splash of water, as neededInstructions:Preheat your oven to 180C (350F).In a bowl, mix the oats, flour, cinnamon, and peppermint.Add the applesauce and molasses, stirring to combine. If the mixture is too dry, add a splash of water.Roll out the dough and cut into festive shapes using cookie cutters.Place on a lined baking tray and bake for 1012 minutes or until golden brown.Allow to cool completely before serving.Carrot and cranberry festive garlandFor 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 dont try to eat the twine.You will need:Strong twine or ropeLarge needle or skewerCarrot slicesApple slicesDried cranberriesPeppermint leaves (fresh)Instructions:Cut the carrots and apples into thick slices or festive shapes if desired.Thread the ingredients onto the twine, alternating between carrots, apples, cranberries, and peppermint leaves.Hang the garland in your horses stable or paddock as a fun, enriching activity.Treats only dont offer too oftenThe 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 horses regular diet.New flavours and ingredients should be introduced slowly to avoid digestive upset. Lead image Shutterstock; inset Horse & Country TVRelated contentThis is how a horses digestive system worksOur experts explain how to provide the best diet for your horse7 common vet call outs to avoid this winterAll about impaction and gassy colic in horsesFruits and veggies that are safe to feed to horsesThe post Treat your horse to a homemade peppermint goody this Christmas appeared first on Your Horse.