These days, there is a type of bedding to suit every horse. Whether your horse is particularly wet, sensitive to dust or needs a deep bed, there’s an option available that is designed to maximise their comfortable in their stable.

When choosing the best horse bedding to use, not only do you need to think about what will keep your stabled horse happy and healthy, but you also need to consider your needs as an owner. Are you prioritising budget, mucking-out speed, absorbency, low dust levels or sustainability? If you need a bedding that’s free of prohibited substances, look out for the BETA NOPS accredited bedding logo.

If you’re thinking about changing your horse’s bedding material, here are the pros and cons of each type of bedding to help you decide.

Types of horse bedding

• Straw
• Chopped straw
• Straw pellets
• Wood shavings
• Wood pellets
• Shredded wood fibre
• Hemp
• Paper/cardboard
• Rubber matting

1. Straw

This is the most traditional horse bedding available and all equestrians are likely to have mucked out a straw bed in their time.

Advantages:

• Cheap
• Breaks down well
• Easy to get hold of
• Can create a thick, comfortable bed

Disadvantages:

• Bulky and messy to store
• Builds large muck heap
• Horses can eat straw
• Can vary in quality
• Not very absorbent

Types of straw

There are also different types of straw to consider. Wheat straw is readily available and can be used to make a warm, comfortable bed, but it tends to be dustier than other types, so not suitable for horses with respiratory problems.

Barley straw is often cheapest, but can be uncomfortable and may cause skin irritations, so is not always suitable for horses. Oat straw is the most palatable, which is a disadvantage if your horse is prone to eating his bed. It is more absorbent, however, although this makes it heavier to muck out.

2. Chopped straw

Treated straw products sometimes contain other bedding materials, and essential oils can be added to improve odour.

Advantages:

• Dust-extracted
• Treated to be non-palatable
• Wrapped bales are clean, plus easy to handle and store
• Not as bulky as straw, so produces a smaller muck heap
• More consistent quality than conventional straw

Disadvantages:

• More expensive than straw, although cost can be reduced with bulk deliveries
• Sold through selected stockists so you may not have a choice of brands locally

3. Straw pellets

To create straw pellets, fresh straw is dried to high temperature, dust-extracted and then compacted into shape.

Advantages:

• Dust-extracted
• Highly absorbent
• Eco friendly
• Bags are easy to handle and store

Disadvantages:

• You may need to add water when the bedding is put down, which adds time
• Not as absorbent as wood pellets

4. Wood shavings

Purpose-produced shavings are a popular type of bedding, but the quality can vary enormously — particularly in relation to dust content. It is important that you only buy shavings that have been specifically produced as animal bedding.

Advantages:

• Non-palatable
• Widely available
• Wrapped bales are clean, plus easy to handle and store

Disadvantages:

• Can be difficult to dispose of – shavings take much longer to rot down
• Needs constant removal of droppings and care has to be taken to ensure the bed does not become wet, causing a build up of ammonia
• Cheaper brands can contain high dust levels
• Price can fluctuate

5. Wood pellets

Wood pellet bedding is made from heat-treated and compacted sawdust. You need to add water, which makes them fluff up and increases their absorbency.

Advantages:

• Usually eco-friendly
• High absorbency
• Dust-extracted
• Composts quicker than shavings or straw
• Quick to muck out
• Low waste
• Supplied in bags rather than bales, so may be easier to manoeuvre and transport
• Processing can help to kill moulds, spores and bacteria

Disadvantages:

• Can be slippery while still in pellet form
• Expensive to build initial bed
• Heavy to muck out once absorbed urine

6. Shredded wood fibre

This is made from recycled wood and results in a slightly smaller and denser product that traditional shavings.

Advantages:

• Eco-friendly
• Low dust levels
• Less likely to be displaced
• Consistent quality
• Low waste
• Doesn’t cling to manes and tails
• Can be cheaper than premium wood shavings

Disadvantages:

• Not absorbent, but this means it is free-draining and less bedding is used overall (so an advantage to some)

7. Hemp

Whereas straw bedding uses the whole stalk of the plant, hemp bedding is made from the softer centre, which is a by-product of textile and rope manufacturing.

