The Spinner puzzle
Meaningful enrichment, every day
Something to look forward to
The Spinner can quickly become a favourite part of your horse’s day—one he eagerly returns to again and again.
Wherever your
horse lives
With a suitable, secure mounting place, the Spinner can be used in a stable, open stable, paddock, track or pasture.
Independent
play
Once your horse understands how the Spinner works and uses it calmly, he can enjoy the puzzle independently and at his own pace.
Why start with the Spinner?
A simple first step into puzzling
Whether your horse is completely new to puzzles or already experienced with other enrichment activities, the Spinner is the puzzle we recommend starting with.
It offers a clear introduction to puzzling: exploring different movements, noticing what works and using that discovery to bring the food within reach. It also creates a natural bridge from moving an object on the ground to interacting with a puzzle mounted on the wall.
By keeping each step small and achievable, your horse can discover how the puzzle works, experience success and build confidence for every puzzle that follows.
A puzzle that stays interesting
Our horses have been playing with the Spinner since we built the first one in August 2023, and they still return to it eagerly. Over time, each horse has developed his own way of using it. Some even return when the puzzle is empty, simply for the pleasure of spinning it.
Built for daily use
The Spinner is made from sturdy, horse-safe materials and designed to be used again and again. One of the first Spinners we built has been used daily by four ponies since March 2024 and remains in good condition. Even our very first prototype is still in use. Regular cleaning and occasional resealing help keep it ready for many more years of puzzling.
Explore the Spinner puzzle
How does it work?
The Spinner is an interactive puzzle with four moving parts: one large rotating disc and three food balls mounted inside it. To access the rewards, your horse has to combine different movements — rotating the Spinner itself and moving the balls. This creates a playful challenge that encourages both movement and problem solving.
You can fill the Spinner with pellets or muesli through the openings in the food balls, or open them for easy filling and cleaning.
For the best puzzling experience, we recommend healthy, low-sugar, low-starch rewards your horse enjoys but stays calm for. Very high-value feeds can lead to frustration or overexcitement, which works against calm and thoughtful interaction.
Many horses quickly learn that a big spin lets them hear whether food is still inside — and they keep returning to check throughout the day.
Introducing the Spinner to Your Horse
Set your horse up for a confident start—without stress or frustration
Many horses have never needed to solve a problem to get food. So if you offer the full puzzle right away, they might get confused, frustrated or even scared. Some will try to bite or push forcefully. Others might simply give up. And that’s not the beginning you want for something that could become their favourite part of the day.
That’s why we recommend a step-by-step introduction. First, let your horse get to know the feed balls—separate from the Spinner puzzle. By nudging them in a basket and discovering that food comes out, your horse will learn the basic skill they’ll need later. Once they’re confident and curious, they’ll recognize the feed balls inside the Spinner—and know exactly what to do.
A good introduction sets your horse up for success. It builds not just puzzle skills, but also patience, confidence and emotional resilience. That’s what true enrichment is all about. Ready to introduce the Spinner the right way?
What happens when horses start puzzling
“A reward after pasture time"
We have a 19-year-old Icelandic gelding (Gustur) and two 2-year-old ponies (Senna and Sunny). All three figured out how it works by themselves. My gelding is already used to clicker training and touching objects, and he has often played with balls before. The youngsters learned it from watching him. I now mainly use it as a “reward” when they come in from the pasture. It’s really something they look forward to. – Marieke
"Woody shows how it goes!"
Woody is happy to show how it’s done — clever pony!
– Forest of Wisdom
“Even without the food reward”
Diego likes the puzzles from Equithink_puzzles_for_horses to! He even plays with it without a food reward! – HoefWijzer
"I would have bought it much sooner!"
If I had known how much my horse would enjoy the Spinner, I would have bought it much sooner! – Marieke
"They are mental adventures"
Puzzles aren’t just toys for these Icelandic horses, they are mental adventures – Iamglytja the bossmare
Want to see more reviews?
Check out the reviews on our instagram account! Click here
Here’s how to do it—step by step:
Phase 1: Learn to love the feed balls
Remove the feed balls from the puzzle and place them in a large basket or feed tub.
Fill them with a low-value food your horse likes but not loves—such as hay pellets. Make sure your horse isn’t too hungry to avoid overexcitement.
Scatter a few loose pellets around the balls so your horse eats and nudges the balls to reach them.
Let your horse discover that food comes out when the balls are moved. Soon they’ll start rolling and nudging them more purposefully
Repeat short sessions over a few days. Once your horse gets excited when seeing the feed balls and confidently uses them, they’re ready for the real thing
Watch the video here:
Important:
keep the two halves of each ball together
Each feed ball consists of two matching halves. The halves are not identical or interchangeable between balls, so always keep each pair together when opening or introducing the balls separately. If halves from different balls are combined, the axle holes may no longer align correctly and the ball can rub against the edge of the Spinner.
