How to make a noodle pony
At one time or another most adults have heard a child ask if they
can have a horse. If purchasing or taking care of a horse isn’t in
the budget, why not consider making a stick pony out of a
swimming pool noodle! This activity can be done year round,
especially when swimming pool noodles are in stock in just about
every big box retailer.
Materials needed:
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Scissors
Black Sharpie Marker
Attached stencil ear and mane
9”x12” felt-whatever color you like!
One 55’ in length and 2 3/8’ in diameter Swim Noodle
Mega bulk yarn to make the reins
One large rubber band
The first step is to make a mane and ears. This piece
can be created by tracing the stencil on the felt. When
cutting the two slits in the center, make them a little
smaller than on the stencil. This will help keep the felt
in place and the horse’s ears perky-if his ears droop
the pony will look very unhappy!
One a crafty note, felt comes in tons of colors, patterns
and even with sparkles embedded in the fabric.
Encourage the kids to have fun selecting something to
make their horse unique!
Once your ears and mane are cut out, set those aside
and start on your pony’s tack-his reins! You can really
use whatever kind of yarn you have, but to give our
horses a realistic look with a rope halter try to use a thick
bulky yarn. If you use a thinner yarn, your “rider” might
have a harder time holding onto their horse!
Cut your yarn to be a yard long. This length will help create the
head and tension to keep the noodle bent as well as hold the
ears and mane in place.
Now that everything is cut, slip one end of the noodle
through what will be the back of the horse’s neck. At about
20” from the top of the noodle, slip the other end into the
open slit on the felt. This will soon form the bangs of the
horse’s mane.
Continue to slip the felt all the way up to the crook of the
noodle, and once it’s in place, put a rubber band around
bent noodle to hold it in place.
It’s time to put some tack on horses!
Using the bulk yarn, tie the bent noodle in place with a double
knot.
Then tie the ends of the yarn together to make a loop and form
the reins.
The last and final step is to give your horse a set of eyes, nostrils
and a mouth. Simply draw these elements on your horse. Now
enjoy your noodle horse!