✓Reviewed by Ann Pruitt, InfoHorse.com·Updated June 2026
Sportogo 40-inch animal training ball with black and white soccer ball cover for horses
Sportogo, Inc. is a California Corporation established in 1996 and run by Company President, and world renowned product designer, Rod Blair. We develop, design, and manufacture primarily through our facilities in Bakersfield, CA. Sportogo, Inc. specializes in custom design and manufacturing of products for the rental, trade show, and architectural markets.
Equine Training Balls by Sportogo, Inc. With Sportogo, you eliminate the "middle man" for BIG Savings on fun, training balls for your horses. All Sportogo sports and training balls can withstand aggressive play and rugged competition- you will love the results- and the price!
About Sportogo
Sportogo, Inc. is a California Corporation established in 1996 and run by Company President, and world renowned product designer, Rod Blair. We develop, design, and manufacture primarily through our facilities in Bakersfield, CA. Sportogo, Inc. specializes in custom design and manufacturing of products for the rental, trade show, and architectural markets. You dream it, we build it!
Is It True Sportogo Is The Original Manufacture Of Horse Training Balls? Yes! Sportogo has been making the custom cordura ball covers for over 10 years here in the USA and private labeling them for select vendors (other companies selling horse training balls). We design and build the crazy exotic balls for TV reality shows and movies. Sportogo even builds super durable 8 ft soccer balls for tractor soccer and demolition soccer played with automobiles. Sportogo Inc. has taken the expertise gained from various industrial applications to produce the best products in the world. We are proud of our American service and craftsmanship. We ship anywhere in the world.
Why are Sportogo Training Ballsballs So Much More Affordable?
Because we sell Direct! We eliminate the “middle man” cost! At Sportogo Inc., the ball covers are made right in our facility in California and since there is no third party distribution, our customers can buy factory direct at a fair and reasonable price.
How Can These Fun and Exciting Training Balls Help My Horse?
A training ball is simple to work with and that's the beauty of it. Though its size, shape, and rolling action may startle a horse at first, the ball also activates a horse's natural curiosity. As he explores its properties, the horse learns the ball won't hurt him (basically, it can't hurt him), and he loses his sensitivity to it. You will be pleasantly surprised to see your animal chasing or interacting with our Sportogo products. Your horse will love the FUN and you will love the Confidence building it gives your horse- that is why many mounted police use our balls in their training!
What If I Want The Giant 6', 8' or 15 Foot Tall Training Balls For My Training?
No problem, we can custom manufacture any size that you would like. There will be an extra charge for the larger balls. The giant balls are spectacular at opening events and fund raisers.
Is it true I Can Get The 40” Training Balls Starting at Only $125.00?
Yes, this is the price for our 6 panel cordura ball pattern. Why pay more with another company— when you can get the Same ball — for less! Sportogo is “factory direct” to the buyer and it results in big savings to you!
Are Sportogo Training Balls Tax Deductible For My Horse Business?
Yes. If you have a horse business these balls can be written off as training tools and products. Even breeding and boarding stables can write them off as an expense of training and maintaining happy well cared for horses!
Are Sportogo Balls Durable For The Rigors of Horses?
Extremely durable, made with a heavy duty anti-burst bladder inserted inside a heavy duty Cordura material. Our animal training ball is big, beautiful, weather resistant and provides your horse with play all day. We have thousands of satisfied customers. Make sure it has the Sportogo logo on it.
What Is Included With My Ball and How Is It Made?
Included with each product is an inflation plug, set of instructions and a 30-day warranty against manufacturer's defects. Our covers are Made IN THE USA. Ball covers are hand cut and sewn with a heavy duty zipper and concealed zipper pocket. Optional tethers can be added to make it easier for your horse to grab. All of our products are produced in our facility in Bakersfield, California.
Call Sportogo and Order Your Training, Entertainment, and Educational Balls Today!