We mark matching halves to help you identify them, but these markings can wear off over time.
Phase 2: Meet the Spinner puzzle
Once your horse is happy and confident with the feed balls, it’s time to introduce the full puzzle.
Mount the Spinner securely, following the instructions in the user guide (see assembly section).
Place a bucket or tray underneath to help your horse hear the pellets drop—this sound reinforces success
Let your horse approach – don’t force him. When they see the familiar feed balls, most horses will come over with curiosity and excitement
As he nudges the balls, he’ll notice the whole Spinner rotates—that’s the moment of discovery.
Thanks to the positive associations already built, most horses will explore and adapt quickly.
No puzzle yet or puzzle on the way? Start here with some fun exercises to prepare your horse for the puzzles.
Watch the video here:
Watch horses play with the Spinner puzzle:
A sidenote with the video
Looking at the video’s we share on our socials it may look as if the horses are constantly spinning, and they therefore empty the Spinner really fast. In real life that is not the case, it just makes better video’s when you cut out the long pauses where they search for and eat the food. So to let you also see how slow this slowfeeder is watch this video “how slow feeds the slowfeeder”. Personally I love to watch how horses discover how to move the Spinner best, how they get confident in doing that and how they all develop their own technique. Seeing how your horse engages with the Spinner puzzle tells you a lot about their character.
What is a Spinner made of?
At Equithink, we care about more than just enrichment—we care about sustainability too. One of today’s biggest environmental challenges is how quickly things break and get thrown away. That’s why we design our puzzles to last.
We use high-quality, horse-safe materials: stainless steel, form plywood, and a water-based sealer to protect the wood. The food balls are made by Kong, crafted from durable bamboo composite.
You can help your Spinner last even longer by cleaning it regularly and resealing the wood when needed. And of course, proper mounting is key—secure it in a safe spot where your horse can enjoy it, but not destroy it.
Durability means more play, less waste—and happier horses.
Safety, Supervision & Common Sense
Horses are strong—and curious. While we design our puzzles to be as durable and horse-safe as possible, no product is indestructible. In our own open stable and paddock, our horses have 24/7 access to the puzzles. They’ve learned the puzzles inside and out, and when they’re empty, they simply move on to their hay or their friends.
But not all horses start there.
Some horses can get frustrated when they smell food but don’t immediately get a reward. That’s why we always recommend introducing new puzzles under supervision, until your horse shows that they understand the game and can disengage calmly when it’s empty.
We also recommend the following:
Introduce the puzzle gradually using our step-by-step guide, so your horse knows what to do.
Watch for resource guarding in group settings. Ideally, offer one more puzzle than you have horses.
Mount securely, following the instructions in our user manual.
Avoid unsupervised use if your horse tends to break things or has a strong itch—rubbing may damage the puzzle.
Use common sense. We test all our puzzles in multi-horse environments, but horses are individuals and accidents can happen.
Liability disclaimer:
Equithink is not liable for any direct or indirect damage resulting from the use of our products, except in cases of intentional misconduct or gross negligence. Always use as intended and supervise. Unsupervised use is at your own risk.
Assembly and mounting instructions
Here you can find the assembly video for the Spinner slowfeeder puzzle — click on it to open it on YouTube.
In addition, we provide a PDF user guide with important information about mounting and using the Spinner puzzle, so you can get the most out of it.
Please use both resources before using the Spinner puzzle.
Hier findest du das Montagevideo des Spinner Slowfeeder-Puzzles – klicke darauf, um es auf YouTube zu öffnen.
Zusätzlich stellen wir dir eine PDF-Bedienungsanleitung zur Verfügung, mit wichtigen Hinweisen zur Montage und Anwendung des Spinner-Puzzles, damit du das Beste aus ihm herausholen kannst.
Bitte nutze beide Ressourcen, bevor du das Spinner-Puzzle verwendest.
Voici la vidéo de montage du puzzle slowfeeder Spinner – cliquez pour l’ouvrir sur YouTube.
Nous mettons également à votre disposition un guide PDF avec des informations importantes sur le montage et l’utilisation du puzzle Spinner, afin d’en tirer le meilleur parti.
Veuillez consulter ces deux ressources avant d’utiliser le puzzle Spinner.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the Spinner Puzzle
Can the Spinner be used outside?
Yes. The wood is sealed and the other components are made from stainless steel, galvanised metal or plastic, so the Spinner can be used outdoors. Whenever possible, we recommend mounting it under a roof or in a sheltered location. This protects the puzzle from unnecessary weather exposure and helps extend its lifespan.
To keep the wood in good condition, it should be resealed periodically — approximately every two years, depending on weather exposure and conditions.
After rain, check the feed balls for food left inside. Water can enter through the openings and cause pellets to swell, which may block the holes. Remove any wet or swollen feed before using the Spinner again.
