Horses are commonplace in the U.S. and are used in a variety of functions — from horse racing to plowing farmland — but the one thing most people don’t think about is pouring it over their Cheerios at breakfast. Believe it or not, horse milk is sold by several specialty shops in the U.S., and can be found at farmers markets and local dairy farms as well. Horse milk — commonly referred to as “mare’s milk” — has many benefits, including lower fat and calories than cow’s milk. It’s also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it an excellent choice for those looking for an alternative to cow’s milk. Mare’s milk has a slightly different flavor than cow’s milk, with the most prominent difference being that it’s sweeter. It can also be made into cheese, butter, ice cream, and other dairy products. Mare’s milk has been consumed by humans for centuries and is believed to help boost the immune system. Unfortunately, mare’s milk can carry bacteria that can harm humans, so it has to be pasteurized before consumption. Specialty food stores and online retailers adhere to pasteurization, so you need not be concerned about ordering from them. To be on the safe side, you should speak with your healthcare provider before consuming mare's milk. Common side effects from drinking mare’s milk include diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and nausea, but these side effects are typically mild and go away within a few days. Now for the bad news: mare’s milk is fairly pricey, selling for $8 for an 8-oz bottle.
