Toys to Relieve Stall Stress
Just like people, horses can get “cabin fever.” It is important to enrich your horse’s environment to avoid the formation of stereotypies. Toys provide a great form of enrichment for your equine companion. The toys that you choose need to be both entertaining and safe.
One popular option is the Jolly Ball for horses. The great thing about the Jolly Ball is that bites and punctures won’t cause it to deflate like other toys. The Jolly Ball comes in sizes ranging from 4 1/2” to 10” and a variety of colors. Scented balls are available in bubble gum, peppermint, green apple, and blueberry! The creators of the Jolly Ball have lots of great options for stall toys, including a Jolly Apple, an Amazing Graze treat dispenser, and a Pas-A-Fier. Check them out here!
The Jolly Ball is a popular option for entertaining equines.
Have you ever asked your horse if he likes soccer? Probably not, but there is an easy way to find out! Check out the Sportogo’s giant soccer ball. You can also get an anti-burst horse soccer ball at this site, where you can learn more about the amazing sport of horse soccer. You will also be able to purchase a membership to the American Horse Soccer Association, which will include Horse Soccer rules, a listing of players and team in your area, as well ass discounts on Horse Soccer Merchandise!
The Equine Distraction Aid is marketed particularly for horses that have ices like stall walking, weaving, pawing, wood chewing, and cribbing. Position the toy at mouth or eye level to help distract your horse from her bad habits! Get one here.
The Equine Distraction Aid will help get rid of those annoying vices!
The Talisker Bay Lickit Tongue Twister toy is another great option. It mounts right to the stall wall and uses refills, so your horse can enjoy this toy for a long time! Make sure the center of the toy is even with the withers. You can also smear molasses onto the toy to encourage play. See the Tongue Twister here.
The tongue twister uses refills, so your horse can enjoy this toy over and over!
You can also try some inexpensive, make-at-home toys. Rinsed out plastic milk jugs can entertain many horses when filled with pebbles or treats! Bore a hole through the middle of a turnip and hang in the stall, or float an apple in some water to make horsey work for his or her treat. Metal bells can also be entertaining for your pet. And, of course, horses can always benefit from companionship. If you find that your schedule is too hectic and your horse is missing out on time with you, consider a companion.
With all of these great options, your horse should be de-stressed in no time!
