Best Ride On Horse For Toddlers [Top 15 Reviews In 2023]

Play helps your child to develop socially and cognitively. Toys can also help you save time, which you can spend doing some other important stuff within the house. The best ride on horse for toddlers are a class of toys that appeal to children of different age groups.

Ride on horses teach kids essential motor skills. Riding horse for toddlers also teaches balancing, navigation, and maneuvering skills, to mention a few. There are lots of benefits to derive from ride on horses, especially the interactive ones. This article that comes with a buying guide at the end will aid you in choosing the right kids ride-on horse.

For those who are in a rush, here are our top picks.

Top 15 Best ride on horse for toddlers Reviews

1. Smart Gear Brown Horse Riding Toy - Editor's Choice

PonyCycle from Smart Gear does an excellent mimicry of a real horse. It comes in two main sizes so buyers can choose the one that matches their kids' age and height. The horse toy has no electrical system or wheels, but the toy is propelled by bouncing on the back of the horse. It cannot move backward. The play area needs to be level to keep it safe for the toy.

What age is this recommended for?

4 -10 years

What makes it stand out?

It has a very strong body build, yet it is easy to ride. The design also mimics a real horse.

2. ​Rockin' Rider Lucky Talking Plush Spring Horse - Best Value

Lucky Talking Spring horse combines child-friendly looks and designs with quality materials. The horse sings and talks with its mouth moving automatically. Its frame is made of durable steel and springs are strong enough to support up to 70 lbs of weight.

Once you assemble the toy, you can adjust the volume of the toy to suit your environment. To make the horse sing or talk, kids press either of the ears. Since the toy cannot be easily moved from one place to the other. The Lucky Spring Horse will make a good present for your kid's birthday.

What age is this recommended for?

2 - 5 years

What makes it stand out?

It has an incredible ability to move its mouth along with the sounds and music. This gives a near real-life horse riding experience to kids.

3. ​Vroom Rider X Ponycycle Ride-On Unicorn - Popular Choice

Vroom Rider Unicorn is mechanically propelled. There’s no need for electricity or batteries as children use their sheer effort to move the unicorn. Bouncing on the saddle moves the toy forward while turning the head swerves the horse in the desired direction. Children can exercise their muscles while having fun on the toy.

What age is this recommended for?

3 - 9 years

What makes it stand out?

Real horse look and a jolly horse riding experience make Vroom Rider an edge over others. 

4. UFREE Action Pony, Large Mechanical Horse Toy

Action pony toy is another top-rated mechanical horse toy on our list. It is meant for older kids and is strong enough to take the weight. It is made of strong steel frames, leather and plush material to give a strong horse look-alike.

Apart from 6-year olds, there are bigger sizes that are suitable for teens and adults. This makes Action Pony horse toy a piece of fantastic play equipment in amusement parks.

Bounce up and down the saddle to move the horse forward. Use the head to swerve to the left or right. The toy works well on flat surfaces and helps give your kids unforgettable fun.

What age is this recommended for?

6 - 9 years

What makes it stand out?

It looks more like a real horse and does not take too long for kids to master. Where the floor is smooth, it gives an excellent riding experience.

5. Labebe-Baby Rocking Horse

This rocking horse model has won safety awards on both national and international levels. Made of hard and finely finished wood, your kids will get all the support they need on the toy horse. It is stuffed with cotton material to make the body soft enough for the kid to enjoy.

There are 3 seat belts on the saddle. The trio can be intertwined to secure your kid firmly. Kids do not fall off when these straps are used.

What age is this recommended for?

1 - 3 years

What makes it stand out?

It has lots of safety tools that many other models do not consider. It also makes the toddler more comfortable in the toy

6. Smart Gear Pony Cycle White Unicorn Ride-on Toy

Just like the first product, the White Unicorn Ride on Toy also makes use of the child's power to move the toy. Its wheels can only move forward and not backward. Apart from a wonderful design, the unicorn is also well-built to take up to 8 lbs. of weight.

As it gallops, the muscles of the feet and the back are exercised. This toy is for more aged kids as it requires some basic manipulation skills to help children steer the horse in the left or right direction.

What age is this recommended for?

4 - 9 years

What makes it stand out?

It has an incredible ability to bear more weight. Its tires help the horse hold steady.

