Water and toys

[Corbyville283]

Both of my horses appear to have fixations with their water buckets and troughs. They dump them on a regular basis often multiple times a day. I'm thinking that they're bored and need toys. They have great turnout, get worked semi regularily but I think they just need stuff to do during the day. One of them, a 4 year old Percheron mare lives alone, we've tried her with various partners but just can't seem to get the right fix - the geldings try to breed her and the mares she won't let near her water. We've tried a jolly ball but she flattened it in record time. Is there any reason she can't just have an old tire to play with. Something she can pick up, drop, stomp on, whatever? Obviously if she starts to majorly chew on it we'd have to remove it but she needs something to keep her busy.
The other horse is a gelding and he doesn't seem to do it as regularily as the Percheron and he is out with a buddy but thought that the tire idea may also work for her. Any ideas?

[Nes]

I wouldn't give her a tire if no one is home during the day, just because they can get stuck in them. If someone is around (or on weekends) it would be fine, just check frequently for damage, remove any bolts & drill some holes in the sides to keep water from collecting.

In the winter you can try spreading their hay out all over the paddock, that will keep them busy.

Did you get one of the hard-plastic jolly balls? I doubt she'll break that one ;).

GL, and just think you'll have to do a whole lot less scrubbing if they keep dumping the buckets for you!

[Seven-up]

Tires have metal in them. Ever looked at a blown tire? There's sharp, thread-like metal that can do some damage.


Can I ask what the problem is with turning her out with the geldings? They can "try to breed" all they want, but they aren't going to get anywhere. ;) If she doesn't like it, she'll let them know. The only problem I can see is if she is likely to hurt them.

Don't know what your water bucket setup is, but they make these rings that mount to a fence or a wall to keep them from flinging the bucket around. I think I can find a link if you don't know what I'm talking about.

I'd think about trying another jolly ball, maybe a hard one like the previous poster suggested. Sometimes they will destroy every toy they get, but occasionally, they remember they killed the first one and are very careful with all the ones they get after that.

But no on the tire.

[Nes]

I don't think her perch is much heavier then him: Billy (http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site200/2009/0127/20090127_082202_DO28-BILLY-ELEPHANT.jpg).

You do have to be carefull, but I really doubt a horse could do enough damage to get the belt exposed.

[Seven-up]

They can and they do. Especially when people tend to use old tires that already have a good amount of wear. The little wires make excellent splinters that are very hard to get out, according to a vet I spoke to years ago about the subject.

Now, I think that they do make tires without the belt (thanks, I couldn't think of that word before) in them, so one of those should be safe.

[Nes]

Agreed. Old worn tires would be a bad idea, but I know allot of people give them to their horses (although I don't think too many actually play with them). One with out a belt completely would be much safer then one with, but may be harder to find.

Old plastic barrels (again, in good sturdy condition) might be every more fun for her to kick around :).