Stabilizing large crocheted animals / Stabilizing amigurumi

Dear users, dear authors,
This probably isn’t much of a problem with small amigurumi, but it can definitely be an issue with larger animals. How do you stabilize larger amigurumi / larger animals?

For me, most of them hold their shape thanks to firm stuffing—and they have to, since they’re often intended as children’s toys. Sometimes, though, I also insert a piece of chenille wire or a pipe cleaner so that, for example, the arms can be bent into a different position.

For stuffing, you can use shredded T-shirts, bedding, or similar materials. Depending on the type of animal, I incorporate cardboard tubes or Styrofoam.

Sheep’s wool batting is also a good stabilizer. If necessary, you can pre-shape it with a felting needle before stuffing. This gives it good stability. Otherwise, stuff it very tightly with the batting.
I use it to stuff my Waldorf dolls, some of which are as big as a real newborn.

I recently discovered that shish kebab skewers work great for this. Just pinch off the tip with pliers and smooth it out a bit with a nail file. It works wonderfully, for example, on long, thin legs like those of horses, and you can even add them later on.