The Best Balls For Horses
Just like cats and dogs, horses love to play. And after treating your horse with carrots and sugar cubes, giving them plenty of exercise is a great way to ensure they stay healthy. With a ball or two on hand, your horse can kick, roll, and run after their new toy. Or you could get one to fill with treats for an extra challenge. We've rounded up a few of our favorite balls for horses to help you pick.
What to Look For
After researching balls for horses, we found the best ones are durable, versatile, and easy to install. Based on these requirements, our top pick is the feeder ball from Shires. This hard plastic ball features 20 sides that prevent it from rolling too far with each kick or nudge. And the sturdy toy can hold grain, pellets, and other treats that fall out as your horse moves it. We also love the Besimple hanging balls because they’re designed to hold a variety of snacks, including hay and grass. You simply hang them from a tree or post and fill them with your horse’s favorite foods. Keep reading to discover your new favorite balls for horses.
Shires Ball Feeder for Horses
Filled to the brim
This geometric ball from Shires is available in multiple fun colors to entice your horse. The unique 20-sided construction allows the ball to move slowly as your pet plays instead of rolling quickly away. This means they can pick up the various treats that fall out of the hole on one side of the ball. Ideal for playtime in a stall or the pasture, your horse won’t get bored of this toy anytime soon.
Pros:
- Helps slow down fast eaters
- Designed to hold pellets, grain, and other small treats
- Offers mental stimulation
Cons:
- Only one hole to dispense food
Jolly Pets Jolly Ball
Easy to handle
Jolly Pets’ sturdy ball will keep your horse entertained for hours without cracking or deflating. It measures 10 inches across and has a large handle for carrying. And it features a light vanilla scent to keep your pet interested in their new toy. We especially love that this ball arrives inflated, so you don’t have to blow it up yourself. Plus, it bounces to add to the overall enjoyment.
Pros:
- Designed for average-sized horses
- Thick rubber won’t pop easily
- Easy to throw when playing fetch
Cons:
- Not as affordable as other options
Uncle Jimmy’s Store Hangin’ Ball
Satisfy their sweet tooth
Part toy and part treat, this hanging ball from Uncle Jimmy’s Store will delight horses of all ages. Made from high-quality ingredients like oats and corn, your horse can munch on this tasty ball throughout the day. It has an attached cord designed to hang from a tree or post. And multiple flavors are available to entice even the pickiest pet.
Pros:
- Prevents boredom
- Filled with vitamins and minerals
- Tends to last up to one week
Cons:
- Softens in warm climates
Besimple Hanging Feeder Balls
Stuffed with snacks
If you want to challenge your horses while also giving them a tasty snack, you need to check out these hanging balls from Besimple. This set includes two flexible balls with large holes so you can easily insert hay, grass, and other treats for your pets. A tough cord is attached, allowing the balls to hang 29.5 inches from a post or tree. Your horses can swing the ball if they’re in a playful mood or stick to munching whenever they get peckish.
Pros:
- An affordable option for multiple pets
- Helps relieve stress
- Made from sturdy materials
Cons:
- They are too small to hold large amounts of grass or hay
Race&Herd Herding Ball for Horses
Everyday exercise
Providing an outlet for your horse’s energy is a must if you aren’t able to ride them daily. Race&Herd’s herding ball is inflatable and measures 25 inches across, so your horse can easily kick, roll, and bounce this huge toy. The ball features a tough nylon cover that protects it from popping. And the large size will ensure your horse stays mentally and physically healthy as they run and play daily.
Pros:
- Air pump included for inflating
- Lightweight ball won’t hurt your pet
- The ball is made from heavy-duty PVC
Cons:
- Only one size option
Frequently Asked Questions
How much exercise does my horse need daily?
They need at least 20 minutes of exercise every day and may need more if they have large amounts of energy or stamina. If you don’t have time to ride your horse daily, leading them around the pasture and playing with them is a great alternative. Horses are playful animals who enjoy playing with balls, barrels, and other treat-filled toys.
How do horses play with balls?
Horses love kicking and rolling balls of all sizes around the pasture, especially if they have a friend to play with. They can play for hours, exercising their muscles and building their strength. But balls are also a great form of mental stimulation because they challenge horses in new and interesting ways. Some balls have pockets designed to hold hay, grass, and other treats for your horse to find. They enjoy sniffing out what’s inside while being presented with their favorite snacks.
Can I play with my horse?
If you feel comfortable around your horse and know their behaviors, you shouldn’t have any problems. You can kick a ball to your pet and receive it back from them to join in their game. But make sure you keep an eye on their mood and give them plenty of space if they start acting out.
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