It all started with this young off-the-track thoroughbred — a beautiful horse with zero interest in treats.

As an ex-racehorse, he hadn’t acquired a taste for carrots or snacks and, once tricked into an introduction, remained fiercely picky, refusing to expand his racing palate. I was determined to find the recipe that would not only please him, but bring out his playful, reformed best self.

As an anxious windsucker, he also needed something to keep his mind busy. I bought a paddock toy treat dispenser hoping to redirect his habits — but none of the treats on the market were the right size or shape. Carrots would rot inside, and everything else either fell out too fast or not at all.

What I found at stores and stockfeeds was disappointing: expensive, inadequately shaped treats full of molasses, cinnamon (who likes that?), and processed ingredients. After too many wasted trial$, I took to the oven and started experimenting with size, shape, texture, and consistency — to beat boredom and fit the toy.

Out came a batch of fresh, natural biscuits. The moment this picky thoroughbred smelt them from the car, he was hooked. The bag was gone before I even reached his halter.

So I returned to the oven — first for him, and soon enough, for his barn friends too. He had to brag...