Can I use the Spinner with multiple horses?
Yes. We regularly see horses sharing a Spinner, sometimes with two or even three horses puzzling together. If the horses are comfortable sharing, puzzling can even become a social activity.
In group housing, always provide enough resources to avoid competition. We recommend offering more puzzles or enrichment resources than there are horses and placing them far enough apart so that every horse can choose to participate or move away freely.
How can I mount the Spinner?
The Spinner comes with a mounting bracket, six bolts and threaded inserts. You can install it securely in a suitable location or use the supplied hardware to make your own Puzzle Panel. If you prefer a ready-made flexible system, the Equithink Puzzle Panel is available separately and allows you to easily attach, remove and swap different Equithink puzzles.
How do I clean the Spinner?
Clean the Spinner and feed balls regularly with a damp cloth and a little mild soapy water. The feed balls can be completely removed and opened, so you can also clean the inside if needed. Make sure all parts are clean and dry before adding fresh feed.
Important: when opening the feed balls, always keep the two matching halves of each ball together. The halves from different balls are not interchangeable.
Each ball has two round holes and one square hole. Because the balls differ slightly, the axle does not always pass through the same combination of holes. On one ball, it may pass through the two round holes; on another, through one round hole and the square hole. Always use the two holes that sit directly opposite each other across the centre of the ball. This ensures that the ball sits centrally in the Spinner and can rotate freely.
How long will the Spinner keep my horse occupied?
That depends on the horse, the type and amount of feed and how experienced he is, but many horses spend 30 minutes or more emptying a filled Spinner. You can fill it once a day or several times throughout the day, using suitable pellets as part of your horse’s normal ration.
That can add up to hours of independent problem-solving every week — and thousands of opportunities to explore, manipulate and make things happen over the lifetime of the puzzle.
How often can I fill the Spinner?
As often as it suits your horse’s feeding routine. Puzzling doesn’t have to mean feeding extra treats. We recommend using low-sugar, low-starch forage pellets, such as grass or hay pellets, and using them as part of your horse’s normal daily ration.
Forage should make up the majority of a horse’s diet, so suitable forage pellets can give you plenty of opportunities to fill the Spinner without turning every puzzle session into an extra snack. You can fill it once a day or divide the amount over several fills throughout the day.
Is the Spinner suitable for a horse that has never used a puzzle before?
Yes. In fact, the Spinner is the puzzle we recommend for most beginners. You can introduce the three feed balls separately before placing them in the Spinner, allowing your horse to discover how they work step by step. This creates an easy introduction to the basic principle behind puzzling: my actions have an effect.
What food can I use in the Spinner?
The feed balls work with pellets up to approximately 10 mm. We recommend using healthy, low-sugar and low-starch pellets, such as hay or herb pellets, rather than highly palatable treats. Other feeds may work too — always test first that the food passes easily through the openings and cannot become stuck.
How do I introduce the Spinner to my horse?
Start with the feed balls separately, so your horse can discover that moving them releases food. Once he understands how the feed balls work, place them in the Spinner and give him time to explore the puzzle independently.
Read the full step-by-step introduction and watch the videos.
Important: when opening the feed balls, always keep the two matching halves of each ball together. Halves from different balls are not interchangeable.
How do I put the feed balls back together correctly?
Each ball consists of two matching halves. Always keep these original halves together; mixing halves from different balls can cause the axle holes to misalign and the ball to rub against the Spinner.
Each ball has two round holes and one square hole. The axle does not necessarily use the same combination of holes on every ball. Look for the two openings that sit directly opposite each other through the centre of the ball and insert the axle through those. A correctly assembled ball should sit centrally and rotate freely.
Will my horse still enjoy the Spinner once he knows how it works?
Absolutely. Knowing how the Spinner works doesn’t make it any less fun. Horses develop their own ways of spinning and manipulating it, and we often see their techniques change and become more efficient over time.
Our own horses have been using their Spinners for years, and for three of them it is still the first puzzle they go to when we refill the puzzles. Some even come back to spin it when it’s empty.
Every horse is different, of course, but learning how the Spinner works doesn’t mean the enrichment is finished — exploring, manipulating, searching and developing their own way of using it are all part of the experience.
Does my horse need to be supervised while using the Spinner?
Once your horse has been introduced to the Spinner and you know he uses it safely, the puzzle is designed for independent use. You don’t need to stand next to your horse, give cues or keep refilling rewards by hand.
Fill the Spinner and let your horse choose when and how to interact with it. That makes it easy to add meaningful mental activity to everyday life — even when you don’t have time for a training session.
Always consider your individual horse and the circumstances in which the Spinner is used. Continue to supervise whenever you are unsure whether he can use it calmly and safely on his own.
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Buy your Spinner puzzle here:
The Spinner – The Enrichment Puzzle That Gets Your Horse Thinking
$405.90 inc. VAT / inc. BTW
