It’s playtime for the ponies!
Is your horse bored or restless? Has he picked up some unsavory habits? It’s time to invest in some fun toys for the pasture!
Horses need mental and physical stimulation. And the highly controlled environments of today’s stables don’t always provide the natural enrichment horses need. Fortunately, there is a wide range of pasture and stall toys that help horses stay engaged. This post explores several of the best horse toy options.
Why do horses need toys?
In the wild, horses spend nearly 20 hours a day grazing. They can travel over 10 miles a day while grazing. And when they’re not grazing, they’re almost constantly interacting with their herd mates.
“Their natural instincts stem from this type of free-range atmosphere.”
But today’s horses live in relatively small pastures. They can even live in a stall most of the time. And sometimes, access to other horses is minimal.
The mental and physical stimulation that comes from simply living one’s best life as a horse in the wild is a far cry from life in a stable.
Although very different, the domestic lifestyle has many advantages. Regular veterinary care, proper nutrition and a constant supply of fresh water, for starters.
“Grazing toys can help fill in the gaps associated with the home lifestyle.”
And, with this article, you can supplement with some toys to exercise your horse’s brain and help him live his best life!
Pasture or stall toys
Pasture toys are larger and designed to be kicked, rolled and thrown. These types of toys encourage play in a larger space.
“Since the square footage of a stall is not comparable to that of a pasture, we design toys for this space on a smaller scale.”
Stall toys can be as simple as a milk jug attached to the stall. Or a giant stuffed animal they can throw without hurting themselves or the stall.
Points to consider
Keep the following points in mind when purchasing grazing toys for your horse:
Safety - Always the first consideration for horses.
Durability - Let’s face it, horses are tough on everything. Especially your wallet!
Entertainment value - You don’t want to break the bank only to have your horse throw the toy away once without enthusiasm and quickly forget it ever existed.
Price - This is always a valid consideration (see point 2 above!).
Age and activity level - These factors can affect the type of toy he will enjoy.
Diet - If your horse has caloric restrictions, it’s best to avoid toys that dispense treats.
The seven best toys for your horse
1. Horsemen’s Price 10″ Jolly Ball
This one is a classic for a reason! Although simple in design, your horse will have hours of fun picking up, kicking and throwing the Jolly Ball around the pasture.
“If your horse lives in a stall, you can still create an entertaining experience by attaching the ball.”
No matter how you use the Jolly Ball, it’s a hit with horses around the world!
PROS:
America makes Jolly Balls, which is great.
We can use these toys as dog toys for large breeds.
The Jolly Ball comes in 6 different colors.
CONS:
They may not be as durable as advertised.
Buy: Horsemen’s Price 10″ Jolly Ball
2. Jolly Pets Amazing Graze from Horsemen’s Pride
The Amazing Graze is another successful toy from the Jolly Pets line. This toy is a treat dispenser that releases a tasty treat when your horse rolls it correctly.
Watch your horse roll the toy back and forth and side to side, trying to figure out where the carrots are coming from.
This toy could be just as much fun for you as it is for him!
PROS:
We made the toy of durable material.
You can fill the toy with a wide variety of different treats.
We can use this toy in a pasture or stall.
CONS:
This may not be the ideal toy for horses that get frustrated easily.
Because of its odd shape, it may be difficult to clean.
Buy: Jolly Pets Amazing Graze from Horsemen’s Pride
3. Long River Rubber Chicken - Squeaky toy
The only thing more fun than a rubber chicken is a horse playing with a rubber chicken! This toy obviously has an internal squeaker, so every time your horse bites, it makes a ridiculous noise.
“There is no guarantee that all horses will enjoy the sound. The horse in the promotional video certainly seemed to enjoy himself!”.
PROS:
This toy is hilarious!
We can use it in both pastures and stalls.
You can also use it for dogs.
CONS:
The sound may scare off other horses.
Buy: Long River Rubber Chicken - Squeaky toy
4. Horsemen’s Pride Mega Ball 30 inch
Watch your horse romp and play in the pasture with this mega ball!
“It comes in different sizes and colors to delight and entice your equine companion.”
PROS:
Ideal for desensitizing young horses.
Encourages active play, meaning it helps your horse burn off all that extra energy!
You can also use this toy for your dog.
CONS:
Because this toy is inflatable, it is not as durable as some others on the list.
It is not ideal for a doghouse.
Buy: Horsemen’s Pride Mega Ball 30 inch
5. Vomvomp Hanging Carrot Feeding Toy
This design is simple but offers an appealing charm to your carrot-loving equine companion! Your horse will love the challenge of trying to bite the carrots in this hanging net.
“For an extra challenge, try different sized treats. Apple slices or horse treats are also great options. Easy to fill and maintain. This net is a hit all around!”
PROS:
You can use different sized treats by adjusting the ball inflation.
This toy allows your creativity to shine through the choice of treats and get the perfect ball to treat ratio.
This toy is relatively durable.
CONS:
This may not be the best option if your horse is picky about treats.
Buy: Vomvomp Hanging Carrot Feeding Toy
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What do horses like to play with?
Anything that looks intriguing! Although horses can see colors, their color sense is more muted than ours. But they can see blues and yellows more vividly than other colors, so keep that in mind when buying toys.
Q: What can I give my horse to play with?
Using toys designed specifically for horses is always the best option. We usually make them of durable materials that are non-toxic if accidentally ingested.
“You should always have some level of supervision when your horse is playing with toys to prevent ingestion and to monitor for injury.”
Sometimes horses get so excited that they go a little too far. They need some supervision to make sure they stay safe.
Q: How do I keep my horse entertained?
Alternating toys that work their brain and body is one of the best ways to keep your horse entertained.
“Toys like balls encourage active play, which allows your horse to spend energy. And puzzle toys are great for keeping them busy in small spaces.”
Bored horses get into trouble. But you can keep your horse happy and healthy by providing toys that stimulate its natural instincts.
Q: How do you mentally stimulate a horse?
One way to mentally stimulate your horse is to teach him basic ground and under saddle skills.
Another way is to provide toys that gradually reward him for certain behaviors. Toys that give out treats are great for mental stimulation!
Q: What are the best craft toys for horses?
A DIY horse toy can be as simple as a piece of thick rope with several knots.
You can also make your own version of the hanging carrot feeder toy above by taking an inflatable ball and placing it in a hay net. Just put treats around the ball, and Voila! You have your very own treat dispensing ball.
Always keep safety in mind when doing DIY. Not all materials are safe in case of accidental ingestion, and some toys will require more supervision from you than others.
Q: What are the best toys to combat boredom with horses?
Toys that gradually dispense treats as horses handle them are perfect for small spaces. If your horse is in a larger space, he may appreciate a more active toy such as a Jolly Ball or even a pull toy.
Q: What are the best stall toys for horses?
Smaller toys or toys designed to be tied up somewhere are best for a stall.
Q: What are the best enrichment toys for horses?
Toys that stimulate the horse’s natural instincts to play, graze and explore are all excellent for enrichment.
Final Thoughts
I hope this article has inspired you to consider horse toys as more than just silly toys. Horse toys are an integral part of a happy, healthy horse, as they provide mental and physical enrichment.
And nothing beats a happy, healthy horse.
