From riding horses that encourage physical stimulation and sensory feedback to horse toys and play sets that encourage fine motor development and imaginative play, there are plenty of best horse toy options for the equestrian enthusiast in your life.
Below, you’ll find several contenders for the best horse toy. With so many options, it’ll be hard to choose just one!
Best Horse Toys for Kids
While the TOYMANY Horse Figurines Set includes 6 non-toxic, plastic horses that are 5″ each, this set does not include any accessories and is priced under $30. However, the Schleich Horse Club is a 44 piece set that includes a stable, rider, 2 horses, and many accessories. While it is a bit pricier, it is made with materials that meet international toy standards and has great attention to detail.
TOYMANY Horse Figurines Set
The TOYMANY 6PCS 5″ Realistic Plastic Large Horse Figurines Set is a great choice for younger kids or siblings who might like having several horses to play with. While this set does not come with any accessories, there is good attention to detail in the included horses. Your child can easily use them with other toys for added fun.
The six horses in this set come in a wide variety of colors. In addition to the deep colors on each horse, there is good attention to detail. You can see the detail in the horse’s mane, tail, hooves, and coat. Each figure stands about 4-5″ tall, making it perfect for interacting with other toys you may have in the home.
Something nice about these horses is that they can stand on their own. This might be important for some kids during playtime. Additionally, these can be used with some other stables on the list as the horses are better quality than some of the others mentioned.
These horses are made durable and the paint will not chip during playtime. Additionally, they are manufactured according to safety regulations and free of toxins and odors. As these don’t have any small or loose parts, these are also a great choice for younger toddlers.
Pros
- Comes with six figures
- Great attention to detail on the horses
- Horses stand up on their own
- Horses come in a wide variety of colors
- Made of non-toxic materials
Cons
- Doesn’t come with any accessories
Sunny Days Entertainment Blue Ribbon Champions Deluxe Horse Toy
The Sunny Days Entertainment Blue Ribbon Champions Deluxe Horse: Appaloosa Toy is another great choice for the horse enthusiast. It comes with several accessories, some of which are on the smaller size, so it is recommended for ages 4 and up.
One of the features that is likely to excite young children is the realistic sounds the horse makes when you press down on its head. The head moves up and down and the hair on the mane and tail can be brushed with the included grooming brush. Some other accessories included with this Sunny Days horse include a detachable saddle, hop-pocket for feeding, two different brushes, and other various bottles, bags, and equipment for caring for a horse. A trophy is also included that aids in imaginative play.
All the included accessories and the attention to detail while creating this toy makes it a favorite among kids interested in a more realistic looking horse. In addition to the Appaloosa horse pictured above, this also comes in options including Arabian Stallion and Painted Horse.
One downside is that this is a little smaller than the pictures would lead you to believe. It is not quite big enough to be used as a Barbie horse. However, younger children might not care about how realistic the size is compared to their doll.
Pros
- Great attention to detail
- Several styles of horse are available
- Comes with plenty of accessories
- Makes whinny noise when the head is pressed down
- Has removable saddle
- Can brush the mane and tail
Cons
- A little smaller than pictured
Toy Story Woody and Buzz Lightyear 2-Character Pack
The Toy Story Disney Pixar 4 Woody and Buzz Lightyear 2-Character Pack is recommended for ages 3 and older. It’s a great choice for kids who love the Toy Story movies, especially because the figures have been designed on a scale relative to the characters in the movie.
These figures are a great way to encourage your child to practice imaginative play. As each of the Toy Story movies tells a story, it’s easy for kids to be inspired to make their own story.
Additionally, each of the characters features authentic expressions and designs like the movie. They can be bent and posed in several positions for playtime. Woody can also ride on top of Bullseye and pull his hat on and off.
Even though these toys have been designed to movie scale, there are a few minor things that are not authentic. Woody does not have ‘ANDY’ written on the bottom of is boot. Additionally, while there is a loop pictured on his back, this is made of molded materials and cannot be pulled. Woody does not make any noise. Regardless of these minor things, this 2-piece set is a gift that any horse lover or Toy Story enthusiast is going to love.