Advantages:

• Highly absorbent
• Dust-extracted
• Non-palatable
• Rapidly breaks down to make good compost
• Wrapped bales are clean and easy to handle and store

Disadvantages:

• Bales are relatively expensive and the initial cost of bedding down are off-putting
• Manufacturers claim that long-term use make it competitively economical
• Bedding is heavy when it has absorbed urine

8. Paper/Cardboard

This tends to be a mixture of newspaper, magazine and other unwanted printed matter. It is often considered to be a cheaper option, but a large number of bales may be needed to create a thick bed. It is also worth considering cardboard, which has similar advantages to paper but is heavier and so less likely to blow around the yard.

Advantages:

• Dust-extracted and non-palatable — a good choice for horses with allergies
• Produces a warm bed
• Wrapped bales are clean, plus easy to handle and store

Disadvantages:

• Can be costly
• To start a bed it can take five bales, and then one or two bales a week for a horse that is stabled at night
• Easily blown around, producing an untidy-looking yard
• Disposal can be a problem
• Care has to be taken to ensure bed does not become soggy

9. Rubber matting

While rubber matting is not strictly a bedding, it’s become a common addition to many stables. The initial cost of matting is expensive, but it should be viewed as a long-term investment as it allows owners to use less bedding material overall. This saves on ongoing costs, time on mucking out and reduces the size of the muck heap.

Rubber matting provides better grip and additional support for your horse, and so also helps to minimise the risk of injury, but you should still add a substantial layer of bedding on top of any mats to absorb urine.

To keep mats hygienic, you need to lift them regularly and thoroughly clean underneath to prevent a build up of ammonia and dirty bedding. Ideally, you should be deep cleaning your stable monthly.

• For unlimited access to advice on how best to care for your horse, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Saving money on horse costs is something we’re all thinking about at the moment – and it can be really stressful. Horses are expensive and you don’t need me to tell you that. The cost of keeping a horse is more than ever, and making sure we can provide for our horses’ needs is at the top of every owner’s priority list.

I’ve pulled together a range of money-saving ideas for horse owners – some are small, whereas others are big changes to daily life – however, not all will be applicable or possible for every owner as each horse and situation is different. Instead, I hope they might be food for thought and maybe spark an idea that will help you.

How to save money on horse costs and bills

1. Track your spending

Record what you’re spending. This might feel daunting or overwhelming, but it will help you understand where the majority of your horse’s expenses are. You can then focus on cutting costs in manageable areas.

I find it really helpful to allocate my horse an “allowance” each month. When I get paid, he gets this allowance in a separate account or saving pot, which means that no matter how poorly I budget in other areas of my life, he never goes without. But it also helps me track and manage his costs.

His personal monthly budget covers all his essential costs throughout the year, from livery and hay costs to dentist visits and insurance, so I never have that panicky feeling when vaccinations are due, for example – the money is already there. Some months he’ll have surplus – for example, if there’s no farrier visit – but I know that will roll over and be used when he’s due for something else. It all evens out in the end and I never feel like I’m spending extra because his allowance costs me the same each month.

2. Review your feeding

The majority of horses manage well on a forage-based diet and, if necessary, one broad-spectrum vitamin and mineral supplement, feed balancer or fibre-based complete feed. Your vet or an equine nutritionist can advise whether or not your horse needs additional feed or supplements and how you might be able to save money on feed.

If your horse has extra needs, a nutritional helpline (which is free) will be able to advise you where you might be able to cut costs. A few years ago, I sought this advice and went from using a feed balancer and a joint supplement, to a senior balancer that already contained the joint support – and although the senior balancer is more expensive per bag, it works out less over time.

There are, of course, lots of things to consider when changing your horse’s feed and for another horse the answer might have been to forgo the balancer and feed a chopped fibre with an added supplement. Every horse has their own requirements, and different products will provide varying levels of active ingredients, which is why it’s best to seek nutritional advice specific to your horse.

