Do Horses Play with Toys?

Kansas plays with the treat ball

Short answer: Yes—horses absolutely play with toys! And it’s not just adorable to watch, it’s actually great for their mental health.

At The Traditional Equitation School (TES), we care deeply about our horses’ physical and emotional well-being. Horses are intelligent, curious animals, and just like people, they benefit from enrichment—activities that keep their minds engaged and prevent boredom.

🟡 The Treat Ball Our Horses Love

Some of our horses take turns with a special rolling treat ball. It’s designed to slowly release small snacks as the horse nudges and rolls it around.

What does this do?

• Encourages natural foraging behavior

• Keeps horses mentally stimulated

• Provides gentle movement and engagement

• Helps prevent boredom in the stall or paddock

You might spot a horse carefully nudging the ball, following it around, and figuring out how to get those tasty treats out. It’s like a puzzle game for horses!

Next time you’re at TES, keep an eye out—you can often see which horse’s turn it is with the treat ball that day.

🏀 Other Safe Horse Toy Ideas

Different horses enjoy different types of enrichment. At barns, you’ll commonly see:

• Hanging stall balls – Large, durable balls designed for horses to nudge and bump safely

• Jolly balls – Heavy-duty balls horses can push around with their noses

• Treat dispensers or lick blocks – Encourage slow, natural feeding behavior and keep horses occupied

  
  

These types of toys are specifically made for horses and designed to be durable and safe in a barn environment.

🧠 Why Enrichment Matters for Horses

Horses weren’t designed to stand still all day. In the wild, they spend much of their time moving, grazing, and interacting with their environment. Enrichment helps replicate that stimulation in a safe, controlled way.

Benefits include:

• Reduced boredom and stress

• Healthier, happier horses

• More relaxed and engaged lesson horses

• Better overall welfare

  
  

❤️ Happy Horses = Better Riding Experiences

When our horses are mentally and physically cared for, it shows. Calm, content horses make better partners for riders of all ages and levels. At TES, horse care isn’t just about feeding and grooming—it’s about giving our horses a good life.