Pros
- Toys designed to movie scale
- Woody (and Jessie, who is sold separately) can ride on top of Bullseye
- Hat comes on and off
- Good attention to detail with facial expressions
- Can be bent and posed for play time
- Encourages imaginative play
Cons
- ANDY isn’t written on the bottom of Woody’s boot
- Woody doesn’t speak like in the movie
Schleich Horse Club Riding Center with Rider and Horses
The Schleich Horse Club Riding Center with Rider and Horses (44-pieces) is recommended for ages 5-12. It encourages imaginative play and the attention to detail in the set makes it perfect for your child to learn more about horses. Additionally, it can easily be paired with any of Schleich’s Horse Club toys for added fun.
The Horse Club by Schlich features four riders, Hannah, Sofia, Lisa, and Sarah. They are close friends, which could inspire friendships and encourage your child to play with others. This 44-piece set comes with one of the riders and two horses- an Arabian foal and mare. Of course, you can easily buy other horses or riders to use along with this. There is also a long line of Schleich horse toys that your child might enjoy playing with, including everything from a truck and trailer for horse transport to a mobile horse veterinarian clinic.
In addition to the figures and building, this play set is loaded with accessories that make playtime a learning experience as your child learns about feeding and caring for horses. Some of the accessories included are a leisure saddle, harness, bridle, massage brush, carrot, green apple, hay bale, hay feeder, hoof pick, and more.
The one downside of this set is that it needs to be assembled before play. Once it is assembled, you can’t move it around without the pieces detaching. This can be especially frustrating for younger kids, so while this is recommended for ages five and up, you may want to wait until your child is a year or two older.
Pros
- Great attention to detail in the stable and horses
- Schleich horse toys can be played with together or separately
- Comes with rider and two horses
- Roof and paddocks can be removed to make a riding arena
- Loaded with accessories for feeding and caring for a horse
Cons
- Can fall apart if the stable is moved around after assembly
Breyer Horses My Dream Horse Painting Craft Kit
The Breyer Horses My Dream Horse Painting Craft Kit is 6″ tall and 9″ long. In the craft kit, your little one will find everything they need to paint a beautiful horse.
The kit comes with a small paintbrush good for painting details and six paint pots, including the colors deep brown, chestnut brown, golden brown, white, gray, and black. It’s recommended for ages four and up.
After the paint has dried, the brushable mane and tail make it possible for your child to style the horse’s hair. Even though your child may enjoy styling the mane and tail, it’s important to note that they cannot necessarily be played with too much. This is especially true if your child is rough.
The horse does stand up on its own, which makes it a great choice for display. However, the legs can break off with rough play. This might disappoint a child that wants to play with the horse after it has dried.
Pros
- Non-toxic paints are good for ages four and up
- Horse is good sized and has good attention to detail
- Brush and several ‘horse colors’ of paint come with the set
- Brushable mane and tail
- Horse stands up on its own
Cons
- Legs are fragile and may break with rough play
Best Horse Toys for Toddlers
Plush Creations Plush Horse Toys for Kids Playset
The Plush Creations Plush Horse Toys for Kids Playset comes with four soft, plush ponies that make noise when they are hugged. It also comes with a plush horse stall that makes it easy for your little one to tote around on car trips or while they are playing.
Each of the stuffed horse toys included in this set stand about 4″ tall and are 8″ long. When squeezed, they say “I’m a horse” followed by a neighing sound. This will excite especially younger kids, who might appreciate how they can interact with the horses. Additionally, they can play with the included plushie stable. The stable stands 8″ tall and is 6.5″ x 5.5″ at the base.
The vivid colors and soft textures of the horses and stable make for a good sensory experience for babies and toddlers. They are certified as being made from non-toxic materials. These are not recommended for washing, however, they can be wiped down with a wet cloth to clean them. Whether your child wants to play or snuggle, these horses are perfect.
Something to note is that the stable is better used for storage than playing. While your child can stand up one pony toy in the door, the small dimensions of the stable don’t allow other horses to stand comfortably inside. However, they all will fit inside when set on top of each other. This makes it convenient for your child to bring along their plush horse friends wherever they go.
