I’ve been looking at horse toys and have seen sort of mixed reviews on the big inflatable Jolly balls (the round ones with the covers). So I thought I’d ask what other toys people have tried–improvised or purchased–for a young smart horse that really likes to play.
Apparently, his fly mask and his pasture mate’s fly mask. Found his fly mask the other day…10 feet outside of his pasture on the neighbor’s lawn… :rolleyes:
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Gallon jugs…HD… like what vinegar comes in…tied with baling twine…at a bit over eye level …in a stall doorway where it swings free!! Keeps my bored horses busy for hours!
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Muck Buckets. https://www.dropbox.com/s/tg6jwkvz5id3ruy/2016-08-02%2023.42.27.mp4?dl=0 
Horse blankets: https://www.dropbox.com/s/ncfh9lck0okriq1/20171120_091253.mp4?dl=0
Do you put anything in the jug? I never thought of this, but I think I’ll try it for my girl.
The horse in my picture is playing with his favorite toy: a mounting block. He learned to turn it over and grab the inside, then run around the arena and throw it. He was an odd one, I miss him.
About 16 seconds in (I don’t know how to edit). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjZAqeg7HyE
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Pretty much anything unsanctioned to be used as a toy. Buckets, fly gear, rakes, halters and lead ropes…
As far as sanctioned toys, things that can be swung around, tossed and stomped on are preferred. Jolly Balls with ropes are the favorites. The big mega balls are fabulous, but do not have a very long life span with us. Traffic cones are also fun.
I have the shires treat ball that my horse certainly entertains himself with and he likes the lick its… though they are bite its to him and they don’t last more than a day.
A traditional jolly ball seems to last up as well.
I also want to try the mega ball
Traffic cones! Mine love them because they can swing them around and play tug of war with them. They are true dot construction cones so the are indestructible.
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You can put a little water in it to make it more stable…or if you want to go crazy yourself…add pebbles or marbles…but trust me…YOU won’t be able to stand that noise for long!!
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Another traffic cone junkie here - my boy LOVES/HATES them. 
He tries to “kill” them!
Mine loves his Amazing Graze treat dispenser.
My now 2yr old filly got tangled with the fence last year and was on stall rest from 10/17/2018 to 12/25/2019 and then was only out every other day for 3-4 hours until April this year. She spent a lot of time in her stall and here’s what I used to keep her busy:
- Traffic cones
- Gallon vinegar jugs (hardier than milk jugs) filled with pebbles or small change, hung from the rafters in her stall
- GIANT bully rope for dogs. Like a tug of war rope. She used to fling that thing around like crazy.
- a traditional jolly ball holds up really well but the inflatable ones do not for long time use
- small rubber footballs from walmart
- Pool noodles (she wasn’t destructive or trying to eat them but she would fling them around)
I would cycle out toys on certain days so not all of this stuff was in her stall all at once, and that she didn’t get bored with them. It seemed to work well.
One of mine really enjoys the treat dispenser ball that rolls around on the ground. The other just ignores it.
Blue barrels are fun to knock over and roll around.
The inflatable huge ball with the cover is also popular. We have had to replace it a few times though (and right now do not have one).
