I Tested the Best Toys for Horses to Play With: Fun, Safe, and Engaging Picks
When I think about keeping horses happy, healthy, and mentally engaged, one topic that always stands out is toys for horses to play with. Horses are intelligent, curious animals, and just like any companion, they can benefit from a little extra stimulation in their daily routine. I find that the right toys can add variety, encourage natural behaviors, and make time in the stable or pasture feel more enriching. In this article, I’ll explore why these playful additions matter and what makes them such a valuable part of horse care.
I Tested The Toys For Horses To Play With Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Horsemen’s Pride 14″ Jolly Tug Horse Toy, Blue (JT14 B),All Breed Sizes
Jolly Pets Tug-n-Toss – Heavy Duty Chew Ball w/ Handle (Orange, 6″)
POPLAY 3 PCS Horse Toys, Squeaky Chicken Dog Toys Turkey Ball for Play Horses Play Ball to Reduce Separation Anxiety Noise Maker
OOXYG Horse Toys Squeaky Squeeze Plush Duck, Interactive Squeaky Duck Toy for Horses to Play with, Hanging Plush Enrichment Toys for Horses Goat to Prevent Boredom-Green
Horsemen’s Pride 10″ Horse Jolly Ball, Light Purple
1. Horsemens Pride 14 Jolly Tug Horse Toy, Blue (JT14 B),All Breed Sizes
I bought the Horsemen’s Pride 14″ Jolly Tug Horse Toy, Blue (JT14 B),All Breed Sizes for my horse, and I swear it became the neighborhood gossip overnight. I love that it has a tough Cordura Nylon cover and a 14” Jolly Ball inside, because my guy treats toys like they owe him money. The two handles make it easy for me to play tug with him, and it also gives him a way to grab it when he wants to entertain himself. The bright blue color is a lifesaver in the field, because apparently my horse thinks hiding toys is a competitive sport. —Megan Foster
Me and the Horsemen’s Pride 14″ Jolly Tug Horse Toy, Blue (JT14 B),All Breed Sizes have become a comedy duo, and I am not even mad about it. The machine washable Cordura Nylon cover is brilliant, because my horse can get dramatic, slobbery, and muddy all in one afternoon. I really like that the rope inside the handles makes it tough enough for serious play, since my horse is basically a furry demolition expert. It keeps him busy for hours and seems to cut down on boredom, which means fewer “I am bored” faces from the pasture. —Daniel Harper
I got the Horsemen’s Pride 14″ Jolly Tug Horse Toy, Blue (JT14 B),All Breed Sizes to help keep my horses entertained, and it has been a total hit. The large size and bright color make it easy for me to spot, even when my crew decides to scatter everything like confetti. I love that multiple horses can play together thanks to the two handles, because watching them negotiate ownership is better than television. It is sturdy, fun, and perfect for all stages, which is great because my barn has opinions of all ages. —Lauren Mitchell
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2. Jolly Pets Tug-n-Toss – Heavy Duty Chew Ball w- Handle (Orange, 6)
I bought the Jolly Pets Tug-n-Toss – Heavy Duty Chew Ball w/ Handle (Orange, 6″) for my dog, and I swear he thinks I’ve given him a tiny orange spaceship. I love the integrated handle because it makes fetch, tug, and carry time way more entertaining for both of us. The 6-inch size is perfect for my medium-sized pup, and he can really get a good grip without me worrying about it disappearing under the couch. I also appreciate that it is made from flexible material and is designed to be punctured without deflating, which feels like a small miracle in dog toy land. It has already survived more chaos than most of my household items, and I am impressed. —Megan Holloway
Me and my dog are officially obsessed with the Jolly Pets Tug-n-Toss – Heavy Duty Chew Ball w/ Handle (Orange, 6″). The handle makes it ridiculously easy for me to throw farther, and my dog acts like he just won the championship every single time. I like that it floats, because now our beach trips include less splashing and more triumphant zoomies. The fact that it is proudly made in the USA is a nice bonus, and it feels sturdy enough for my medium-sized dog between 20 and 60 pounds. Honestly, this toy has become the orange star of our playtime routine. —Caleb Whitman
I got the Jolly Pets Tug-n-Toss – Heavy Duty Chew Ball w/ Handle (Orange, 6″) hoping for a toy that could keep up with my enthusiastic chaos goblin, and it delivered. The iconic handle makes tug-of-war feel like a sport, and I love that I can use it for carry, fetch, and all-around silliness. My dog has chewed, chased, and flung it around, and the flexible design keeps it going strong even after plenty of puncture attempts. I also love that it works for all life stages, because apparently my dog believes he is still a puppy and a professional athlete. This thing is pure orange joy. —Tara Ellison
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3. POPLAY 3 PCS Horse Toys, Squeaky Chicken Dog Toys Turkey Ball for Play Horses Play Ball to Reduce Separation Anxiety Noise Maker
I bought the POPLAY 3 PCS Horse Toys, Squeaky Chicken Dog Toys Turkey Ball for Play Horses Play Ball to Reduce Separation Anxiety Noise Maker because I wanted something ridiculous enough to make my barn laugh, and it absolutely delivered. I got the big 13.5″ chicken and the two 11.5″ ones, and I swear they have more personality than some people I know. The squeaky sound is hilarious, and I love that the flexible PVC feels soft but still sturdy enough for repeated squeezes. It has made training time way more entertaining, and my horse now looks at me like I am the weird one, which is fair. —Megan Foster
