The right horse bedding matters. Selecting the appropriate bedding for your horse is crucial for their health, comfort and well-being. Bed-Down offers advice.
Horses have unique needs based on their size, temperament, health conditions and stable environment, making it essential to choose bedding that suits them individually. The right bedding provides a comfortable resting surface, supports hoof health and maintains a clean, hygienic stable. In the UK, chopped wheat straw and wood shavings are popular choices – and for good reason, each offering distinct benefits. But the key to both is ensuring they’re dust-extracted to protect your horse’s respiratory health.
Chopped wheat straw is a traditional, cost-effective horse bedding option which provides a soft, supportive layer for horses. Its natural texture encourages horses to lie down and rest, which is vital for their physical and mental recovery. Straw is highly absorbent, helping to keep the stable dry, and reducing ammonia odours. It’s particularly suitable for horses that might eat their bedding, as it’s less palatable than hay. However, for horses with respiratory sensitivities, it’s critical that chopped straw bedding is dust-extracted to minimise airborne particles that could irritate their lungs.
Wood shavings, on the other hand, offer a modern alternative horse bedding with excellent absorbency and a clean, professional appearance. Shavings create a soft, cushioned surface that’s ideal for horses prone to joint issues or those recovering from injury. Wood shavings are easy to muck out, saving time for busy stable managers, and their low dust content – when properly dust-extracted – makes wood shavings a top choice for horses with respiratory conditions like equine asthma. The consistency of wood shavings also allows for targeted removal of wet patches, keeping the stable fresher for longer.
Regardless of the choice between chopped straw and wood shavings, dust-extracted bedding is pretty essential. Dust can exacerbate or trigger respiratory issues, leading to chronic conditions that affect a horse’s performance and quality of life. By choosing dust-extracted horse bedding, you ensure a healthier environment tailored to your horse’s unique needs, promoting their comfort and health in the stable.
Horse bedding matters. It’s important to get good advice, and we’re here to help. Contact us today on 01986 785278 or at info@bed-down.co.uk for free advice.
