About OzHorseToys    

OzHorseToys was created to put fun and play into the lives of Aussie horses - and provide fun for their owners too!   Horses naturally love to play and there are great benefits for their mental, emotional and physical health when allowed to do so.  In particular stabled horses can suffer from boredom which can lead to disturbing habits like crib-biting, chewing, weaving and windsucking.

We became aware of the lack of suitable equine playballs and toys so we decided to do something about it!  We are constantly outsourcing new toys and products so please check back regularly - you never know what you might find!

Email us your favourite pics of your horses and friends having a ball with OzHorseToys products and we will put them on our website for everyone to see.

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About Equi-Spirit™ Soccerballs

How did the balls come about being designed?

"We believe very strongly in the importance of play in a horse's emotional and physical well-being" says creator Lisa Ross-Williams.  "But our horses were literally going through various balls in a matter of a few minutes.  Our horse Riley seemed on a mission to pop whatever inflated toy he could, either by biting them or laying on them" says Lisa.  

"We became committed to finding a horse play ball that could hold up.  But there were none on the market that could offer any durability.  So we located a raw material supplier, and created Equi-Spirit™. We found other people were having the same durability issues so they were a hit!"

What makes these balls so durable?

They are extremely durable because they are made with a heavy duty inner bladder which is then covered by a strong, hardwearing polyester cover.  These balls are the only horse balls on the market which can hold up to the rigors of free-play.  Horses can pick them up without damaging the bladder and can even withstand horses laying on them, even Lisa's Percheron Elvis!

The greatest danger is sharp objects such as pointed branches, large thorns and, of course, barbed wire.  The great benefit is if they do receive a minor puncture, the bladder can be repaired using a standard vinyl repair kit.

Why is playing so vital to horses?

Horses are very perceptive and curious creatures.  Standing around all day and night becomes very boring and unsettling.  Having nothing to do to occupy his mind, the horse turns to "vices" to relieve his boredom and eventually these behaviours become a habit.  Horses love to play, a good session of playing will raise their spirits and allow their bodies to stretch and get stronger.  

What are the advantages of free-play?

The balls can be used for free-play which encourages exercise and stimulates the horse's mind as well as their body.  Free-play allows the horse to naturally learn to use his body, without the interference of the human.  They learn self-collection, suppleness, flying and simple leads changes, concentration and focus.  This then prepares them for disciplines such as dressage, barrel racing, cow working, etc.

Can I play with my horse too?

The balls and toys can be used for mounted games, teaching both horse and human focus and timing.  These games include the Equine Soccer™ game which is becoming a very popular fun game.  Mounted exercises can promote horse and rider working together by putting principle to purpose.  The Equi-Spirit™ balls are also currently used by a number of clinicians at their demonstrations and events.  Karen Scholl from Horsemanship for Women uses the ball for this purpose.  Our products, including the extra durable balls can also be used by teachers and trainers, individual horse owners and care-givers.