Safe Stall Toys for Cribbing Horses: Your Go-To Guide

Last updated: September 16, 2024

By: Miles HenryFact Checked

If your horse cribs, you know the struggle of finding safe and effective toys. This comprehensive guide is here to help. We’ll explore the best options to redirect your horse’s focus, encourage natural behaviors, and improve their well-being. As the owner of a chronic cribber, I know firsthand the frustration and worry this behavior can cause.

Despite trying cribbing collars, ‘crib-proofing’ stalls, and offering various toys, my horse still found ways to engage in this behavior. It’s a constant battle, but I’ve learned that combining multiple strategies, including providing engaging toys, can make a positive difference.

Choosing Safe Stall Toys: Your Horse’s Safety is Paramount

Safety is the top priority when selecting stall toys for cribbing horses. These horses are known for their determination and can be surprisingly destructive with toys. I once tried a seemingly sturdy rubber toy, only to find my horse had shredded it into pieces within an hour.

To ensure your horse’s well-being, consider these essential factors:

• Durability: Opt for toys made from sturdy, tough materials like hard rubber or heavy-duty plastic that can withstand chewing and biting.
• Non-toxic: Ensure the materials used are safe and non-toxic, as cribbing horses may ingest pieces of the toy.
• Design and function: Choose toys that encourage licking, chewing, and other natural behaviors. Avoid toys with small parts that could be easily swallowed or become choking hazards.
• Size and weight: Select toys that are appropriately sized for your horse and won’t pose a safety risk if they become loose in the stall.

Be cautious with toys that can be easily dismantled or destroyed. Regularly inspect all toys for signs of wear and tear, and remove any damaged ones immediately.

Personal Experiences and Expert Insights

In my own journey with my cribbing horse, I’ve tried various toys with mixed results. Some toys were quickly destroyed, while others were ignored completely. Through trial and error, I’ve discovered a few favorites that keep my horse entertained and help reduce his cribbing.

I’ve also consulted with veterinarians and equine behaviorists, who emphasize providing safe and appropriate enrichment for cribbing horses. They recommend choosing toys that encourage natural behaviors and avoid those that could exacerbate the problem.

Based on my personal experiences and expert advice, here are some tried-and-true toys that have proven safe and effective for many cribbing horses:

Tried & True: Recommended Safe Stall Toys for Cribbing Horses

While no toy can magically eliminate cribbing, the right ones can provide valuable distraction and enrichment. I’ve found that even if a toy only holds my horse’s attention for a week or two, it’s worth it to see him engaged and content, even temporarily. It’s about finding a combination of strategies that work best for your individual horse.

Let’s explore some specific toy recommendations that have proven safe and effective for many cribbing horses:

• Likit toys and treat balls:
  • Encourage licking and chewing, providing mental stimulation
  • Offer a tasty reward
  • It can be securely attached to the stall wall or hung at an appropriate height
  • Check out our top picks for Likit toys!
  • Personal Experience: My horse showed early signs of cribbing, but I prevented it from becoming a long-term problem by introducing him to a Likit Boredom Breaker.
• Jolly Balls and other durable toys:
  • Tough, non-toxic toys designed to withstand rough play
  • Can be hung or left on the ground for interactive play
  • Provide hours of entertainment
  • Personal Experience: I keep my horse’s Jolly Ball hanging in her stall, and it’s her go-to toy when bored.
• Hay nets and slow feeders:
  • Encourage natural foraging behavior
  • Keep horses occupied for longer periods
  • Help reduce boredom and minimize cribbing opportunities
  • Learn more about the benefits of slow feeders.
  • Personal Experience: Initially, I was hesitant to use hay nets due to safety concerns, but they’ve been a game-changer for my horse. He now spends more time happily munching on hay and less time looking for ways to crib.

DIY Toy Ideas: Unleash Your Creativity, Safely

Creating your horse toys is a fulfilling and budget-friendly way to combat stall boredom. Remember, safety is paramount! Always choose non-toxic materials, ensure sturdy construction, and supervise your horse with new toys. Here are some inspiration-sparking DIY ideas:

1. The Lick Mat

• Materials: Wooden board, rubber doormat, molasses, applesauce, grain, treats.
• Instructions:
  1. Securely attach the rubber doormat to the wooden board.
  2. Mix molasses, applesauce, and grain to create a spreadable paste.
  3. Spread the paste onto the rubber doormat, incorporating treats throughout.
  4. Hang the lick mat in the stall at an appropriate height for your horse.
• Safety Tips:
  • Use a sturdy wooden board that won’t splinter or break.
  • Ensure the doormat is firmly attached to the board to prevent it from coming loose.
  • Monitor your horse’s interaction with the lick mat to ensure they don’t ingest any large pieces of the doormat.