Pros
- Horse plushies are soft, good for cuddling and playtime
- Barn makes it easy to bring the horses for play dates or car rides
- Vivid colors and soft textures
- Horses make whinnying sounds
- Perfect size for smaller hands
- Comes with four horses and a barn
- Encourages imaginative play
Cons
- Barn works better for storage than for playtime
Breyer Horses Color Changing Bath Toy
The Breyer Horses Color Changing Bath Toy | Jasmine the Horse stands 7.5″ tall and is recommended for ages 2 and up. She’s the perfect bath time companion for children interested in bathing and nurturing their equestrian friend.
Jasmine is a pretty black Appaloosa horse with pink markings above her hooves, on her back, and on her nose. When the markings get wet, they turn white. She also has black and pink hair that turns white when it gets wet. As Jasmine dries after bath time, all these markings turn pink again.
The accessories that come with this Breyer Horses bath toy include a monogrammed terry cloth bath robe, atomizer spray bottle, and brush. Her mane and tail can be brushed and styled after bath time, adding to the fun.
One thing to note is that you’ll need to be careful about mildew growth inside the horse, as with most bath toys. Water can enter the horse when it’s submerged. Several parents have recommended drilling larger holes in the hooves and one in the belly to be sure all the water comes out after bath time.
Pros
- Comes with terry cloth towel, hair brush, and accessories
- Spots change color when the horse gets wet
- Jasmine’s mane and tail can be brushed and styled
- Hair changes color when it gets wet
- Stands 7.5″ tall, which is a good size
- Recommended for ages 2+
Cons
- Risk of mildew growth inside the toy
Best Horse Toys for Girls
When comparing the best horse toys for girls, the Elsa and Nokk was far more popular and rated higher for quality and giftability, probably due to the popularity of Frozen 2; whereas the Shimmers Norwegian Horse was not quite as popular but those who love Glitter Girls were very happy with the quality of this large horse, except for the glitter that falls off.
Disney Frozen Elsa Doll & Nokk Figure
The Disney Frozen Elsa Doll & Nokk Figure Inspired by Frozen 2 is a great choice whether your little one loves Frozen, horses, or both. It is recommended for kids ages three and older and big enough that the figures are fun and easy to play with.
These two figures resemble those from the movie. The Elsa doll has a dress on pictured in the Disney Frozen 2 movie and the mythical water spirit Nokk is also from the movie. Elsa also has long blonde hair styled into a braid that your child can play with and style on their own, adding to the fun of this set. Something to note is that while the figures are made durably, the dress is thin and not hemmed, so it may start to fray after being handled a while.
Your child will love putting Elsa on top of the mythical water horse and having her ride along for playtime. However, they will not be able to set the horse down and it falls over easily, especially because the front leg is lifted. The toys are made entirely of plastic, aside from Elsa’s dress and hair, so your child may even enjoy playing with Nokk in the bathtub.
Pros
- Elsa and Nokk are both built durably
- Can be used as bath toys
- Authentic design from the movie, including Elsa’s dress and the design of the horse
- Elsa can ride on top of Nokk
- Encourages imaginary play
Cons
- Nokk does not always stand up on its own
- Elsa’s dress is not well-made
Glitter Girls by Battat – Shimmers 14″ Norwegian Horse
The Glitter Girls by Battat – Shimmers 14″ Norwegian Horse stands 14″ tall, making it a good choice if you want a larger horse for your child. It is recommended for ages three and up and comes with several accessories. This 14″ horse is also compatible with 14″ dolls including Wellie Wishers and Hearts for Hearts.
In addition to accessories your horse can wear, including a bridle with reins and a saddle with a pad, this comes with a horse scraper, grooming mitt, and basket of apples. These all aid to imaginary play, especially when your toddler has a doll to interact with the horse.
Kids will also appreciate that the recycled packaging can be transformed into a horse stall, though it may not withstand rough play because it is made of cardboard. Some parents have said it’s very difficult to get the horse out of the box because it is thicker cardboard. Even if the makeshift stable from the box doesn’t last forever, there are horse stalls, clothing, and several other accessories available from the Glitter Girls company.
For the most part, this is a durable horse that can withstand tough play. It features a pink mane and tail that your child will enjoy brushing and styling. There is also glitter on the hooves, however, the glitter is likely to wear down within the first few weeks of play.
