Understanding your horse’s needs

Bed-Down - Just Better British Bedding

As a leading producer of premium equine bedding, we see every horse as unique, with individual needs shaped by breed, temperament, health and environment.

For responsible owners, understanding their equine companion’s needs is key to ensuring the horse’s health, happiness and performance. From nutrition to stable conditions, meeting your horse’s specific requirements fosters a strong bond and supports their well-being. A critical aspect of this care is choosing appropriate equine bedding, such as dust-extracted chopped wheat straw or wood shavings, to create a comfortable and healthy stable environment tailored to your horse.

Horses thrive on routine and consistency, but their needs vary. For example, a high-energy competition horse may require more supportive bedding to aid muscle recovery, while a horse with respiratory sensitivities needs a low-dust environment to breathe easily. Observing your horse’s behaviour – such as restlessness or frequent coughing – can provide clues about unmet needs. Regular veterinary check-ups and consultations with equine professionals help identify specific health or comfort requirements, ensuring your horse remains in peak condition.

Equine bedding plays a pivotal role in meeting horses’ needs. Chopped wheat straw, when dust-extracted, offers a soft, absorbent base which encourages horses to rest comfortably. It suits owners seeking a cost-effective, traditional option and its natural texture supports hoof health and keeps stables dry, reducing ammonia build-up. 

Dust-extracted wood shavings provide a cushioned, highly absorbent surface, perfect for horses with joint issues or those needing a pristine easy-to-clean stable. Again, the very low dust content is crucial for horses prone to equine asthma, ensuring clean air in the stable.

Using a dust-extracted bedding is in fact essential for all horses, as dust can irritate lungs and lead to chronic respiratory conditions. By choosing equine bedding produced from high-quality, dust-free chopped straw or wood shavings, you create a hygienic, comfortable space that supports your horse’s unique needs. 

Understanding and addressing horses’ needs – through tailored bedding, nutrition and understanding your particular horse’s care requirements – builds a foundation for a healthy, happy horse, strengthening the partnership between you and your equine companion.

Feel free to contact Bed-Down for advice. Call us on 01986 785278 or write to us at info@bed-down.co.uk.