And so it is with equines. There is nothing quite so joyous as two buddies ripping and tearing in the paddock, playing all the bucking and twisting games that are so important in the horse world. Even though mutual grooming can mess up a lovely mane, it provides unequaled satisfaction and contentment for a horse that is starved for socialization . If you feel you must give an actual present to your horse, perhaps an innovative stall toy is the answer. Designed to wile away the hours and discourage wood chewing and other vices, stall toys can channel pent up energies toward non-destructive play.
Commercial models are often huge rubber balls but a gallon milk container can works too.
Experiment with hanging the toy from various heights. A variation on this idea is giving a horse a sturdy beach ball to play with in a small paddock or indoor arena. Horses are appreciative when we make their work easier and more comfortable. One way to do this is to make sure he is shod for balance, comfort and safety year round. A consultation with an equine veterinary specialist or a master farrier may turn up some helpful ideas regarding your horse 's shoeing.