Favorite Horse ToysHere are some horse toys I have used that are effective and fun plus inexpensive as well. One of the best stores in my area is Wal-Mart! I start in the sporting section and move to the children’s toy section. It’s amazing what you can find to use for basic horse training methods. One of my favourite is a hoola hoop. I utilize it for many horse training basics and then move up to more complicated movements too. I like to make everything a game. Of course the game cannot begin until my horse is not afraid of the horse toy.
If you need help getting started see our page on Clicker Training.
Horse Training Tip: Later I will utilize this in another basic horse training method. If my horse ever feels overwhelmed, we will head for the horse toys that remind the horse of the feeling of safety and comfort.
From here I might ask for two front feet and then one back foot and then two back feet. (But certainly not in the same session) Remember, it’s not about the horse “getting it”; it is about us being able to communicate effectively and become understood. This always challenges our communicative skills. Have some fun with it and learn from your horse.
Ball Horse ToysOne of the least expensive balls I use as horse toys is the largest yoga ball I can find. They are great because you can easily make it bounce on arena surfaces. I will place my left hand starting on the horses shoulder and dribble the ball as I walk all the way around to the other side of the horse. By keeping one hand in contact with the horse can let my horse know that I am not asking them to go anywhere. Of course you will want to just do that part without the ball first to set up an understanding.Then it’s on to soccer! Some horses love to hit the ball with their noses, others will use their feet. I will encourage both and let the horse decide in the end which they prefer. 
This next ball makes it easier for most horses to use their feet in the game just because of its size! But don’t underestimate the fun you can have with little nerf balls (that come with a basketball hoop), volleyballs, soccer balls or even frisbees or large plastic lids. They all make great touching targets too! 
Horse Toys – Tarps, Cones and PolesThe tarp is useful for de-spooking, water crossing and noise making training methods. But if a tarp is too challenging for your horse at first, start with a bed sheet or a towel. They are not as noisy when they move.Cones make great targets to touch, are easy to move and can help us all stay focused on where we are intending to go. Poles can start your trailer loading lessons by going in between them. Then they can be very useful for side passing over top of and in front of. Who says they are just made for jumping over! But later we will do that too!
The BridgeBuilding a bridge is extremely useful for trailer loading purposes. It makes a new sound when they walk on it and the narrow passage can build confidence in your leadership.
The Water Hole
I went to the gardening section of Home Depot and purchased pond liner to make this water hole. I threw in some rubber mats for extra durability and safety.
Horse Training Tip: One of the reasons horses are afraid of water holes is because they lack the same depth perception as we do. They have a harder time determining if the water hole is 2 inches deep or 2 feet deep.
In the end all horse toys should be looked upon for building your leadership skills and increasing the trust your horse has in you. If your goal is to achieve the grace of a horse whisperer you will find these horse toys very useful in your training methods. Have some fun!
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