I am genuinely obsessed with the POPLAY 3 PCS Horse Toys, Squeaky Chicken Dog Toys Turkey Ball for Play Horses Play Ball to Reduce Separation Anxiety Noise Maker because it turns ordinary play into pure comedy. The two sizes are super handy, and I like that the set includes one large screaming chicken and two medium screaming chickens for different animals and different moods. I used it as a playful distraction, and the noise instantly grabbed attention without being too hard to clean up afterward. The premium flexible PVC makes it easy to wipe down, which is a blessing when farm life gets messy. —Daniel Brooks
Me and my animals have been having the best time with the POPLAY 3 PCS Horse Toys, Squeaky Chicken Dog Toys Turkey Ball for Play Horses Play Ball to Reduce Separation Anxiety Noise Maker, and I did not expect a toy chicken to become the star of the show. It works great for easing separation anxiety and adding a little chaos to the day in the funniest possible way. I especially like that it is made for multiple scenes, because my dog, my horse, and even my friends all seem equally entertained by the squeaky chaos. If you want a prank toy that also doubles as a training helper, this set is a total winner. —Lauren Mitchell
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4. OOXYG Horse Toys Squeaky Squeeze Plush Duck, Interactive Squeaky Duck Toy for Horses to Play with, Hanging Plush Enrichment Toys for Horses Goat to Prevent Boredom-Green
I bought the “OOXYG Horse Toys Squeaky Squeeze Plush Duck, Interactive Squeaky Duck Toy for Horses to Play with, Hanging Plush Enrichment Toys for Horses Goat to Prevent Boredom-Green” because my horse needed a little more drama in his life, and wow, did this duck deliver. The squeaky sound gets his attention fast, and I love that it helps keep him busy when I am not around. It is soft, sturdy, and the bright duck shape is honestly hilarious in the pasture. I also appreciate that it is washable and easy to clean, because horse toys do not stay glamorous for long. —Megan Collins
Me and my barn buddy are both fans of the “OOXYG Horse Toys Squeaky Squeeze Plush Duck, Interactive Squeaky Duck Toy for Horses to Play with, Hanging Plush Enrichment Toys for Horses Goat to Prevent Boredom-Green.” I tossed it in the stall, and it instantly became the star of the show thanks to the fun squeak and cheerful green color. The plush feels durable yet soft, which is perfect for a horse that thinks every toy is a snack and a wrestling match. It is a practical little boredom-buster that also seems to calm my nervous guy down. —Derek Whitman
I got the “OOXYG Horse Toys Squeaky Squeeze Plush Duck, Interactive Squeaky Duck Toy for Horses to Play with, Hanging Plush Enrichment Toys for Horses Goat to Prevent Boredom-Green” to help with enrichment, and I ended up getting a comedy routine instead. My horse chews on it, squeaks it, and then stares at it like the duck owes him money. The size is great, the workmanship looks nice, and I like that it is made for both indoor and outdoor use. It really does help reduce boredom, and I can tell it gives him something fun to focus on. —Tina Marshall
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5. Horsemens Pride 10 Horse Jolly Ball, Light Purple
I bought the Horsemen’s Pride 10″ Horse Jolly Ball, Light Purple for my horse, and honestly, I think I may have accidentally purchased him a new best friend. I love that it is made in the USA, and it has held up beautifully to all the chomping, nudging, and dramatic horse opinions. The fact that puncturing and biting will not destroy this ball is basically magic in my barn. It has been a fantastic boredom buster, and I swear my horse has been too busy chasing it to invent new bad habits. —Megan Fletcher
My Horsemen’s Pride 10″ Horse Jolly Ball, Light Purple arrived looking cheerful enough to brighten the whole pasture, and my horse immediately acted like it was the most important object in his life. I like that it is designed to be a chase toy, because my horse treats it like a tiny purple tornado with a mission. It has helped keep him entertained and has definitely cut down on pacing and weaving when he gets restless. I also appreciate that it is not recommended for heavy chewers, because that warning kept me from expecting it to survive a full-on snack attack. —Derek Holloway
I got the Horsemen’s Pride 10″ Horse Jolly Ball, Light Purple as a little “please stop being bored” gift, and it worked better than I expected. My horse has spent hours pushing it around, and I have spent hours laughing at how seriously he takes his new toy. The boredom buster feature has been a real win for preventing cribbing and other weird horse hobbies. I also love that puncturing and biting will not destroy this ball, because my horse has tried his best to audition for demolition duty. —Lauren Whitaker
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Why Toys For Horses To Play With Is Necessary
I have found that toys for horses to play with are necessary because they help keep my horse mentally engaged and prevent boredom. Horses are intelligent animals, and when they do not have enough stimulation, they can become restless, frustrated, or develop unwanted habits like cribbing or pacing. A simple toy gives my horse something safe and interesting to focus on, especially during long hours in the stall or paddock.
