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Introduction
Buffalo winters are no joke—cold, wet, windy, and long. That means there will be more days when your horse (like my mare, Diamond) spends extra time inside her stall. While stalls keep horses safe from harsh weather, they can also lead to boredom, stress, and unwanted behaviors if horses don’t have enough stimulation. That’s where stall enrichment comes in.
Stall enrichment helps horses stay mentally engaged, reduces anxiety, and encourages natural behaviors like foraging and exploring. In this post, I’m sharing my favorite winter stall enrichment ideas and toys—perfect for horses stuck inside during the colder months.
Why Stall Enrichment Matters
When turnout time is limited, horses can start to feel restless or anxious. Stall enrichment helps prevent:
- Stall walking
- Pacing
- Weaving
- Chewing wood
- Stress from boredom
Enrichment gives them something constructive and fun to do, helping them feel calmer and more content.
Slow Feeders & Foraging Toys
Hay Pillows
Slow feeding mimics grazing and keeps horses busy for longer. Hay pillows, like this one: Hay Pillow, are perfect for slowing down fast eaters. mimics grazing and keeps horses busy for longer. Hay pillows are perfect for slowing down fast eaters.
Treat Balls & Forage Balls
These toys let horses roll or nudge a ball around their stall to release pellets or treats. One of my favorites—and one that many horses at the barn absolutely love—is this Rolling Treat Ball Toy.
Fill it with:
- Alfalfa pellets
- Ration balancer
- Low‑sugar treats
It keeps horses engaged as they push it around to make the treats fall out. It’s especially helpful for horses who inhale their meals or need extra mental stimulation during long winter stall days.
They’re especially helpful for horses who inhale their meals.
Lick & Chew Enrichment Toys
Likit Toys
Horses that like to lick, chew, or mouth things will enjoy Likit toys. They come in different flavors and keep your horse entertained.
One fun option is the Likit Boredom Breaker, which combines a hanging holder and spinning lick toy designed to keep your horse mentally engaged and entertained.
If you’re looking for something more beginner‑friendly, the Likit Starter Kit is a great choice. It includes the holder and multiple flavored refills—perfect for introducing your horse to lick‑based enrichment toys.
Himalayan Salt Toys Salt Toys Salt Toys Salt Toys
Salt licks and stall‑mount salt blocks give your horse something safe to lick while also supporting hydration. I like using Himalayan salt toys because they last a long time and encourage natural licking behavior.
You can find a great option here: Himalayan Salt Toy
Jolly Stall Snack
Another super popular option—especially for horses who love licking and chewing—is the Jolly Stall Snack. It hangs in the stall and spins as your horse licks it, making it more challenging and entertaining than a standard salt block.
You can find it here: Jolly Stall Snack
Why it’s a great enrichment option:
- The spinning design keeps them engaged longer
- Helps reduce boredom and stress during long stall days
- Easy to hang and replace the refill
Just keep in mind: these are sweet treats, so use them in moderation.
Hanging Toys
Jolly Balls & Stall Balls
The classic Jolly Ball is a must‑have for any horse stuck inside during winter. It’s one of the most durable, safe, and entertaining toys you can add to a stall—Diamond goes crazy for hers.
Here’s the exact one I use: Classic Jolly Ball
Why this Jolly Ball is amazing:
- Horses can grab the built‑in handle and swing it around
- Soft, flexible rubber won’t hurt them if stepped on
- Perfect for mouthy or playful horses
- Helps reduce boredom and stress on long stall days
- No treats needed—just pure enrichment
Rope Toys
Knotted ropes or tug toys can entertain horses who like to grab or pull things.
Horsemen’s Pride Combo Stall Toy
If you want the best of both worlds—a Jolly Ball and a treat‑style snack holder—this combo is amazing. The Horsemen’s Pride Combo Stall Toy includes an apple‑scented Jolly Ball on one side and an apple‑flavored treat holder on the other.
Here it is: Horsemen’s Pride Combo Horse Stall Toy
Why this combo toy is so great:
- Apple‑scented Jolly Ball encourages natural play and curiosity
- Apple‑flavored snack holder adds a treat/reward element
- Spins and moves, making it more engaging than static toys
- Perfect for playful horses who enjoy licking, chewing, and pushing toys
- Helps reduce boredom during long winter stall days
This is a great option if your horse enjoys both chewable toys and treat‑based enrichment.
Jolly Ball Hay Ball
Knotted ropes or tug toys can entertain horses who like to grab or pull things.
Jolly Ball Hay Ball
One of my absolute favorite hanging toys—and one that Diamond is obsessed with—is the Jolly Ball Hay Ball. It’s a slow‑feeder style ball you hang in the stall, and your horse has to nudge, push, and spin it to get the hay out. It keeps them entertained and slows down fast eaters.