7. Uenjoy Riding Horse

Uenjoy Riding Horse comes in three sizes-small, medium, and large. The smallest size can support weight up to 132 lbs while the large size can support up to 187 lbs. Instead of a bulky saddle, the toy horse comes with a plush cushion to make riding easier.

The horse works mechanically. Kids only need to step on the pedal and turn the steering bars to navigate sideways. The tires only roll forward. There are up to five different animal designs to choose from. They include zebra, unicorn, reindeer, and alpaca.

What age is this recommended for?

3 - 5 years

What makes it stand out?

This toy comes in 5 different animal forms. This means kids can choose from horse, zebra, unicorn, reindeer, and alpaca. 

8. WADDLE Pink Unicorn Toy

Waddle inflatable unicorn toy has a more elegant yet beautiful design. It is made of soft and safe materials, including phthalate-free vinyl. The bouncing level of the toy is safe enough to prevent accidents during play. It can take up to 110lbs of weight without much stress on the materials.

The kit also comes with its pump, so parents don't need to buy a separate pump. Children can bounce comfortably on the toy as the body is soft and safe as it comes in contact with kid's skin.

What age is this recommended for?

3 - 5 years

What makes it stand out?

Inflatable toys are prone to bursting. This product is different in that it can manage over inflation better than others.

9. Rockin' Rider Domino Stable Horse

This toy looks so much like a real horse. It is made of tough metal frame and soft plush material. It comes with 2 AA batteries to power the electrical components. You can be sure your kids will find it interesting when they rock it. It is an interactive toy.

Press the ears and to listen to horse music and sounds. There is a volume adjustment button that you can use to match the toy noise level with the environment. The toy is good for helping children learn as they play. Whether indoor or outdoor, the toy gives a lot of thrills to children.

What age is this recommended for?

3 - 10 years

What makes it stand out?

Many AA battery-powered toys use 3 AA batteries. This one uses two and is still so efficient. It saves money on battery ultimately.

10. Inpany Bouncy Horse Hopper- Brown Inflatable Jumping Horse

Inpany Bouncy Horse is an inflatable toy that comes with its pump. It is made of heavy-duty rubber material that posses explosion-proof capacity. The materials are eco-friendly and safe, with no stains or odor. It can take up to 100 lbs in weight.

Kids only need to bounce their bodies on the horse to ride it. To get the best from this toy, guide against the over-inflation of the horse. You can check for over inflation by feeling the sides of the horse to check for turgidity.

What age is this recommended for?

3 - 6 years

What makes it stand out?

When it comes to taking extra weight, this is the best among inflatable horses on this list. Handling 100 lbs weight is excellent for inflatable horses.

11. JoJoPooNy Mechanical Walking Horse

This is another capable mechanical horse on our list with great features. Apart from the high-quality steel frame, the plush cushion saddle also helps make the toy last longer. Children can bounce as much as they like to keep the toy moving forward. Moving parts should be lubricated regularly to ensure easy rides and efficient functioning.

What age is this recommended for?

3 - 6 years

What makes it stand out?

This toy comes with easily detachable parts. This is important when you want to keep the toy away for a long time.

12. VTech Gallop and Rock Learning Pony

VTech Pony toy is a rocking, interactive toy. It is made of a strong frame and soft saddle to keep your toddler comfortable on the kit. There are beautiful buttons well-positioned to help kids reach them easily.

The buttons control up 60 different songs and sounds. You just need 2 AA batteries to run the interactive feature. The toy also has a motion sensor that will play music when the child twists or turns on the kit. It also comes with excellent light flashes and colored display that your kids will love.

What age is this recommended for?

1 - 3 years

What makes it stand out?

This toy makes a rare combination of motion with sounds and music. It is sure to help kids get more creative when playing.

13. Rockin' Rider Charger 2-in-1 Pony Ride-On

Rocking Rider Pony can be used as a rocking horse and also as a rolling one. This helps your toddler grow with the toy and save you some cash. The charging feature helps this toy stand out from the rest. No need to keep buying AA batteries.

Pressing the ears of the pony gives exciting music and sounds. You can quickly convert from rock to roll mode or vice versa without using tools.

What age is this recommended for?

1 - 3 years

What makes it stand out?

