Suede vs. Ripstop Soccer Balls for Horses: Which Lasts Longer?

Quick Answer

If your horse plays rough and you want maximum durability, choose a ripstop woven soccer ball like the Carrot Quest Classic Soccer Ball Horse Toy. If your horse has a sensitive mouth or prefers a softer feel, the natural suede version (Carrot Quest Natural Suede Soccer Ball) is gentler but may show wear sooner. Both are treat-dispensing toys with elastic loops for carrots.

Soccer balls for horses aren't just for kicking around—they're treat-dispensing toys that keep your horse engaged while rewarding them with carrots or other treats. But when you're choosing between suede and ripstop materials, durability and softness often pull in opposite directions.

In this comparison, we look at two Carrot Quest soccer ball options from Angle Pet Supplies—one in natural suede, the other in ripstop woven fabric—to help you decide which matches your horse's play style and your priorities.

Material Differences: Suede vs. Ripstop

Suede is a soft, natural material that feels gentle against a horse's mouth and skin. The Carrot Quest Natural Suede Soccer Ball is described as durable as it is soft, but suede generally absorbs moisture and can wear faster under heavy chewing or dragging compared to synthetic fabrics.

Ripstop woven fabric, on the other hand, is engineered to resist tearing and spreading. The Carrot Quest Classic Soccer Ball uses ripstop woven fabric, which is often more abrasion-resistant and better suited for outdoor play on rough surfaces.

Consider your horse's chewing habits. A gentle chewer may enjoy the soft texture of suede, while a determined chewer or a horse that plays on hard ground may benefit more from the tougher ripstop construction.

• Suede: softer feel, natural look, may show wear sooner.
• Ripstop: more tear-resistant, better for outdoor rough play.

Treat Dispensing and Engagement

Both Carrot Quest soccer balls are interactive snacking toys. They have snug elastic loops around the toy where you can refill carrots or other treats. This design encourages your horse to roll, nudge, and pick up the ball to access the treats, providing mental stimulation as well as physical activity.

The treat-dispensing feature works the same in both materials, so your choice between suede and ripstop doesn't affect how you load treats—only how the ball feels and how long it may last.

If your horse is new to treat-dispensing toys, start with larger treat pieces that are easy to grasp, and supervise initial play to ensure the toy is used safely.

Price and Value Considerations

The Carrot Quest Natural Suede Soccer Ball is priced at $22.48 (compared to $44.95), while the Carrot Quest Classic Soccer Ball in ripstop is $19.98 (compared to $39.95). Both are handmade by Noble Wings and offer a significant discount from their comparison prices.

The price difference is modest—about $2.50—so your decision should be based more on material preference and your horse's play behavior than on cost. If you expect the ripstop version to last longer, the slightly lower price adds to its value.

Larger horses or vigorous players may do better with a more durable material, making ripstop a cost-effective long-term choice. For a gentle pony that loves soft textures, the suede version's comfort may be worth the extra dollars.

• Natural suede: $22.48 (compare at $44.95)
• Ripstop woven: $19.98 (compare at $39.95)

The Trade-Offs

• Durability vs. Softness: Ripstop woven fabric is more resistant to tearing, while suede is softer and gentler on the mouth. Choose ripstop if durability is your top concern; choose suede for a more comfortable feel. Assess your horse's chewing intensity.
• Material Maintenance: Suede may absorb moisture and be harder to clean than ripstop fabric. Ripstop can be wiped down more easily and may hold up better in damp or muddy conditions. Consider your typical turnout environment.
• Price Difference: The suede version costs about $2.50 more than the ripstop version. If ripstop lasts longer, the lower initial price adds to its long-term value. Factor in expected lifespan when comparing prices.

Product Facts at a Glance

• Carrot Quest Natural Suede Soccer Ball Horse Toy: Handmade and crafted by Noble Wings, these toys are as durable as they are soft. Designed to keep horses engaged and entertained while rewarding them with treats, easily refill carrots or other treats within the snug elastic loops conveniently located around the toy. The soft suede material is ideal for horses with sensitive mouths, but the natural material may require more careful inspection for wear over time.
• Carrot Quest Classic Soccer Ball Horse Toy: An interactive horse snacking toy by Noble Wings, crafted from Ripstop Woven Fabric. Designed to keep horses engaged and entertained while rewarding them with treats, easily refill carrots or other treats within the snug elastic loops conveniently located around the toy. Ripstop fabric offers enhanced tear resistance, making it a good choice for horses that play aggressively or on abrasive surfaces.

Which Should You Choose?

Best for

• Horses with sensitive mouths or those who prefer a softer toy texture.
• Owners who prioritize a natural material and don't mind inspecting for wear more frequently.

Not for

• Aggressive chewers or horses that play on rough, abrasive surfaces—choose the ripstop version instead.

In the end, choosing between suede and ripstop for your horse's soccer ball comes down to your horse's play style and your priority on softness versus durability. The ripstop Carrot Quest Classic offers more tear resistance at a slightly lower price, while the suede version gives a gentler feel. Both are handmade treat-dispensing toys designed for engagement. Match the material to your horse's habits, and you'll get plenty of play sessions from either.