Stable toys give a horse something to push, lick or search through at times when little is happening. The range falls into four groups: balls for throwing and rolling, treat balls that release a reward, nibble and lick blocks, and snuffle mats.
What does your horse like doing most?
- Grabbing and swinging. The Jolly Ball has a handle a horse can grip with its teeth. There are scented versions (apple, blueberry, bubblegum, vanilla, peppermint) and unscented ones. You fill the Jolly Hay Ball with hay.
- Pushing and rolling. The Maximus Power Play Ball comes in 65, 75 and 100 cm and is intended for the paddock or arena. The Excellent Horse Fun Play Ball, also in a suede look, is smaller.
- Working for a reward. Your horse rolls the Excellent Horse and Maximus Feed & Play balls until something falls out.
- Nibbling and licking. LAX makes alfalfa on a play rope, alfalfa blocks with a hole (3 and 12.5 kilos) and meadow nibble blocks with hay, alfalfa or vegetables.
- Sniffing. The Excellent Horse Snuffle Mat hides small pieces of feed between fabric flaps.
Playing safely
Hang toys on a rope so they cannot wrap around a leg or the head, and remove them when the rope frays. A one-metre ball belongs in the paddock or arena, not in a small stable. Anything that releases feed counts towards the daily ration; take extra care with a horse that needs to lose weight. Check balls and mats for tears, so your horse does not swallow bits of plastic or fabric.
Rotating works
A toy that is always in the stable soon becomes boring. By rotating two or three toys every few days, it stays interesting. If your horse spends a lot of time stabled and you are mainly looking for a solution to boredom, read stable toys against boredom.
These toys belong with stable and field. Other parts of that are haynets, feeders and drinkers.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Jolly Ball suitable for the stable?
The smaller Jolly Balls are, as long as the stable is big enough to throw them around. Large push balls belong in the paddock or arena.
Is there sugar in the nibble blocks?
That differs per block. Check the composition on the label and, for a horse on a diet, consult your vet.
How do I teach my horse to use a treat ball?
Fill the ball so something falls out on the very first push. Only make it harder once your horse understands how it works.