What’s the best bedding for you and your horse?

There is such a variety of bedding materials on the market to choose from, but the best horse bedding is quite individual to you and your horse. Depending on what you need to prioritise, the best bedding for you is likely to be something different from your horse’s stable-mate.

In contrast to the old days of the choices being straw or shavings, there is now a wide range of wood-, paper- and plant-based types of bedding. Some are scented, while others boast sustainable qualities – the choices are endless. The science behind horse bedding has come on over recent years and no matter where you’re based, it’s possible to find a solution. If you are looking for a bedding that’s free of prohibited substances look out for BETA NOPS accredited bedding.

What’s on the market?

NB: Although the RRP listed is for a single bag, actual price will vary with location and size of purchase.

Blue Ribbon Premium Wood Pellets

Material: Wood pellets
Bale size: 15kg
Bales to fill 12x12ft stable: 9
RRP: From £7.99

This sustainable bedding from Blue Ribbon is made in the foothills of Snowdonia from FSC-certified timber. It is described as easy to use, super-absorbent, with a fresh pine smell and is naturally antibacterial.

Caviera Raviera Lavender

Material: Rape straw
Bale size: 20kg
Bales to fill 12x12ft stable: 2–3
RRP: From £9

This chopped, dust extracted, premium rape straw bedding from Caviera has added essential lavender oil, which smells great but also has a harmless bittering agent to discourage bed eating. It is described as highly absorbent, quick to muck out and fast rotting.

AW Jenkinson Natural Flake Shavings

Material: Shavings
Bale size: 17kg
Bales to fill 12x12ft stable: 4-6
RRP: From £7.50

Described as premium quality. These dust extracted shavings are highly absorbent. The large softwood flakes help create a comfortable, cushioning bed for your horse.

Easibed Wood Fibre

Material: Wood fibre
Bale size: 20kg
Bales to fill 12x12ft stable: 8
RRP: From £8

Easibed is a dust-free, supportive bedding made from clean recycled wood that provides a comfortable and free-draining bed for your horse. It is described as economical as you can use less than you would with traditional beddings such as shavings and straw, which saves time, too.

Sorbeo Wood Pellets

Material: Wood pellets
Bale size: 18kg
Bales to fill 12x12ft stable: 5–6
RRP: From £7.07

This sustainable bedding from Sorbeo is made in the UK from locally-sourced timber. It is described as super-absorbent, cost effective and easy to use. Sorbeo also operates a bag recycling scheme.

Nedz Bed Eco

Material: Wheat and rape straw
Bale size: 20kg
Bales to fill 12x12ft stable: 4–5
RRP: From £8.50

This highly absorbent, low-dust blend of wheat and rape straw is treated with a pine scent. It rivals shavings for absorbency and creates a comfortable bedding. It’s biodegradable.

Strawmax Straw Pellets

Material: Straw pellets
Bale size: 15kg
Bales to fill 12x12ft stable: 6–8
RRP: From £6.50

This straw pellet bedding from Bedmax is described as dust-extracted, economical, easy to use and highly absorbent. It is odour-supressing bedding and easy to compost. Made from 100% traceable British straw. BETA NOPS accredited.

Green Mile Equine Performance Bedding

Material: Cardboard
Bale size: 18kg
Bales to fill 12x12ft stable: 3–4
RRP: From £7.50

This virgin corrugated cardboard bedding from Green Mile supports a healthy respiratory system. It is dust-extracted and can hold 10 times its weight in liquid, meaning it’s highly absorbent.

Aquamax

Material: Wood pellets
Bale size: 18.1kg
Bales to fill 12x12ft stable: 8
RRP: From £9.95

Made from pure pinewood fibre. These dust-extracted pellets are sourced from sustainable forests. Described as highly absorbent and biodegradable. With natural antiseptic properties and helps to eliminate ammonia.

Bed-Down Excel

Material: Straw and shavings
Bale size: 10kg or 20kg
Bales to fill 12x12ft stable: 5-6
RRP: From £7.50

Made from chopped wheat straw and shavings.Described as dust-extracted and biodegradable. Free draining it absorbs the wet into a small area. With a fresh lemon fragrance which is naturally unpalatable to discourage bed eating and helps to repel flies.

What is the best bedding for a wet horse?

For horses who are messy and require a lot of fresh bedding, you should look for a more affordable, high-absorbency bedding, such as pellets or hemp, to help keep down costs as well as soak up urine effectively.

How can I save money on horse bedding?

You need to shop smart. Ask friends on the yard and see if they want to split an order with you as most companies will offer a bulk-buy discount. You could also try planning ahead and stocking up for your winter bedding in the summer to avoid the seasonal price increases.

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Georgia Guerin

H&H’s head of e-commerce

Georgia is Horse & Hound’s equestrian products expert and our favourite shopping guru as she knows about all the latest products, often before they hit the shelves. She is here to help you make the right purchases, whatever your budget, and manages all the ecommerce opportunities that allow us to give you easy access to the best products at the lowest prices. Georgia has first-hand knowledge of all the equestrian brands and their ever-evolving product lines, having been working with them closely since she started in equestrian media in 2015. She is also editor of H&H’s sister site, PetsRadar.