3. Reduce wastage

If your horse tends to waste its forage, then make sure you are only feeding as much as they are likely to eat, while not leaving them without any forage at all for long periods as this carries a risk of causing gastric ulcers. Also consider whether feeding the forage in a small-holed haynet or slow feeder would save you more money in the long run. Check out more tips for saving money on hay.

4. Save money on livery and daily horse care

Consider whether you really need everything you’re paying for at your livery yard. If you are paying for someone else to provide all or part of your horse’s day-to-day care, you may be able to reduce costs if you were able to do more yourself, even on a temporary basis. However, if this means you visiting the stables more frequently than you do now, make sure you consider the cost and time involved with this extra journey.

If your yard allows, share daily jobs, such as turning out, with your fellow liveries.

Ask about flexible livery packages – for example, would your yard allow your horse to live out full time during the summer at a cheaper rate, then be stabled during the winter? If you think your horse would do well on permanent turnout, it could be worth looking around for a suitable grass livery or renting a field, but consider how you would ensure your horse’s needs were met if you were taken ill.

Also consider whether you need all the facilities offered by your yard (horsewalker, arena, etc), or would a yard with fewer facilities be sufficient? Either way, keep an eye out for added extras. Understandably, most yards charge extra for using the horsewalker, solarium or lights in the arena, for example, to cover the costs of the electricity. As these charges can add up, make sure you keep track of what you’re spending so you don’t get an unpleasant surprise when your livery bill arrives.

5. Shop smart and buy in bulk

Shopping around for hay and bedding, and buying directly from a local farmer rather than through an equestrian retailer, can be a good penny saver. In particular, buying hay directly off the field after it has been baled (you will have to be able to collect it) can result in major savings.

Wormers are another item where you can save by buying in bulk, although it’s vital that you worm count first – which could save you even more money if the test shows your horse doesn’t need de-worming after all.

Research the different types of horse bedding on the market and shop around as it may be cheaper to buy in bulk direct from the supplier if you have room to store it, rather than as and when you need it via your local feed merchant.

And while fitting rubber matting requires a significant initial financial investment, it can pay for itself in reduced bedding costs over time.

6. Save money on professional care

While we absolutely do not want to promote scrimping on your horse’s care – these professionals are essential to your horse’s wellbeing – there are some ways you can do this for less to save money on horse costs.

Organise communal visits and ask for discounts. Some veterinary practices offer free yard visits to a particular area on specific days for routine tasks, such as vaccinations. Even if you can’t benefit from a free call-out, teaming up with other owners for routine appointments, including the vet, farrier, physio and equine dental technician, can typically save you a fair amount of cash.

7. Check in with professionals about your options

For example, investigate shoeing options with your farrier; you may find your horse doesn’t need to have a full set of shoes all year round. And if there is not much wear on the shoes, your farrier may be able to refit them rather than replace them. You may also be able to go an extra week between appointments at certain times of year.

But remember that money saved in the short term by switching to use a cheaper farrier, or regularly extending the periods between shoeing visits, may be short-sighted, so a little extra spent each time could save you a lot in the long run if you avoid vet bills resulting from poor hoof balance.

8. Save money on lessons

Whether you travel to your trainer’s yard for lessons or have your trainer come to you, by having a shared or group lesson you can keep the cost down, which may allow you to train more frequently. Having a riding ‘buddy’ also means you can be ‘eyes-on-the-ground’ for each other, helping you both to progress in between training sessions.

If you currently see your trainer routinely but need to save money on training, ask if you could replace every other in-person training session with either a remote training session if you have the necessary kit or a virtual session. This usually involves supplying a video of you doing a pre-agreed exercise or movement and then the trainer gives feedback via a phone or video call that you can use to improve the performance before your next in-person session. During the pandemic many trainers diversified to offer these types of training and they may be a cheaper way to keep your riding on track.