Pros
- Stands 14″ tall and is compatible with several types of dolls
- Packaging is made from recyclable materials and becomes a horse stable
- Comes with several accessories, including some the horse can wear
- Pink mane and tail are fun to style
- Built durable
- Glitter Girls has several other accessories for the horse available
Cons
- Difficult to get out of the box
- Glitter on the hooves wears down quickly with play
Best Melissa & Doug Horse Toys
Both priced equally, the Feed & Groom Horse Care Play Set is a plush horse with the focus on feeding and grooming with many accessories. This set, while does have many great reviews, does not quite equal the positive reviews of the Take-Along Show-Horse Stable and Horses, which is a stable with 8 different horses that are durable and high quality.
Melissa & Doug Feed & Groom Horse Care Play Set
The Melissa & Doug Feed & Groom Horse Care Play Set is an excellent choice for kids who are interested in learning to care for horses. It comes with 23 pieces including things like a checklist that make it easy for kids ages 3-7 to keep track of daily tasks associated with owning a horse.
The included plush horse comes with a stable and everything needed to keep it clean and well-fed. Some of the grooming and riding accessories include a saddle pad, saddle, and bridle, horse blanket, wash pail and sponge, self-stick horseshoes, brush, and comb. This also comes with water bins, food bins, and play hay and grain for feeding the horse.
In addition to the different accessories, this comes with a reusable play checklist that your child can use to keep track of feeding and grooming tasks. There are also name tags and stickers for the stall that your child can use for personalization. Something to note is that the horse stall included in this set (and the checklist) is made of a sturdy cardstock material. If your child is especially rough on their toys, they may not last very long.
Like all Melissa & Doug toys, this horse playset comes with a 100% guarantee. It can be paired with other Melissa & Doug pet care play toys and encourages imaginative play that is important for a young child’s developing mind.
Pros
- Comes with 23 pieces that make it fun to take care of the play horse
- Comes with checklist to teach feeding and grooming accessories
- Name tags and stickers included for personalization
- Can be paired with other Melissa & Doug products
- Made with quality you’d expect from this company
Cons
- Horse stall is made for cardstock and won’t withstand rough play
Melissa & Doug Take-Along Show-Horse Stable
The Melissa & Doug Take-Along Show-Horse Stable is the perfect choice for kids interested in learning more about different horse breeds and what they look like. It comes with eight different horses featuring detail and unique design. This set is recommended for ages three and older.
In addition to the stable that lets your child easily tote the horses around, this set comes with a breed card that gives info on each of the horse breeds. Your child can also customize play by having you write in names above each horse’s stable. The attention to detail on the horses and the stable makes this an engaging set to play with.
This horse set and stable are meant to encourage imaginative play and learning. It does this well and the durable materials mean your child will be playing with this set for years. When your child is done with playtime for the day, they can easily close all eight horses in the stable and pick them up using the handle attached to the top.
Something to note is that these horses don’t stand up on their own because of the way their legs are designed, which can be a downside once your child has them out of the stable. However, the stable is very well-designed and there are several other brands of horses that will work with this set.
Pros
- Stable is built very durably
- Good attention to detail on the design of the horses and stable
- Names can be written on the stable for personalization
- Comes with a breed guide
- Handle on top of the stable makes it easy to carry
- Stable works well for play or transport
Cons
- Horses do not stand well on their own
Melissa & Doug Round the Ranch Horse Activity Rug
The Melissa & Doug Round the Ranch Horse Activity Rug With 4 Play Horses and Folding Fence is recommended for ages 3-7. It is a great choice for inspiring play, especially as your child plays with the horses and makes them travel all over the map. Additionally, this playmat can easily be used with other toys for added fun.
The large size of the mat makes it big enough that several kids can play on it at once. As it has a one-size-fits-all design, it’s easy to use a variety of different horses and figurines to play with. Some of the locations your child will have fun playing with include the show arena (with pictured jumps for doing tricks), a pasture with an apple tree for grazing, a stable, and a pond/woodsy area.
In addition to the mat, this comes with four horses and a folding fence that add to play. While these are made of plastic and are extremely lightweight, they do add to the fun until your child gets more horses to play with on the mat. They stand up on their own and add to the imaginative experience, they just don’t match the quality of the mat.
Something else nice about this set is that the rug is made durably. The top is soft and durable. There is binding around the edges, which prevents fraying that could ruin the rug. Additionally, this features a non-skid back that will stop your little one from slipping if they walk across it on a hard surface.