2. The Treat Barrel

• Materials: Plastic barrel, treats, sandpaper, drill or knife.
• Instructions:
  1. Drill or cut small holes around the lower half of the barrel.
  2. Fill the barrel with treats.
  3. Use sandpaper to roughen up the outside of the barrel, making it more challenging for your horse to roll.
  4. Place the treat barrel in the stall for your horse to nudge and roll around to release the treats.
• Safety Tips:
  • Use a food-grade plastic barrel.
  • Ensure the holes are large enough for treats to fall out but small enough to prevent your horse’s hooves from getting stuck.
  • Avoid using sharp edges or protrusions that could injure your horse. Source: ASPCA

3. The Knotted Rope Toy

• Materials: Thick, natural-fiber rope (sisal or cotton), scissors.
• Instructions:
  1. Cut a length of rope, considering your horse’s size and the desired toy size.
  2. Tie secure knots at various intervals along the rope, creating loops and textures.
  3. Ensure the ends are tightly secured to prevent fraying.
  4. Hang the rope toy in the stall or leave it on the ground for your horse to manipulate.
• Safety Tips:
  • Avoid using synthetic ropes, as they can be easily chewed and ingested.
  • Make sure the knots are tight and won’t unravel easily.
  • Supervise your horse with the toy to ensure it doesn’t get tangled.

I’ve had success with DIY toys, especially the treat barrel. It keeps my horse entertained and mentally stimulated and is a good way to repurpose five-gallon buckets. Remember, every horse is unique. What works for one horse may not work for another. Experiment with different toys and observe your horse’s response to find what they enjoy most.

Beyond Toys: Additional Tips for Managing Cribbing

As I’ve learned with my horse, managing cribbing often requires a multi-pronged approach. Even with diligent management practices like daily turnout and a balanced diet, cribbing can persist. That’s why combining these strategies with safe and engaging toys is so crucial.

While stall toys can be valuable, they’re just one piece of the puzzle. Consider these additional strategies to manage cribbing:

• Environmental enrichment: Provide ample turnout time, social interaction with other horses, and access to varied pastures or paddocks. Source: University of Minnesota Extension
• Dietary adjustments: Consult with your veterinarian to ensure your horse’s diet is balanced and meets their nutritional needs. Consider offering more frequent, smaller meals and increasing forage intake.
• Veterinary care: If you suspect your horse’s cribbing is related to underlying health issues like gastric ulcers, seek veterinary advice and treatment. Source: AAEP.org

Understanding Cribbing in Horses: Causes, Concerns, and the Role of Toys

Cribbing, also known as windsucking, involves a horse grasping a solid object with their teeth, arching their neck, and sucking in air. While the exact causes are still debated, it’s often associated with factors such as:

• Boredom and confinement: Horses kept in stalls for long periods with limited social interaction or turnout may develop cribbing as a coping mechanism.
• Stress and anxiety: Changes in routine, transport, or social dynamics can trigger or exacerbate cribbing behavior.
• Dietary imbalances: High-concentrate diets or irregular feeding schedules may contribute to cribbing—source: Rutgers University. After switching my horse to a high-forage diet, I noticed a decrease in his cribbing episodes.
• Gastrointestinal discomfort: Gastric ulcers or other digestive issues can sometimes be associated with cribbing.

Cribbing can lead to various health problems, including:

• Dental wear and tear: The repetitive grinding can cause excessive wear on the incisors.
• Weight loss: Cribbing can interfere with proper digestion and nutrient absorption, leading to weight loss.
• Colic: In some cases, cribbing may increase the risk of colic due to air swallowing. Source: University of Kentucky

It is essential to address the underlying causes of cribbing through management changes, environmental enrichment, and veterinary consultations. In addition, providing safe and engaging stall toys can offer a valuable outlet for your horse’s natural behaviors and help reduce the frequency and intensity of cribbing episodes.

Frequently Asked Questions about Horse Toys

Conclusion: A Safer, Happier Stall Environment

Choosing the right toys for cribbing horses is essential in managing this complex behavior. By prioritizing safety, durability, and engagement, you can offer your horse enriching alternatives that promote their well-being and potentially reduce their reliance on cribbing.

Remember, managing cribbing is a journey that requires patience, consistency, and a multifaceted approach. Providing safe and stimulating toys is just one part of the puzzle; addressing underlying causes like stress, boredom, or dietary imbalances is also important.

With the right combination of strategies, you can create a safer and more comfortable environment for your horse, allowing them to thrive.

Have you found success with specific toys for your cribbing horse? Or perhaps you have other management tips to share? We’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below, and let’s build a supportive community for horse owners facing the challenges of cribbing.

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