Spotting a gap in the market, Lisa Bond has begun selling the 44inch high balls from her Washington-based business.

As well as being a good way of getting the animals used to moving objects, the balls have also proved to be ideal for horseplay.

Lisa said: "Once the horses are used to the balls they will play with them if you allow them to and they do play hoof ball.

"When the balls have a fabric cover, the horse can pick it up and run around with it. I have an ex-Durham Constabulary horse and he loves his ball."

She added: "It's not a new idea – the balls have been around for years. They are used a lot in America by the mounted horse division to get police horses used to things moving around them.

"The idea is that in crowd control situations they won't be scared when people are pushing up against them."

Over the years Lisa had always bought the giant balls from U.S. websites and, after noticing their benefits, realised there was a lack of availability of the product in Britain.

Now she sells the items at £39.99 each, along with other horse toys, treats and training items, from her website.

"I'm not aware of anyone else selling them on Wearside, or even Britain," she told the Echo.

"Initially the horses are not delighted to see the ball but it's about encouraging them to approach the ball so that they gradually become accustomed to it.

"You would never throw a ball at a horse and the training always has to be done in a controlled environment."

Speaking about the benefits of the balls – which are nearly as tall as she is – Lisa said they also help to improve a horse's confidence.

"A confident horse is much safer to handle on the ground and in the saddle than a horse that spooks at the slightest movement or rustle in a hedge," she added.

Despite the current financial climate, Lisa says the balls are proving a big success.

She said: "It may be a daunting prospect to set up a new business at the minute, but it's going really well."

For more information visit www.horsetoysfortraining.com