There is a reason that many mounted patrols, police academies and training stables have, and use our balls. Our Balls make learning FUN and help to Build THE Confidence of the horses who are chasing them and playing with them. With such affordable prices— why wouldn’t you have a Sportogo Ball for your horse? Call us today and tell us about Your horses! Sportogo 40-inch animal training ball with black and white soccer ball cover for horses
What are Sportogo Animal Training Balls?
Sportogo, Inc. builds a dedicated line of oversized inflatable Animal Training Balls designed for horses and other large pets to push, chase, nudge, and play with. The catalog spans four core sizes: a 25" (65cm) ball, a 40" (102cm) ball, and a 6-Foot (1.83m) Animal Ball, each engineered to take repeated punishment from hooves, teeth, and full body weight. Where ordinary beach balls and exercise balls pop on first contact, these are purpose-built so a horse can, in the company's words, "play until its heart is content."
Sportogo 40-inch red and white soccer ball cover horse play ball
Who designs and manufactures them
Sportogo, Inc. is a California Corporation established in 1996 and run by Company President and internationally known product designer Rod Blair. The balls are made in the company's own Bakersfield, California facility, which houses a full in-house design staff of electrical, mechanical, and industrial engineers plus complete silk-screening, industrial large-scale fabric cutting, and industrial sewing (single, double, and overlock stitch). That same shop also produces giant parade balloons, inflatable props, and trade-show pieces, so the equine balls benefit from genuine industrial fabrication rather than imported off-the-shelf parts.
Sportogo giant basketball training ball in use outdoors
Materials and anti-burst construction
Each training ball pairs a thick anti-burst PVC internal bladder with a removable outer cover. Covers come in two grades: a heavy-duty 17-ounce polyester shell or an even tougher Cordura covering for the most demanding pets. The polyester cover is removable and machine-washable, and Sportogo formulates its bladders with special burst-resistant agents and roughly 25% more plastic than a standard Pilates, Swiss, or fitness ball. Every ball ships complete with a PVC bladder, the chosen cover, a plug, a plug remover, and a foot pump for inflation.
Sportogo 40-inch soccer ball animal play ball with people for scale
How the ball works with your horse
The bladder behaves more like a balloon than a rigid ball: it firms up at roughly 24-28 inches and then expands to fill the cover, giving the finished ball a forgiving, springy feel that invites a horse to bump and roll it. For inflation, Sportogo recommends its own foot pump (50" and under) so the bladder is not stretched faster than it can adjust; a hand/foot pump adaptor is included if you use your own. Optional gripping loops can be added so a pet can pick the ball up and throw it, and balls can be personalized with your animal's name on the cover.
Who it is for and how to choose a size
Horse owners, mounted-games players, clinicians, and anyone with a large dog or zoo animal use these balls for free play, turnout enrichment, desensitizing, and exercise. A 25" (65cm) ball suits smaller spaces and dogs, the 40" (102cm) ball is the popular all-around choice for horses, and the 6-Foot (1.83m) Animal Ball delivers a true herd-scale toy. Cover styles include Black/White, Blue/White, and Red/White Soccer Balls, Basketball, Red and Blue Basketball, Beachball, Red/White and Blue/White Volleyball, Tennis Ball, Smiley Face, and Star Soccer Balls, with star and tennis/smiley/8-ball designs adding a small surcharge.
Pricing, warranty, and how to order Published prices run $39.95 for the 25" (65cm) polyester ball, $49.95 for the 25" Cordura version, $79.95 for the 40" (102cm) polyester ball, $94.95 for the 40" Cordura version, and $595.00 for the 6-Foot (1.83m) Animal Ball with Cordura cover; the 40" (102cm) Animal Training Ball lists at $95.00 (item SP00033) with quantity discounts to $85.50 each on orders of 6 to 10. Balls carry a 90-day warranty against manufacturer's defects (voided if you inflate with an air compressor against the guidelines). For custom covers, custom sizes, personalization, or quotes, contact Sportogo, Inc. at 2459 Fruitvale Avenue #5, Bakersfield, CA 93308,, fax, or.