Pros
- Great choice for encouraging imaginative play
- The rug features several places that horses may visit
- Four horses and fencing included
- Vivid detail on the mat
- Binding around the edges to prevent fraying
- Non-skid backing
Cons
- Horses and fence are made from cheaper plastic
Best Ride-On Horse Toys
While the Bouncy Horse Hopper is a great energy release for busy toddlers, this durable eco-friendly hopper will eventually lose air over time but does come with a hand pump. However, the Radio Flyer Interactive Riding Horse is a rocking horse that is able to walk, trot, and gallop and has been designed with many safety features. Radio Flyer is a brand known for quality and with care, this horse can be passed down to the next generation.
Radio Flyer Chestnut Plush Interactive Riding Horse
The Radio Flyer Chestnut Plush Interactive Riding Horse is perfect for kids ages 2-6, especially if you’re looking for something to encourage physical activity. It’s a great choice for inspiring your child to climb on top and imagine they’re riding up a mountain trail or through the wild west.
This ride-on horse toy comes with a saddle, stirrups, and handles so your child can climb on and ride safely. The top of the horse head and neck are made of a soft, plush material that they will love to hug while riding.
Another feature that adds to how realistic playtime is with this horse is the realistic riding sounds. As your child walks, trots, or gallops along, this horse makes different noises. This playset also comes with a comb that your child can use to groom their friend and a carrot. When you feed the horse the carrot, it makes realistic eating sounds.
In addition to the stirrups, this comes with an easy-climb step that makes it easier for young children to mount without getting hurt. The base also has an ‘X’ design that provides stability so you don’t have to worry about the horse tipping over during playtime. There are also covers over the springs that prevent little fingers from being pinched.
While this is ride-on toy is fun to play with, you’ll need to assemble it first. There are a lot of small parts and it can take some time to assemble it right, so it’s best to buy this early if you are going to give it as a gift.
Pros
- Makes realistic riding sounds for different speeds (walk, trot, and gallop)
- Comes with a carrot that makes realistic munching sounds when the horse ‘eats’
- Several safety features to prevent falls
- Covers for the springs to prevent fingers from getting pinched
- Soft, huggable head
- Has saddle, stirrups, and rein for realistic riding
Cons
- Difficult to assemble
Inpany Bouncy Horse Hopper
The Inpany Bouncy Horse Hopper- Brown Inflatable Jumping Horse is a great way to inspire physical activity and fun. This is recommended for ages 3 and up, all the way up to 100 pounds. The horse is 22″ tall, making it perfect for toddlers and kids a little older.
One nice feature of this horse is that it’s four legs give it more stability than balls kids might bounce around on. This makes it less likely that they will fall over. Your child also learns more about stability, balance, and coordination as they learn to jump around on this horse. While this horse looks like a cartoon character, there’s good attention to detail and it features big, friendly eyes and visible ‘hair’ lines.
The included pump makes it easy to inflate the horse for playtime. It’s simple to inflate and made of durable materials so you don’t lose air all the time. Of course, it’s only natural for something with air in it to need to be pumped up a little more occasionally, You’ll want to monitor this because the horse bounces best when it’s properly inflated.
This is made from durable, eco-friendly materials. You can also feel assured that this has passed several safety tests. The information on the tests is on the website and the company’s transparency is nice for giving parents peace of mind.
Even though this is recommended for kids up to 100 pounds, it’s likely your child will stop playing with it before then. They can choose to bounce for it, however, it only stands 22″ tall and is better suited for toddlers than older children.
Pros
- Good attention to detail
- Teaches balance and coordination
- Easy to inflate
- Hand pump included
- Better stability than a ball because of the legs
- Made from durable, eco-friendly materials
Cons
- Horse will eventually lose air over time
- Smaller size might not be good for taller kids
Linzy Hobby Horse
The Linzy Hobby Horse, Galloping Sounds with Adjustable Telescopic Stick is great for toddlers because it grows with them because of the telescoping stick. It is recommended for ages three and older.
The Linzy Hobby Horse is perfect for aspiring cowboys and cowgirls, as well as horse enthusiasts. The handle adjusts to 21″, 30″, and 36″. It’s durable enough to withstand playtime and the head is made of soft plush material. There are reins attached to the head so you’re child can hold while they gallop along.
