Most people would say that living outside, in a big space, is best for your horse. Unfortunately, our horses sometimes must live inside – either because it is the living situation that is available, or maybe they need to be on stall rest. You may need to get some horse stall toys.
When our horses are confined to stalls, it can be bad for their mental and physical health. Sometimes it makes them frustrated, maybe a little dangerous, or just plain bored. Regardless of potential downsides, stall life is a necessity for many horses around the world.
Horses that live in paddocks can get bored too. Sometimes they are just the type of horse that needs something to do at all times or when they can’t have food in front of them. So find some equine toys to keep your horse entertained and busy. Whatever the reason for their living situation, you may need to find toys for your horse to entertain them so they don’t become grumpy or destructive.
Check out these fun ways to entertain and keep your horse from getting bored.
*Be sure to supervise your horse with any toy or treat to ensure they are safe and not getting frustrated or mad. Consult your vet if you have questions about whether or not something is suitable for your horse.*
1. Slow feed hay net or feeder.
I have been experimenting with slow feeders – so far, the Hay Pillow and Savvy Feeder are my favorites. Slow feeders can stretch out the time that it takes your horse to eat, therefore keeping him/her satisfied with food for longer.
Don’t forget the added benefit that horses are meant to graze throughout the day so slow feeding is generally better for their health than the two meals a day that many barns feed.
When selecting a slow feeder, make sure you adjust your horse to it slowly – most manufacturers recommend providing loose hay at the same time as the slow feeder so your horse can choose to try the new slow feeder and reduce the chance of frustration.
A slow feeder isn’t a toy for horses, but it will help occupy their time if they are confined to a small area or are bored.
*Note that the hay pillow is not suitable for shod horses, although they have hanging options for horses in shoes.
I have not tried this one myself but the reviews on various equine sites as well as Amazon have me thinking it is a very well loved toy among horses.
Simply fill the hollow core with whatever treats you would like to use. Hay cubes, carrots, apples, treats, etc. This toy is extremely durable and your horse will push it around trying to get the treats out.
Because of the flat sides on this treat ball, this toy is less likely to roll under a fence and away from your horse. The “ball” is 10 inches in diameter and has a 1 3/4 inch opening for treats. Simply fill the ball with your favorite treats, carrots, apples, or grain and allow your horse to roll the ball around to get out their goodies.
The ball is durable and provides lots of entertainment for your horse.
Buy the Nose-it Treat Ball Now.
The Equi-ball is a favorite among horses. Be sure to pick the bigger size if you want it to come up to your horse’s chest in height. My last boarding barn had one, and while my mare hated it (why would she want to play with a ball…mare thought process, you know?), there were countless horses there who loved to chase it around and jump on it. Some would even push it to a person if they had been trained to do so.
This would not be ideal in an actual stall because it is so big. It is better suited for a paddock space or turnout. The Mega Jolly Ball is an excellent toy for horses who are especially playful.
5. The Jolly Ball.
I have one of these for our OTTB, Gin. He plays with it sometimes, but he also believes it’s chasing him when he’s holding it. The Jolly Ball is extremely durable and horses love throwing it around and biting the incorporated handle.
We also got one for our dog ( who is extremely destructive for a 45 lb labradoodle). She loves it too although her sharp teeth did rip apart the ball after a few months so we had to throw it away and replace it. She looks hilarious carrying the Jolly Ball around though because it is much bigger than her head.
6. DIY – Cut up apples in your horse’s water trough.
The apples will float and your horse will enjoy “bobbing” for apples. I do suggest cutting them so your horse does not choke or eat the seeds.
7. DIY ice treat.
Cut up carrots and apples and make an ice lick. *This is a warm weather toy typically because of the ice. To make one of these, I suggest a yogurt container or cup. Fill your container with water and cut up carrots or apples, and place a rope down the middle of the container. Place in the freezer and once frozen, run a little hot water over the outside of the container to loosen it. Now you can tie the rope from the ceiling or a side wall in your horses stall. If your horse lives outside, you can still make this one but probably don’t need a rope to hang it as you can throw the ice treat on top of a pile of hay or the grass. Don’t throw it in the dirt because then you are just feeding your horse dirt.
This is a treat ball that will keep your horse licking and biting at it for hours. The ingredients are: Ground Corn, Sugar, Corn Syrup, Oats, Soybean Meal, Soybean Hulls, Wheat Middling, Vegetable Oil Refinery, Lipid, Corn Germ Meal, Molasses Products, Calcium Carbonate, Calcium Phosphate, Salt, Brewers Dried Yeast, Sodium Bentonite, and Vegetable Oil.
Simply hang it from a safe place in your horse’s stall and let them enjoy licking and eating it. There is also a “no sugar added” ball if your horse is on limited sugar intake.
Buy Uncle Jimmy’s Hangin Ball Now.
This is a licking treat and scented ball combo toy. You can easily buy refills for the stall snack part of it. There are many flavors available, like apple, molasses, carrot, and peppermint. You can also buy just the stall snack holder on it’s own if you don’t want the ball.
Buy the Jolly Stall Snack System Here.
10. The Pas-a-Fier.
This is a toy made of plastic that mounts to your horse’s wall. If your horse likes to chew or play with things with their lips, this could be a good toy. I’ve also read several accounts of people who purchased this and their horse didn’t touch it. So decide if this is a good fit based on your horse’s normal behavior.
11. A Mirror.
Most important thing is to purchase a mirror that is unbreakable (made of mylar or acrylic) or that it is completely out of reach of your horse. I would suggest the Mylar mirrors because they are like a sheet of plastic and unroll, therefore not leaving anything to chance that could injure your horse.
Put up the mirror somewhere that your horse can look at themselves – many horses get a bit excited at first thinking it’s another horse. Mine gets a little puffed up and snorty when she sees herself looking back. The entertainment may not last super long, but it could give your horse a few minutes a day of seeing “another horse” and being interested in how they got there.
Choose one (or a few) of these toys for horses when they are confined to a stall.
No matter the reason why your horse is bored or confined to a stall, at least a few of these toys should keep him/her occupied for several more hours of the day. Stall rest is especially hard because horses want to get out and let off some steam, but when they cannot, at least give them a few options to keep them entertained and engaged.
What horse stall toys have you and your horse tried?
Try to give your horse as much extra attention as you can when they are on stall rest because often times your company is the most engaging part of their day. Choosing a couple of these toys for horses will help engage with your horse and occupy their time.
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