Per Sportogo, Inc.: a California Corporation established in 1996 and run by Company President and product designer Rod Blair. Per the company: Sportogo develops, designs, and manufactures primarily through its facilities in Bakersfield, California, specializing in custom design and manufacturing for the rental, trade show, and architectural markets — and is the original manufacturer of horse training balls, having made custom Cordura ball covers in the USA for over 10 years.
How can a training ball help my horse?
Per Sportogo: a training ball is simple to work with — that's the beauty of it. Per the company: though its size, shape, and rolling action may startle a horse at first, the ball also activates a horse's natural curiosity. As he explores its properties, the horse learns the ball won't hurt him and loses his sensitivity to it. Per Sportogo: many mounted police use these balls in their training to build horse confidence.
Why are Sportogo training balls more affordable than competitors?
Per Sportogo: they sell direct — eliminating the middle-man cost. Per the company: ball covers are made right in the California facility, and since there is no third-party distribution, customers can buy factory-direct at a fair and reasonable price. Per Sportogo: the 40-inch training ball starts at $125.00 for the 6-panel Cordura ball pattern.
Are giant training balls available?
Per Sportogo: yes — they can custom manufacture any size desired, including 6-foot, 8-foot, or 15-foot tall training balls. Per the company: there is an extra charge for the larger balls. The giant balls are spectacular at opening events and fund-raisers. Per Sportogo: they even build super-durable 8-foot soccer balls for tractor soccer and demolition soccer played with automobiles.
How are the balls constructed and what's included?
Per Sportogo: extremely durable, made with a heavy-duty anti-burst bladder inserted inside heavy-duty Cordura material. Per the company:
Covers are hand cut and sewn with a heavy-duty zipper and concealed zipper pocket
Optional tethers can be added to make it easier for the horse to grab
Each product includes an inflation plug, set of instructions, and a 30-day warranty against manufacturer's defects
All products are produced in the Bakersfield, California facility — Made in the USA
Can the balls be written off as a business expense?
Per Sportogo: yes — if you have a horse business, these balls can be written off as training tools and products. Per the company: even breeding and boarding stables can write them off as an expense of training and maintaining happy, well-cared-for horses. Tax treatment is an example of what Sportogo states; consult your tax professional for your specific situation.
How do I order?
Per Sportogo: Phone 661-817-3324, email [email protected], website http://www.sportogo.com. Address: 3410 K Street, Bakersfield, California 93305. Pricing as quoted is subject to change due to economic factors.
What is a Sportogo Animal Training Ball?
It is an oversized, heavy-duty inflatable ball built specifically for horses and other large pets to push, chase, and play with. Each ball uses a thick anti-burst PVC internal bladder inside a removable fabric cover, and is made to withstand hooves, teeth, and full body weight far better than an ordinary beach ball or exercise ball.
Who makes Sportogo balls and where are they manufactured?
They are made by Sportogo, Inc., a California Corporation established in 1996 and run by Company President and internationally known product designer Rod Blair. The balls are designed and manufactured in Sportogo's own facility in Bakersfield, California, which has an in-house engineering staff plus industrial fabric cutting, sewing, and silk-screening capability.
What sizes of horse balls does Sportogo offer?
The animal training line includes a 25" (65cm) ball, a 40" (102cm) ball, and a 6-Foot (1.83m) Animal Ball. The 40" (102cm) size is the popular all-around choice for horses, while the 6-Foot ball is a true herd-scale toy. Sportogo can also custom-make balls in sizes not listed on its website on request.
How much do Sportogo animal balls cost?
Published prices are $39.95 for the 25" (65cm) polyester ball, $49.95 for the 25" Cordura version, $79.95 for the 40" (102cm) polyester ball, $94.95 for the 40" Cordura version, and $595.00 for the 6-Foot (1.83m) Cordura ball. The 40" (102cm) Animal Training Ball (item SP00033) also appears at $95.00, with quantity discounts bringing it to $85.50 each on orders of 6 to 10.
What are the balls made of?