Kids will also appreciate that this horse makes a whinnying sound when they press on the ear. Something to note is that this function requires batteries. While the batteries are included, you cannot replace them once they quit working. Additionally, there is a risk that the batteries will have a short life depending on how many times the function has already been used.
When not in use, the telescoping handle compacts nicely and the head twists off for easy storage or carrying to play dates. This hobby horse toy is a great choice for encouraging imaginative play and physical activity. You can take it one step farther by buying your little cowboy or cowgirl a pair of boots and a hat for when they’re riding along.
Pros
- Soft, plush head and durable stick
- Has three different sizes to grow with your child
- Makes a whinnying sound
- Very compact when taken apart for storage or transport
- Comes with reins attached to the head
- Great for imaginative play
Cons
- Cannot replace batteries when they stop working
Horse Toys Compared
The table below compares only the recommended products on this page. A low or high Price means it is low or high compared to the other products listed. The Popularity Score reflects how often readers click on and buy the product. The Quality Score is our assessment of the overall performance and satisfaction with the product compared to others in the table.
| Radio Flyer Chestnut Plush Interactive Riding Horse | 9.9 | 9.6 | 219.99 |
| Schleich Horse Club Riding Center with Rider and Horses | 7.5 | 9.6 | 130.98 |
| Toy Story Woody and Buzz Lightyear 2-Character Pack | 9.0 | 9.6 | 39.99 |
| Breyer Horses My Dream Horse Painting Craft Kit | 6.7 | 9.4 | 38.99 |
| Plush Creations Plush Horse Toys for Kids Playset | 9.4 | 9.2 | 31.50 |
| Glitter Girls by Battat – Shimmers 14" Norwegian Horse | 9.5 | 9.4 | 27.99 |
| TOYMANY Horse Figurines Set | 9.1 | 9.2 | 26.99 |
| Melissa & Doug Take-Along Show-Horse Stable | 9.9 | 9.6 | 24.99 |
| Inpany Bouncy Horse Hopper | 9.9 | 9.2 | 23.99 |
| Linzy Hobby Horse | 9.8 | 9.2 | 23.59 |
| Disney Frozen Elsa Doll & Nokk Figure | 9.7 | 9.6 | 20.98 |
| Breyer Horses Color Changing Bath Toy | 9.8 | 9.4 | 19.99 |
| Melissa & Doug Feed & Groom Horse Care Play Set | 9.9 | 9.6 | 17.99 |
| Sunny Days Entertainment Blue Ribbon Champions Deluxe Horse Toy | 9.6 | 9.6 | 17.41 |
| Melissa & Doug Round the Ranch Horse Activity Rug | 3.9 | 9.6 | - |
How We Selected Horse Toys
Age Range
One of the biggest things to factor in when you’re buying horse toys for your kid is the manufacturer’s recommended age range.
When shopping for babies and toddlers, choosing something appropriate for their age range is important. Toys may be recommended for a certain age group based on the skills needed to play or the skills that can be developed through play. In other cases, certain horse toys may not be recommended for babies or toddlers because they have smaller parts. These might break off if mishandled or become a choking hazard if your baby puts them in his or her mouth.
When shopping for horse toys for older kids, the age range is usually a recommendation based on skill level and interest. Toys generally interest a certain age group of kids and this can help you choose something your child will enjoy playing. Choosing something above your child’s age range can be complicated or frustrating to play with, while choosing something below their age range might cause them to quickly lose interest with playing.
Types of Horse Toys
One of great things about horse toys is that there a wide range of options that offer different play types.
- Stuffed horses are a great choice when you’re child is looking for a toy for comfort or something they can keep with them for a long time.
- Ride-on horses, including rocking horses, are a great choice for encouraging physical activity and learning critical skills like balance.
- Figurines are a great choice for encouraging imaginative play.
- Play sets might include your child’s favorite characters from movies or television shows, while others might encourage them to learn how to care for horses with play food and hairbrushes.
Safety
One of the biggest factors to consider when you’re choosing equestrian toys for kids is that they are safe. Buying within your child’s age range can help with this.
