The pool is fun and all, but once the swimming pool games have lost their luster, and the pool noodles lose their novelty, you may be wondering how to while away the rest of the summer. Well, giddy up, y'all, because those pool noodles can enjoy a second life as charming handmade hobby horses. Psst: Even if you're noodle-less, you can easily find pool noodles for a dollar or less during the summer months. (They're a smidge pricier online, but still relatively cheap.)

Because they're so affordable, you can even create a whole herd of horses for an equestrian- or cowboy-themed birthday party. (In that case, consider pre-making the bodies of the horses and letting the kids' creativity soar with customized manes, ears, eyes, and prize ribbons.)

Suggested Supplies

  • Foam Pool Noodles
  • Tube Sock
  • Twine
  • Ribbon
  • Felt
  • Scrap Fabric
  • Yarn or Rick Rack
  • Glue (Hot Glue and Craft Glue)
  • Wire
  • Vintage Buttons

Step 1. Create the pony shape: If you want the pony's face to be a different color, start by slipping a tube sock over one end of the pool noodle. Crease the pool noodle about a foot and a half from one end. While squeezing the two sides together (holding them between your legs works well to free up your hands), tie a piece of twine around both pieces to hold them in place.

Step 2. Make the bridle: Wrap a thick ribbon around the snout creating the bridle. (This also covers up the twine holding the pony in shape.) Next, make the reins by looping a narrow ribbon around the bridle on both sides. Use brass brads (or tacks for older children) to secure the reins on the snout of the pony.

Step 3. Make the ears: Cut two pieces of felt in the shape of ears. Cut two patterned pieces of fabric that are just smaller than the felt ears. Use craft glue to attach the patterned fabric to the felt. Pinch the ears at the bottom to give them shape, holding the pinch in place with a dab of hot glue. Use a knife to cut a slit in either side of noodle, at its highest peak. Insert the ears in the slits, holding them in place with craft glue.

Step 4. Make the mane: Cut 7-inch lengths of yarn or rick rack. If you'd like to style the mane with braids, you will want to cut longer strips. Attach these strips of yarn to a piece of wire about two feet long (floral wire works well) using a series of loop knots. Once the mane is the ideal length, push one end of the wire into the pool noodle at the top of the head and the other end of the wire at the base of the neck. Bend the ends of the wires to secure the mane to the body. (It may help to use tweezers to twist the ends to be certain they are turned in on themselves and no longer sharp.) To make the bangs, do a smaller version of the above method and poke the wire in between the ears.

Step 5. Make the eyes: Hot glue buttons on either side of the noodle for the eyes. Layer a smaller colored button over a large white one to create pupils.

Step 6. Decorate the pony: Use string to tie prize ribbons and bandanas around the horse's neck for added flair.