9. Competition expenses

If you want to continue to pursue your competition ambitions, but need to cut costs, discuss with your trainer which are the most important competitions to target and spend the time in between training to increase your chance of success when you do compete.

10. Transport costs

Transport can be a major cost for competitive horse owners. If you have a friend who is competing in the same discipline or at a similar level, you might consider sharing the running costs of a lorry between you.

Another alternative is to choose a livery yard that holds regular competitions. Although the livery rate is likely to be higher at these types of yards, you will save yourself time, running costs and fuel, which all adds up.

If you don’t compete frequently, but own your own lorry or trailer, sit down and work out whether hiring transport would save you money in the long-run.

11. Spend less on kit

For those of us who love to shop and ensure our horses have the best of everything, working out ways to save money on kit will make a big difference.

Share equipment where possible. There is little point in investing in items that you might use only occasionally, such as a portable hot horse shower, have a chat with your friends to see if you can club together and have shared use of the equipment. Make sure you agree who is responsible for the cost of repairs and maintenance beforehand to avoid problems later on.

If you have room to store it, stock up on hay and bedding in the summer. Not only will you be prepared, but you’re very likely to save money. Just make sure you check the quality of the forage, especially if you are buying hay from the previous year’s crop.

Keep an eye out for sales, both online and in your local tack shop, as buying winter rugs during the summer and fly rugs in the autumn will also give you the chance to save – but only buy what you are confident you are going to need, rather than simply expanding you horse’s wardrobe because an item appears to be an unmissable bargain. We cover the big sales and shout out which deals are actually worth it – you can find these at Horse & Hound deals or by following us on social media.

12. Sell surplus kit

If you have tack and equipment you no longer need, there are a number of ways of finding it a new home and earning a bit of extra cash. You can sell your unwanted horse kit online on eBay or Vinted, via social media, through ads in your local tack shop, by attending a horsey car boot/table top sale or by listing things on a board at your livery yard.

Whichever route you choose, we recommend you either do transactions face-to-face for cash or using a protected payment system like Paypal for extra protection.

13. Make what you’ve got last longer

Spending time caring for your existing tack and cleaning your riding boots will help them to last longer, reducing the likelihood of anything needing to be replaced.

We’ve put together some guides on washing rugs at home, reproofing turnout rugs and repairing rugs yourself to help you save money here, too.

It’s also worth mentioning that old quote “buy cheap, buy twice”, but more expensive does not always mean better. To help you make the best buying decisions, check out our buying guides.

Tips for managing your money

1. Know what you’re dealing with. Sit down and perform a monthly budgeting exercise each month. Be honest and realistic with yourself and include all expenditure that will occur. Visit moneyadviceservice.org.uk and moneysavingexpert.com for advice on how to pull together a monthly budget.

2. Face your debts. List all your debts and create an action plan of how/when you are going to repay these. Find good advice on dealing with debt at direct.gov.uk, nationaldebtline.co.uk and citizensadvice.co.uk

3. Consolidate accumulated debts where possible. Look for good rates of interest, especially on credit cards – there are always 0% balance transfer deals around, although check if there is a one-off charge. A number of sites can help you compare credit cards, including gocompare.com, moneysupermarket.com and comparethemarket.com

4. Struggle to limit your spending on credit cards? Lower your credit limit at the first possible chance.

5. It sounds obvious, but strive to save as much as you can where possible. As a guide, try to have a minimum of at least one month’s salary in reserve. This will help plan for the future and ensure you have a cash reserve in an emergency – for example with an unexpected vet’s bill or lorry breakdown.

6. Review your insurance policies. Are you really prepared/able to make that one-off payment should an accident occur? Consider whether it would be wiser to have a reduced excess and pay slightly more each month.

If you find that you are still struggling, we’ve collated some advice on what to do if you can no longer afford to keep your horse.