On the plus side, most kid’s items are regulated for safety and must follow certain guidelines before they can be manufactured and sold. Many toys list their compliance with ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) that helps protect consumers from exposure to dangerous materials (like lead-based paints) that might be used in the manufacturing process.
Even with manufacturers adhering to these standards and providing age guidelines, you’ll want to be aware of some of the safety hazards of children’s toys. Be wary of sharp edges or small pieces that might break off, especially if your child is under the age of three. You’ll also want to pay attention to any joints or movable pieces to be sure small fingers won’t get pinched.
Life-Likeness
Something else you might want to consider as you choose horse toys for your child is how realistic they are.
For younger children or those who are most interested in imaginary play, something like how realistic the horse toy is may not matter. If your child is a horse enthusiast, however, they might prefer something that is similar to the real thing.
Additionally, more realistic toys can be used to simulate taking care of a horse. This can even inspire later hobbies and get your child interested in horse riding or a club like 4H.
Compatibility
One of the benefits of your child being a horse fanatic is that many of the play sets can be used together.
As your child’s interest grows, you can buy them different horses and play sets to interact with each other. Sometimes, you can buy accessories and additional play sets based on the company (for example, Schleich has a lot of different horse play sets that work together). You can also read horse toy reviews for advice on people who have the different sets for their kids and which horses, stables, riders, and accessories fit together from different brands.
Child’s Preference
One thing you might notice is that your child has a preference for certain horses or colors. For example, they might like a golden Palomino or a silky black Arabian horse. If your child does have a preference, buying a horse in the color or breed they prefer will make them more likely to play with the toy. You may even find it quickly becomes one of their favorites.
Assembly and Number of Pieces
There are many horse toys that will need assembly before play time.
For example, the ride-on horse toy mentioned above and the Schleich stable will both need assembled. Something to consider is how difficult it is to assemble the toy and how long it will take.
Additionally, you’ll want to consider the size of the parts for assembly. If there are a lot of smaller pieces for the play sets, it can be easy for your child to lose them. This is especially true if they don’t put everything away after play time. If your child tends to lose pieces to their play set, some toys might be better saved until they are a little older.
FAQs About Horse Toys
What are some of the benefits of playing with horse toys?
One of the great things about horse toys is that there is a wide variety. This means that there are different benefits depending on the toy that you choose for your little one.
One of the biggest benefits of horse toys regardless of the type is that they encourage imaginative play. Imaginative play has several benefits for children. As your child plays games and finds new ways to play, they are using problem solving. This is also true when playing with others, when they may have to adapt to the situation.
Playing with horse toys also encourages social and emotional skills. Even when your child is playing alone, they are ‘putting themselves in someone else’s shoes’ when playing. By imagining themselves as different characters, they learn empathy.
Finally, imaginative play encourages language development as the different characters your child is playing with interact with each other.
Other benefits of playing with horse toys include the development of physical skills. Rocking horses, for example, encourage development of balance and coordination. Other toys that make your child grasp as they move them along or interact with them by brushing their hair or caring for them. The grasping movement encourages development of fine motor skills.
What’s the best horse toy?
With so many toys, it’s hard to narrow down any single choice that is the best horse toy for kids. Additionally, the best choice is likely to vary depending on factors like your child’s age and their interests.
For younger kids interested in caring for and riding horses, something like the Breyers Horses Color Changing Bath Toy might be best.
Little boys might appreciate the Lizzy Hobby Horse or the Toy Story 2-Pack of characters for playing games with their imagination.
An older child might prefer the Schleich horse toys, especially because they can get different play sets and create a whole world to play with.
What matters most when choosing the best horse toy is paying attention to your child’s interests and what they may like most. If you need ideas, pay attention to advertisements they might see or how they play with the horse toys they already have. If all else fails, you could also ask.
Are rocking horses dangerous?
Parents sometimes shy away from rocking horses despite their benefits because of the risk of falls or little fingers being pinched under the horse.
There are many children’s toys that can be dangerous. What matters most is that you follow manufacturer recommendations. Rocking horses are usually recommended for children ages 1-6, however, it depends on the specific model. Follow age recommendations.
It is also important that you don’t let your child play around the horse unsupervised, especially when they are younger.
Finally, be sure to watch younger siblings and keep them away from the rocking horse when their brother or sister is playing.
