Are horse toys safe for all horses?

Generally yes, but always supervise initial use. Avoid small parts and ensure the toy is size-appropriate. Remove damaged toys immediately. Consult your vet if your horse has behavioral issues or dietary restrictions.

Can I make my own horse toys?

Yes, DIY toys like hay stuffed in a knotted nylon sock or a hanging milk jug can work, but monitor for safety. Homemade toys may lack durability and could break easily, so inspect frequently.

How often should I replace horse toys?

Replace when showing signs of wear - cracks, fraying, missing pieces. Typically every few months with regular use. Rotate multiple toys to extend their lifespan and keep your horse engaged.

Do horse toys help with stall vices?

They can reduce boredom, a common cause of vices like weaving or wood chewing. However, if your horse has severe vices, address underlying causes like insufficient turnout or social interaction alongside toy enrichment.

Do toys really help a stabled horse?

Yes, foraging and lick toys can reduce boredom behaviours during box rest, though they work best alongside turnout, plenty of forage, and the company of other horses.

How do I hang a stable toy safely?

Fix it high enough that a horse's legs cannot become tangled, use strong fittings, and check regularly for worn parts that could break off and be swallowed.

Horse Toys: A Complete Buyer’s Guide

Horses are intelligent, curious animals that thrive on mental and physical stimulation. While turnout and companionship are essential, boredom can lead to stall vices like cribbing or weaving. That’s where horse toys come in. This guide helps you navigate the wide world of equine enrichment, from treat dispensers to hanging puzzles, so you can choose the best options for your horse’s personality and needs. Always supervise new toys and consult your vet if you have concerns about your horse’s behavior or diet.

What to Look For

When selecting horse toys, prioritize safety first. Avoid toys with small parts that could be swallowed or sharp edges. Look for durable materials like heavy-duty rubber, thick nylon, or reinforced plastic that can withstand chewing and kicking. Size matters: toys that are too small pose a choking risk, while oversized ones might be cumbersome. Also consider ease of cleaning – mold and bacteria can hide in crevices. Finally, think about your horse’s play style: some prefer mouthing objects, others like kicking or tossing.

Top Types to Consider

Treat Balls

Treat balls, such as the Likit or Horse Ball, are hollow spheres with holes that dispense feed or treats as the horse rolls them. They encourage natural foraging behavior and provide mental stimulation. Pros: slow feed intake, reduce boredom, and can be filled with hay pellets or treats. Great for stalled horses but ensure the ball is large enough not to be swallowed.

Jolly Balls

Jolly Balls are large, tough rubber balls with a handle, originally designed for cows but loved by horses. They satisfy kicking and throwing instincts. Pros: nearly indestructible, promotes exercise, and can be hung or left on the ground. Ideal for pasture or paddock use. The handle should be secure to prevent trapping.

Hanging Hay Nets & Station Feeders

While technically feeding tools, slow-feed hay nets and puzzle feeders are enrichment toys. Hanging nets prolong eating time – a key boredom buster. Pros: mimic grazing, reduce waste, and some have small mesh openings for slower consumption. Choose net sizes appropriate for your horse’s feeding schedule and avoid dangling too low to prevent leg entanglement.

Snuffle Mats & Lick Mats

These flat mats have fabric strips or ridges to hide treats or grain. They encourage licking and rooting. Pros: compact, easy to clean, and great for trailering or temporary confinement. Ensure the mat is heavy or secured so it doesn’t slide around.

How to Choose

Match the toy to your horse’s temperament. A high-energy, destructive chewer needs heavy-duty options like Jolly Balls or thick rubber treat balls. A quieter horse might enjoy a snuffle mat or a simple licit toy. Consider the environment: for stables, hanging toys that are well above the ground prevent getting trampled; for turnout, ground-level toys that can be rolled or kicked are better. Rotate toys to maintain novelty – horses get bored of the same object. Introduce one toy at a time, and observe how your horse interacts before leaving it unsupervised. If your horse is aggressive with toys, opt for food-dispensing ones that encourage gentler mouth movements.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cheap Materials: Flimsy plastic or thin rubber can break, creating sharp shards. Invest in well-known brands like Jolly Pets, Likit, or Horsemen’s Pride.
Ignoring Safety: Never use toys with ropes that can fray or become entangled. Avoid small openings where a hoof or muzzle could get stuck. Check toys regularly for wear.
Too Many Treats: Using treat-based toys excessively can lead to weight gain or colic. Fill them with appropriate low-sugar treats like hay pellets or carrot chunks. Consult your vet for dietary advice.
Overstimulation: Some horses may become frustrated or obsessive with certain toys. Watch for signs of aggression or anxiety, and switch to a calmer enrichment activity like a simple salt lick.

Bottom Line

The right horse toy enriches your horse’s life, reduces stress, and strengthens the bond between you. Start with one durable, species-appropriate toy, and observe your horse’s response. Remember that toys are supplements to – not replacements for – adequate turnout, social interaction, and proper nutrition. Check the current price on Amazon to find the best value for your budget. Happy playing!

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Sources

AKC
ASPCA

What you need to know

Horses are intelligent grazers that get bored in stables and small paddocks, and the right toys reduce stress behaviours like weaving, box-walking, and crib-biting. Treat balls and rolling feeders that release a few pellets as they move tap into natural foraging instinct and keep a horse occupied for longer. Sturdy hanging toys and lick-based boredom breakers also work well for stabled horses on box rest.

Durability and safety matter most here, given a horse’s size and strength. Pick toys made from thick, kick-proof plastic with no small parts or removable caps that could be chewed off and swallowed. Hang stable toys high enough that legs cannot get tangled, and rotate toys every week or two so novelty does not wear off. Never rely on toys alone. Plenty of turnout, forage, and equine company remain the core of a horse’s mental wellbeing.