Each ball combines a thick anti-burst PVC internal bladder with a removable outer cover. Covers come as either a heavy-duty 17-ounce polyester shell or a tougher Cordura covering. The polyester cover is removable and machine-washable for easy cleaning after pasture or arena use.
Are Sportogo balls really durable enough for horses?
They are engineered for it. The bladders are formulated with special burst-resistant agents and roughly 25% more plastic than a standard Pilates, Swiss, or fitness ball, and the Cordura cover option adds an extra layer of abrasion resistance. Sportogo's own description says the construction lets your pet play until its heart is content.
What cover styles and colors are available?
Cover choices include Black/White, Blue/White, and Red/White Soccer Balls, a reverse White/Black Soccer Ball, Basketball, Red Basketball, Blue Basketball, Red/Blue Basketball, Beachball, Red/White and Blue/White Volleyball, Tennis Ball, Smiley Face, and Blue/White, Red/White, and Black/White Star Soccer Balls. The 8-Ball, Tennis Ball, and Smiley Face designs add $10.00, and the Star Soccer Balls add $30.00.
What comes in the box with each ball?
Every ball ships complete with the thick PVC bladder, the chosen cover, a plug, a plug remover, and a foot pump for inflation. If you use your own pump, each ball also includes a hand or foot pump adaptor that fits most standard pumps.
What are the gripping loops for?
For a small additional fee Sportogo can add loops to the cover so a pet or animal can grab, pick up, and throw the ball. Loops can be ordered in sets of one, two, three, or four, priced at $5.00 per loop up to $20.00 for four. They are popular for dogs and for horses that like to mouth and toss their toys.
How do I inflate a Sportogo ball correctly?
For balls 50" in diameter and under, Sportogo recommends using one of its foot pumps so the bladder is not inflated faster than it can adjust. If you use an air compressor or gas-station tire inflator, fill until the bladder gets tight, then inflate in 3-5 second bursts with 1.5-2 minute rests between bursts until full. Balls 5 feet or larger should be inflated with a leaf blower or similar device.
Why won't my 40-inch ball inflate past about 28 inches?
This is normal and means your compressor or vacuum lacks enough PSI. Once a 40" ball's bladder passes about 24-28 inches it must overcome the bladder pulling in on itself, so a weak compressor stalls. Switch to a stronger compressor or a gas-station tire inflator and follow the burst-and-rest inflation guidelines.
Can the ball be personalized with my horse's name?
Yes. For a small additional fee Sportogo can personalize a ball with your animal's name printed on the cover. To arrange personalization, email the company at [email protected] for details on options and pricing.
Can Sportogo make a custom cover design or a non-standard size?
Yes. Beyond the standard sports-ball patterns, Sportogo has produced custom covers such as eyeballs, yin/yang balls, melting snowmen, barbells, and solid-color balls. Custom covers and custom sizes are quoted order-by-order; contact the company at 661-321-4937 or [email protected] with the design and quantity you want.
Is there a warranty on Sportogo balls?
Yes. The balls carry a 90-day warranty against manufacturer's defects. Note that inflating a ball with an air compressor outside Sportogo's published inflation guidelines will void that warranty, so following the recommended foot-pump or burst-and-rest method is important.
How do I remove the plug from the PVC bladder?
The easiest method is the plug remover included with each ball. If you've lost it, a spoon works well, or you can carefully use needle-nosed or other pliers. Take care not to puncture the bladder or pinch your fingers, and remember the plug must be removed before you try to inflate with a foot pump.
Are these the same as a Pilates or exercise ball?
They are similar in concept but built much tougher. Sportogo notes that Pilates balls, Swiss balls, and fitness balls are all essentially the same product, whereas its balls add special burst-resistant agents and about 25% more plastic to survive animal play rather than gym use.
How do I contact Sportogo to order or ask questions?
Sportogo, Inc. is located at 2459 Fruitvale Avenue #5, Bakersfield, CA 93308. You can reach the company by phone at 661-321-4937, by fax at 661-321-4935, or by email at [email protected] for orders, custom quotes, personalization, and product questions.