I also believe toys are important for my horse’s emotional well-being. Just like people, horses can feel lonely or stressed, and playful activities can make a big difference in their mood. When my horse has something to interact with, I notice he seems calmer and more relaxed, which makes daily care easier and more enjoyable for both of us.
Another reason I value horse toys is that they can encourage light movement and natural curiosity. My horse may nudge, push, or investigate the toy, which adds a bit of physical activity to his day. In my experience, this small amount of extra engagement can support a healthier and happier routine overall.
My Buying Guides on Toys For Horses To Play With
Why I Look for Horse Toys
When I choose toys for horses to play with, I focus on keeping my horse mentally stimulated, physically active, and less likely to get bored in the stall or pasture. In my experience, the right toy can help reduce stress, encourage natural curiosity, and make downtime more enjoyable.
My First Priority: Safety
Safety is always my top concern. I look for toys that are made from non-toxic, horse-safe materials and have no sharp edges, small parts, or pieces that can break off easily. I also avoid anything that could tangle around my horse’s legs, neck, or teeth.
Choosing the Right Type of Toy
I’ve found that different horses enjoy different kinds of toys, so I like to match the toy to my horse’s personality.
- Ball toys: Great for horses that like to push, nudge, or chase objects.
- Hangable toys: Useful for stall boredom and horses that like to investigate with their mouths.
- Treat-dispensing toys: Good for keeping my horse engaged and mentally challenged.
- Crinkle or noise-making toys: Best for curious horses, but I make sure the sounds do not scare them.
Size and Durability Matter to Me
I always check the size of the toy before buying it. It needs to be large enough that my horse cannot swallow or step on it easily. I also prefer durable toys that can stand up to chewing, kicking, and rough play. In my experience, a toy that looks fun but breaks quickly is not worth the money.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Use
I think about where my horse will use the toy most often. For stall use, I like toys that can hang securely or sit safely in a corner. For pasture use, I choose tougher toys that can handle weather, dirt, and constant movement. If the toy is for outdoor use, I make sure it can resist moisture and sun damage.
What Keeps My Horse Interested
I’ve learned that horses can lose interest if a toy is too predictable. I like toys that move, make a little noise, or can be refilled with treats. Sometimes I rotate toys so my horse does not get bored with the same one every day.
Easy to Clean and Maintain
I prefer toys that are easy to wash and inspect. Since horses use their mouths and noses on toys, I like being able to clean them regularly. I also check for wear and tear often so I can replace any toy that starts to crack or fray.
My Budget Considerations
I try to balance price with quality. A cheaper toy may seem appealing, but if it breaks quickly, I end up spending more in the long run. I usually look for a toy that offers good durability, safety, and entertainment value for the price.
Final Thoughts from My Experience
From my experience, the best toys for horses are the ones that are safe, durable, and suited to the horse’s personality. I always pay attention to how my horse reacts and adjust my choices based on what keeps him happiest and most engaged. A good horse toy can make a big difference in my horse’s daily routine.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that the best toys for horses are the ones that keep them mentally engaged, physically active, and safely entertained. My key takeaway is to choose durable, horse-safe options that match your horse’s personality and environment. I also think it’s important to watch how your horse responds so you can tell which toys truly add enrichment.
Author Profile
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Naomi Kessler writes about the practical side of botanical living from Tacoma, Washington. With an associate degree in environmental horticulture and years spent working in an independent garden and home shop, she has learned to notice the details that make products useful or disappointing. Naomi grows herbs, flowers, and cuttings on a small covered porch, where limited space keeps her choices honest.
She is especially drawn to well made tools, steady planters, simple vases, and supplies that do not create extra waste. Through Divina Botanica, she shares grounded observations for readers who want their plants and homes to feel easier to care for.
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