September 13, 2006
Toys and Activities for the Stall Bound
Horses confined to their stalls for long periods of time usually pick up bad habits.Bad habits are difficult to break. They can cause great distress for:
• The horse owner, • the boarding stable owner, • and the horse.
Below are some ideas that might help keep your horse occupied.
The "Jolly Ball" Can be pushed, pulled - even stepped on - and if not bitten or punctured, will re-inflate on its own.
I had a ball for my horse to kick around. She broke it immediately. I can't remember what kind it was but it was not cheap and it still broke. If you are going to get a ball make sure it has a warranty!
Cylinder with Treats Inside
This cylinder shaped toy has treats inside. When the horse pushes it with his nose, the treats fall out. This type of toy is supposed to encourage horses to graze in their natural, head-down position, while treats are dispensed by gravity. As long as there are treats it will provide hours of stimulation. Shown is one that is mounted on the wall.
Giant scented apple
This is a popular and relatively inexpensive toy. 10 inch high red plastic apple in the stall to amuse him. Hang it up from the ceiling and he will butt it with his head. It is a good deterrent for horses that have taken up the terrible habit of weaving side to side.
"Jolly Stall Snack with Apple Treat"
A new tasty way for your horse to be entertained, while helping to alleviate stall boredom. Hang it from the ceiling of the box stall. The treat that goes inside is also sold separately. The horse can finish up the treat sometimes very quickly by knocking it out of the holder and gobbling it up. It is a great boredom alleviator if he licks it as he is supposed to do.
Make your own
Amusement Ball
Here is what it takes to Make your own amusement ball.
Supplies needed
1 gallon milk or water plastic jug Grain or fat and fiber
Rope
Hook
scissors
Directions
Clean out the empty container
Pierce small holes (about 10) around the sides of the jug, tie a strong rope to the handle and hang it from the ceiling low enough for the horse to be able to butt it with his nose.
Open the cap fill it a small quantity of grain or treats such as apple crunch and let him figure it out. If it breaks just make a new one.
The Scratch-Scratch-Post
Here is a picture of a Scratch’n Pole. It provides a safe and comfortable place for your horse to scratch. Natural sisal rope is wound around a heavy duty plastic pipe and supplies the feel good scratch for your horse, and can easily be replaced when worn out. To make one: take a piece of strong rubber or plastic piping wrap it around with twine and fasten it to a wall of the box stall.
A Pet for your Horse
A little friend for your horse How about getting your horse a pet. Perhaps a rabbit. My friend Anna Maria had a rabbit for her horse. The rabbit hopped around in the stall and the horse never stepped on it. The Rabbit was good company. A goat is also a good pet for a horse. But they tend to eat everything in sight. A rabbit is less upkeep.Please write to me with any comments. Do you have an idea for horse toys? Share your ideas with the rest of us here at Horse Chat. I will add it to the next newsletter. Pictures of your horse playing with toys would also be a great addition.
Do you have a favorite horse treat recipe? Next months newsletter will focus on treats and snacks for horses.
If you want to share a favorite healthy recipe for horse snacks please email me at horse_chat@livingwithhorses.com.
Our next newsletter will be sent in October.