This toy comes with a very soft saddle and a comfortable seat. For toddlers, comfort is a big deal. It is also rechargeable and eco-friendly.

14. Qaba Kids Plush Ride On Toy Walking Horse

This plush ride utilizes mechanical and electrical power to give the classic feel of a journey by horse. The frame uses both wood and polyester to give a strong and durable toy that can take up to 130 lbs of weight. By bouncing and simultaneously pulling and releasing the head, the horse is set in motion.

Neighing and the sound of hooves can also be activated in ride mode. These sounds help create some beautiful and near real-life experiences of horse riding.

What age is this recommended for?

2 - 4 years

What makes it stand out?

This toy makes a rare combination of motion interactive music and sounds. It enhances children riding experiences in multiple ways.

15. Rockin' Rider Cookie Stable Horse Ride On

Cookie is a recently released 2-in-1 toy horse. It is more than just a walking toy horse you can ride. It requires both mechanical and battery power to function fully. The toy is built with a sturdy frame and plush material.

The horse is colourfully designed to encourage kids to play. Interactive music and sounds can be activated when either of the ears of the horse is pressed. To propel the horse, kids only need to bounce on the saddle.

What age is this recommended for?

3 - 10 years

What makes it stand out?

This toy comes in different heights so parents can choose which one would suit their kids. It also combines mechanical and electrical power to create memorable riding experiences for kids.

Buying Guide

There are lots of toy horses you can ride or choose from. You need to know what to consider before getting one.

1. Types of horse toys

Riding horses for kids come in different design, type, and material. You need to consider this trio before you can find the one that suits your kid. We give a brief explanation of the ride on horse types below:

Inflatable horse toys

These types of horse toys are the cheapest. They are suitable for kids of 1 and 2 years. They are made of soft air-tight materials and valve to keep air locked in. Some come with a pump to inflate the toy.

This type of horse toy may not be strong enough for your kid to sit on. However, they come in colorful designs that make them suitable as inanimate pets.

Rocking horse toys

Children are often fascinated by rocking motions. Having a toy that allows them to enjoy the rocking motion is excellent. Rocking horses are built with sturdy materials such as plastic and wood.

They usually have a balanced stand that is also shaped to allow for rocking movements. Some even come with straps to increase your child's safety while rocking the horse.

Wheeled Horses

Older children can also get a feel of what it is like to ride a real horse. Wheeled horses require higher motor skills that toddlers may not have yet acquired.

Most wheeled horses have steering control around the horse head to help kids navigate the play area. Wheeled horses help your older kids to improve their coordination and balance.

Interactive horse toys

Apart from helping your kids with motor skills, interactive toys assist in kid's learning. Some come with phrases, music, alphabets, or numbers to keep your child learning while playing.

2. Your child's needs

3. Material

The material of the toy can affect how you maintain it. Plastic and wooden toys generally have a strong build and can withstand lots of stress from the weight of children. In terms of maintenance, both wooden and plastic toys can easily be fixed. Wooden toys have a slight edge over plastic ones in terms of longevity and ease of repair.

Inflatable toys may score low on longevity, depending on the nature of the child that uses them. Older children are quite active and inquisitive. The kids may go to great lengths to ensure they rip the material and find out what is inside the toy. So if you want to go for inflatable, you make sure it is for the younger kids.

4. Height

Horses are nice to climb, but if your kid is always relying on you to put him or her on the toy, you may get weary of it. A better idea is to get a toy that is convenient for the height of your kids. This way, they can climb it on their own with time.

With a good choice on toy heights, you gradually build their confidence and capacity to take playful risks.

5. Extra features

You may find a ride on horses than combining interactive and mechanical features. Some may combine rocking and rolling movements. Getting a multiple function toy can help your kid maximize the play value of the horse toy.

If you wish to get the best ride on horse for toddlers from our list of 10, use our top picks. We have carefully considered users' experience and our assessment of the toys before making our choice.

The Smart Gear Brown Horse Riding Toy stands as our best overall pick. When you are looking for longevity and suitability for a wide age range, it is worth the crown. The ​Vroom Rider X is our most popular choice. Apart from getting lots of awards, many people love the product for its quality.

In terms of value for money, the Rockin Rider Lucky Talking Horse Toy is our pick. The horse sings and talks with its mouth moving automatically. It can be a great affordable birthday gift for your child.