Apples

[FanyDuChamp]

Hi Peeps,
I was watching a programme in the summer about food being thrown away because it did not fit the norm for supermarkets. They were making complete meals out of free food.

Anyway they went to a fruit farm and got apples that were the "wrong" shape/size. I was wondering if anyone knew whether you could buy them for horses, like pony carrots.

Cappy is in all the time now, his choice, and I would like to hide some around his stable and in his haylage to keep him amused. He loves his carrots and has plenty but he likes apples too.

Does anyone know where I could order/ buy them from?
Thanks
FDC

 

[spotty_pony]

You could try asking at your local farm shop/greengrocers. I used to get given free carrots from a local corner shop sometimes. There was nothing wrong with them, they were just slightly discoloured and so they didn't want to sell them in the shop. My horses enjoyed them though!

 

[FanyDuChamp]

i would go for a lower sugar food such as swede/parsnip/turnip rather than carrots and apples if your horse is "in all the time"...

Thanks for your advice I agree generally but Cappy is not effected by sugar, rather it is cereal that sends him a bit loony. Also he is in all the time by his choice not ours, he plants his feet and refuses to leave the barn. He hates the cold and wet and has definite ideas about where he should be in this weather, his stable. He will remove the gate if put out and bring himself in.We have tried to convince him out is best, he won't stay out. So in he stays.

Fany is out unrugged at present, she is happy as larry.
FDC

 

[FanyDuChamp]

You could try asking at your local farm shop/greengrocers. I used to get given free carrots from a local corner shop sometimes. There was nothing wrong with them, they were just slightly discoloured and so they didn't want to sell them in the shop. My horses enjoyed them though!

Thanks,that is nice that your local shop gave you the discoloured ones. I don't mind paying it just gets expensive if you buy apples at the supermarket.

FDC

 

[helloamys]

We get some from the market in town, theres a fruit and veg stall and if I go about 4ish before they shut up, I can generally get the ones they were planning on binning or wouldn't sell. I get all sorts, mine will eat most things

Once when I was in a little Tesco, a lady was in front and asked the girl at the till if she could have any out of date fruit/veg for her horses. The girl got the manager who said he'd see what he could find and came back with a couple of carrier bags full for her. I know someone who used to get them from Aldi, she used to go every few days and they'd put the leftovers round the back for her. Might be worth trying the supermarkets too?

 

[FanyDuChamp]

Cheers. It is nice that supermarkets are willing to give them rather than just throw them away.
What I am really after is buying the ones the growers can't sell to the supermarkets/ greengrocers.
FDC

 

[Umbongo]

Yes definitely. At the race yard we get massive crate loads of apples from places such as Marks and Spencers, that didn't meet their standards. The boss normally pays a very small fee for a huge amount of apples that normally can last us all winter (2-3 apples in each feed, twice a day for about 18/20 horses).

I'm not sure who they contact...they have a lot of big contacts! But I would see if you can find any local growers near you/any large supermarkets to ask about obtaining the apples that don't meet their requirements.

 

[helloamys]

I'm not sure, but isn't alot of veg grown abroad and imported in? I don't know if its different for apples and carrots

Mebbies try allotments or wholesale fruit markets to see if anyone will offer you 'useless' produce at a minimal cost?

Or grow an apple tree We used to have one in an old garden but had no horse at the time

 

[FanyDuChamp]

Unfortunately live in Cumbria, so not a lot of apple orchards. Think I will buy myself an apple tree and grow my own.

My main point though was that there must be so much fruit and veg being thrown away that could go for animals such as horses, pigs and cattle if only it was easily source able.

FDC