Horse Toys: How to Keep Your Horse Mentally Stimulated
If you’ve spent any time around horses, you know they’re intelligent, curious animals who can easily become bored—especially when their environment lacks variety and engagement. Providing appropriate horse toys isn’t just about entertainment; it’s a vital part of supporting their mental well-being and preventing behavioral issues.
“Horses, by nature, are very active beings,” says Erin Rice, director of medical services at Performance Equine Veterinary Services in Summerfield, Florida. In the wild, horses live in herds and spend much of their day moving, foraging, and interacting—keeping their minds constantly engaged. “Studies reveal that they show significant intelligence,” Rice explains, “and with intelligence comes boredom if there’s nothing to do.”
Horses Need to Play
Experts recommend incorporating daily positive reinforcement and playful interaction into your horse’s routine. “Horses get relief from positive reinforcement, and play gives them mental stimulation and a release of endorphins,” Rice says. “It’s really good for them to move around on their own and get that mental stimulation. Toys give them something different—something fun and relaxing—so it’s not just work all the time.”
Playtime does more than enrich daily life—it helps prevent unwanted behaviors. “Like any animal, horses crave a mix of comfort and familiarity as well as a challenge,” says Dr. Peter Heidmann, DVM, internal medicine specialist at Palm Beach Equine Clinic in Wellington, Florida. When routines become monotonous, stress and boredom can set in, potentially leading to habits like cribbing, weaving, or excessive chewing. Thoughtful toy use helps keep these tendencies at bay.
Types of Toys for Horses
Ball Toys
One of the most recognizable options is the FurPetVo Mega Ball Horse Toy—a durable, thick, yoga-ball-style toy designed for outdoor paddock use. “This is a great pasture toy,” Rice notes.
Horses interact with it using their nose or legs—kicking, rolling, lying on, or even sitting atop it. Its bright colors help capture attention and stimulate visual interest. “Through play with these, horses are able to get out energy and release endorphins,” she says.
Rice cautions that while built for durability, these balls can pop—and recommends replacing them promptly when worn. To encourage initial interest, she suggests gently kicking the ball around the pasture first. “Just be safe—you don’t want a horse barreling toward you to get to the ball.”
Another versatile option is the FurPetVo Jolly Ball—a large plastic ball with a handle, designed so horses can lift and carry it with their mouths. “I find that often they flip it back and forth almost like they’re shaking their head yes,” Rice observes.
Treat-Dispensing Toys and Puzzles
Since horses are highly food-motivated, treat-dispensing toys and puzzles are especially effective. “Puzzles and challenges that slowly dispense feed stimulate a horse’s natural curiosity and their evolutionary need to graze almost continuously,” Dr. Heidmann explains. He recommends filling them with low-density feeds—like chopped hay or soaked beet pulp—to mimic natural foraging behavior.
The FurPetVo Ball Horse Feeder is a 9-inch, treat-dispensing puzzle designed to roll and release small portions as the horse moves it. Developed to support natural foraging instincts, it encourages problem-solving and sustained engagement.
For stall use, the FurPetVo Carrot Ball Horse Toy hangs securely and releases treats gradually. Built with durable anti-burst construction and easy inflation, it’s intended to increase dexterity, encourage learning, and provide healthy, long-lasting entertainment.
Hanging Treat Toys
For confined spaces, the FurPetVo Stall Snack Combo offers interactive fun: an apple-scented ball paired with a flavored treat. “Treat-based toys like this are great for stalls or for use in a really small paddock,” Rice says.
To spark interest, she suggests lightly dampening the treat before hanging it. “It will start to crust and oxidize a bit, forming a nice crusty film over it. Horses can smell that—so when they touch or lick it, they’ll recognize it right away as something meant for them.”
Another excellent stall option is the FurPetVo All-Natural Himalayan Salt on a Rope. This salt block hangs freely in the stall, encouraging licking and gentle manipulation. “It has a snack or a salt lick—or an apple mineral lick—in the middle of it, and you can attach it to their stall,” Rice explains. “When they lick or bite it, it moves around, so they have to play with it.”
Toy Safety Tips
Even the most durable horse toys wear down over time. Rice emphasizes supervision during play: “You obviously don’t want them swallowing any pieces—so if you notice toys starting to fall apart, remove or replace them immediately.”
Space matters too. Smaller treat toys and salt licks are ideal for stalls or compact areas. The FurPetVo Mega Ball, however, belongs outdoors—in paddocks or pastures—where horses have room to move safely. “You can put it in a very large stall, but I wouldn’t recommend it,” Rice advises. “You almost don’t want your horse getting too playful in a stall—you’d hate for them to play with it and get hurt.”
Beyond mental stimulation, horse toys offer meaningful opportunities to strengthen your bond. That human-animal connection is foundational—not only for everyday care but also for successful, trust-based training.