You can find the one I use here: Jolly Ball Hay Ball
Why I love this one:
- Perfect enrichment for long winter stall days
- Encourages natural foraging behaviors
- Slows hay consumption without frustration
- Super durable (Diamond tests that daily!)
- Easy to hang in any stall
It gives horses a fun challenge without needing treats or sugar, making it ideal for daily enrichment.
Chew‑Safe Toys
Boredom Breaker Balls
If your horse loves toys that keep their mouth and mind busy, the Likit Boredom Breaker is a fantastic option. It combines a sturdy, chew‑safe ball with a spinning lick attachment that makes it more challenging and enriching than a standard toy.
Here’s the one I recommend: Likit Boredom Breaker
Why horses love it:
- The spinning motion keeps them mentally engaged
- Multiple parts to lick, chew, and nudge
- Encourages problem‑solving and reduces stall boredom
- Perfect for long winter days when turnout is limited
Hanging Treat Toys
A great option to add to your stall enrichment lineup is this Hanging Treat Ball with Ropes. It’s designed with multiple rope sections and openings where you can insert carrots or other healthy treats.
Why this one is awesome:
- Encourages natural foraging and problem‑solving
- Horses can tug, chew, and nudge it to work the treats out
- Provides mental stimulation without being overly sugary
- Easy to hang and safe for most stalls
- Perfect for horses who love interactive toys and slow‑treat challenges
This type of enrichment is especially great for long winter stall days when horses need something engaging to focus on.
These can keep horses busy, but use sugary options sparingly.
Environmental Enrichment
Mirrors or Reflective Panels
Safe stall mirrors can help reduce weaving, anxiety, and loneliness. They allow horses to feel like they have a companion and can create a calming effect during long hours indoors.
You can find a great option here: Acrylic Shatterproof Stall Mirror
Important: Always use acrylic, shatterproof mirrors designed specifically for barns. Never use glass mirrors in a stall.
Safe stall mirrors can help reduce anxiety and loneliness.
Stall Windows or Open Doors
Letting horses look around helps them stay alert and engaged.
Music or Barn Noise
Soft music or a radio can provide background sound and reduce stress.
Groundwork in the Stall
When weather is too harsh for riding or turnout, you can still work your horse’s brain:
- Backing up
- Yielding hindquarters
- Light stretching
- Target training
This creates connection and keeps them mentally sharp.
Groundwork Outside the Stall
Even on winter days when it’s too icy or wet to ride, you can still do meaningful groundwork outside the stall. These exercises help build confidence, improve manners, and strengthen your bond—without needing a full arena.
Some great options include:
- Leading exercises: Practice stopping, starting, backing, and changing directions with focus and softness.
- Desensitization work: Use tarps, cones, pool noodles, or even your winter jacket to help your horse build bravery.
- Lunging or circle work: If the footing is safe, light lunging encourages movement and helps release energy.
- Obstacle work: Set up simple challenges like walking over poles, weaving through cones, or stepping onto a safe platform.
- Confidence‑building exercises: Ask your horse to touch or investigate new objects, rewarding curiosity.
These sessions are especially valuable when your horse isn’t getting much turnout. They help keep their mind engaged, reinforce training, and strengthen your partnership even when the weather limits your options.
When weather is too harsh for riding or turnout, you can still work your horse’s brain:
- Backing up
- Yielding hindquarters
- Light stretching
- Target training
This creates connection and keeps them mentally sharp.
Turnout in an Arena (If You Have One)
If your barn has an indoor arena, it becomes a lifesaver during winter. Even if you can’t ride because the footing is slick outside or the temperatures are brutal, an arena gives your horse a chance to move, stretch, and relax.
Arena turnout benefits include:
- Freedom to move: Horses release pent‑up energy and reduce stiffness.
- Mental relaxation: Many horses settle after having space to walk, trot, or explore.
- Social time: If safe, turning out with a buddy can help reduce stall anxiety.
- Confidence building: A larger space encourages exploration and reduces stress.
- Safer footing: Indoor arenas typically have softer, more controlled footing compared to icy outdoor paddocks.
If your barn allows arena turnout, even 10–20 minutes can make a huge difference in your horse’s mood and behavior—especially during long stretches of bad weather.
Rotating Toys
Horses get bored quickly with the same item. Try rotating toys every 3–4 days so everything stays fun and new.
Safety Tips
Always check toys for cracks, loose parts, or anything that could entangle your horse. Introduce new items slowly and monitor first use to make sure they’re safe.
Conclusion
What’s your horse’s favorite stall enrichment toy in the winter?
Tell me in the comments — I love hearing what works for different horses!
With the long, windy Buffalo winters, stall enrichment becomes a lifesaver for horses stuck inside. Whether it’s a slow feeder, a treat ball, or a hanging toy, your horse will appreciate having something fun and stimulating to do. Diamond thrives on enrichment—and your horse can too!
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