Your horse is more than a pet or working partner: he's a real pal. Whether you keep horses as workers or as trail companions or both, you know that the better your mounts are cared for, the longer they'll live and the happier and healthier they'll be. It's not enough to feed and groom them; you also must give them regular supplements for their optimum well-being. Here are some different types of horse treats that are really supplements in disguise!

Joint support: Look for a product that combines the goodness of yucca, chamomile, turmeric, sarsaparilla, white willow bark and rosehips. These herbs are excellent for maintaining a horse's joint health, and horse treats made from them are ideal for horses that are convalescing or that are asked to do extremely strenuous work on a daily basis.

Overall health: Like all of us, horses reap many benefits from the regular intake of Vitamin C including fewer allergies and fewer problems with their respiratory and immune systems. Look for horse treats that advertise a formula that is gentle on your horse's stomach, since unbuffered Vitamin C can be rather harsh.

Fly control: When the hot weather sets in, it can become really miserable for horses. We've all driven past fields of horses where every tail is madly swishing in an attempt to ward off those pesky flies and other flying insects. Horse treats made with garlic are known to great help with the repulsion of bugs while having the added benefit of supporting the animal's immune system as well. Garlic is thought to contain anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial properties: all this and it keeps away bugs as well!

Hoofin' it: When you think about it, everything comes down to the health of a horse's hooves. If his hooves aren't strong enough to support his weight and help him do his work and play, he's in big trouble. Healthy hooves, hair, and bones don't come naturally to a horse: they come as the result of a healthy diet. Horse treats supplements can really help in this category by providing additional natural sources of the minerals that encourage collagen production.

Healthy gut: Sometimes a horse may need a little help with proper food absorption and digestion. This is especially important after worming or antibiotic administration because the animal's digestive enzymes can get out of kilter so easily. Special horse treat supplement blends will help to increase the production of "good bacteria" in your horse's belly, keeping him more healthy and comfortable.

Your horse is worth that little bit of extra attention that will keep him strong and healthy for years to come. In addition to apples and carrots, include horse treats supplements that will really make a difference.