Rest Easy!

Hi EA, my name is Harry, and in this post, I'll be discussing the quality of stable beddings. We'll explore the different types available and help you determine which option might be best suited for your horse.

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𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐰 𝐁𝐞𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠

Straw is one of the most traditional bedding options, having been used for centuries. There are three main types of straw: wheat, barley, and oat. However, some horses may consume straw bedding, which makes it unsuitable for all stables.

𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬:

> Straw is readily available, although its price may increase slightly as the harvest season approaches and stocks dwindle.

> It is a relatively affordable bedding material.

> Straw is easy to use.

𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬:

>The quality of straw can vary greatly, and it may contain high levels of dust and mold spores.

>Straw beds are rarely odorless, and managing the muckheap can be challenging due to its size and messiness.

> Straw might not be suitable for horses or carers who are prone to respiratory disorders or for horses that tend to eat their bedding.

𝐓𝐲𝐩𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐰:

> Wheat Straw

> Barley Straw

> Oat Straw

> Treated Straw Products

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𝐖𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬

Wood shavings have long been a popular bedding choice, especially for horses with respiratory issues or those that eat other types of bedding. The quality of wood shavings can vary, particularly regarding dust content. Dust-extracted shavings are the most popular due to their higher quality and low dust content. Lower-quality shavings, often by-products from sawmills, are not suitable for horse bedding as they can contain sharp splinters and other dangerous waste. Shavings made from virgin wood and with larger flakes usually have a lower dust content and provide excellent for the horse’s hooves. These shavings are typically packed in polythene-wrapped bales, making them easy to stack and store.

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𝐒𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐖𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐅𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐞

Shredded wood fibre is an environmentally friendly bedding option made from selected recycled white wood. It has low dust levels and is highly absorbent, helping to keep the bed's surface dry. This material is less likely to shift around, which can reduce the risk of injury when the horse gets up and lies down. Shredded wood fibre is of consistently high quality and is widely available. It also s the hooves well and is easy to manage, producing very little waste and resulting in one of the smallest muck heaps.

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𝐅𝐥𝐚𝐱 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐦𝐩

Flax and hemp bedding materials are made from the chopped stems of flax and hemp plants. These bedding options have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their low dust content. However, they can be more expensive, which may limit their appeal. While it’s rare, some horses may eat this bedding, so it's important to monitor for this behavior as flax and hemp are relatively indigestible. This bedding is packaged in heavy-duty plastic bags, making it easy to store.

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𝐏𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐞𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠

Paper bedding typically consists of shredded newspaper, magazines, and other printed materials with varying absorbency. The main advantages of paper bedding are its low dust levels and non-palatable nature, making it less likely to be eaten by horses. However, long paper strips can be challenging to muck out as they tend to stick together and are difficult to separate from droppings. Paper bedding is one of the cheaper options, but a large number of bales may be needed to create a thick bed, and ink can stain a horse's coat. When wet, paper can become very soggy and less -friendly.

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𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐛𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐁𝐞𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠

Cardboard bedding, usually shredded, is another low-dust option. However, it can move around the stable, leaving bare patches when the horse gets up and lies down. Wet cardboard clumps together, making it easy to remove, but it can be difficult to separate from droppings, leading to waste.

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𝐑𝐮𝐛𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠

Rubber matting has become a common alternative to traditional bedding in stables. While the initial cost is high, rubber matting should be seen as a long-term investment. It provides excellent for the horse’s hooves and limbs, minimizing the risk of injury by covering the concrete floor and offering better grip. Rubber flooring comes in interlocking mats or as a liquid that forms a seamless surface that doesn't need to be lifted for cleaning.

I strongly recommend adding a good layer of bedding material on top of the mats to help absorb urine and contain droppings. While some people choose to use rubber matting without any bedding, I do not endorse this practice, as it can lead to wet floors, dirty rugs, and uncomfortable horses. Many horses also prefer not to urinate on hard surfaces, so adding bedding can help prevent this issue.

Maintaining high hygiene standards is crucial when using rubber matting. The mats need to be lifted and thoroughly cleaned underneath to prevent the buildup of ammonia and dirty bedding material. Ideally, this should be done at least once a month, and more frequently during the hotter summer months.

Overall, rubber matting is easy to manage, and although the initial cost is high, it significantly reduces the amount of bedding needed, saving time mucking out and reducing the size of the muck heap.

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