• For unlimited access to advice on how best to care for your horse, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Horses are not designed to live in stables – they have evolved to be free-range herd animals who eat at will – so can suffer ill-effects from being confined to a small space for long periods. While it is inevitable that many horses spend more time indoors over winter, we can greatly improve their lives and keep them happy and healthy with a little thought and a willingness to challenge the preconceived ideas of how they should be kept.

As owners, it is our job to keep asking how we can keep our stabled horses happy and healthy. Considerable research has been devoted to finding ways to mitigate the social, nutritional and health issues caused by stabling – here are some of the findings that we can put into practice, with advice from top equine vet Kieran O’Brien MRCVS.

How to keep stabled horses happy

Stable design

The first social issue is that many ideas about stabling originate from Victorian times. This has lead to stables that prevent continuous visual and tactile contact, where the only opportunity for a horse to see his companions is when they are looking over their respective doors at the same time.

Where horses are kept alone, studies have found a reduction in time spent lying down, more frequent displays of stress behaviours and development of stereotypies, such as weaving or box-walking.

How to improve stable design for wellbeing

“Fitting bars or grills between stables or making a “talk hole” in the partition wall will enable essential social contact, provided that neighbouring horses get on,” suggests Kieran. “A stable mirror made of safety glass can also provide companionship, although social interaction with real horses is preferable.”

A stabled horse also needs space to move, stretch and roll.

“An area of 12x12ft is considered a minimum,” says Kieran, “although horses measuring larger than 16hh will require more room.”

Providing enrichment

Enrichment has been proven to have a positive impact on stabled horses. This includes anything that you might consider a “boredom buster” for horses, such as stable toys, slow feeders or mirrors – they do not have to be edible. In fact, the enrichment proved particularly beneficial outside of meal times.

The results of the study showed that enrichment increased heart rate, foraging and movement, and decreased frustration behaviours, which suggests a positive emotional state.

How to keep stabled horses healthy

Air quality and stable ventilation

The quality of air in a stable is determined by the rate dust particles, fungal spores and ammonia (produced by urine) from the bedding is released into the air, balanced by the rate at which these are cleared.

Dust particles peak as you muck out and stay elevated for several hours afterwards, so where possible turn your horse out before you start. A second peak occurs when the bed is “pulled down” for the night – but you could eliminate this practice completely by scattering powdered lime on the urine “footprint” while mucking out and preparing the evening bed straightaway, thus turning over the bed only once.

Several studies have shown that most horses bedded on straw — not just those with equine asthma — have a significant number of fungal spores and evidence of inflammation in the lower airways.

These horses may show no external signs of respiratory disease, Kieran warns.

“Their performance may be subtly impaired, however, especially in disciplines with high oxygen demands, such as racing or jumping at speed.”

While the adverse effects of straw bedding can be partially mitigated by good ventilation, the optimum of four complete air changes per hour can never be achieved in a conventional 12x12ft stable with an open half-door and a small window.

It is not usually possible to objectively judge how “dusty” the air in a stable is, but this can be inferred from the type of bedding used. A persistent smell of ammonia from urine will suggest that ventilation is poor.

Ways to improve stable air quality

• Feed haylage or soaked hay
• Opt for dust-free bedding, such as dust-extracted shavings, miscanthus or chopped cardboard
• If you create banks, pull the bedding in from the edges frequently to ensure all areas are fresh

Ways to promote air flow

• Remove glass from windows
• Use a stable guard or stall chain across the doorway when practical
• Leave barn doors open at night unless necessary
• Provide additional air inlets and outlets, as far away from the stable door as possible

Ensuring good rest

Studies on human athletes have shown that a good night’s sleep is critical for optimum performance – and it would make sense that the same goes for horses. In horses, deep sleep is only possible if they lie down on their side or sits propped against a wall.

Research has shown that the time a horse spends laying down asleep is affected by the type of bedding, its depth and the size of the bedded area. The minimalist approach of a thin bed laid on rubber matting, covering a smaller floor area, may have implications for how much deep sleep a horse obtains.

“This may be a case where the traditional practice of providing a more substantial bed is best,” suggests Kieran.

Health risks of stabling

Stabling is a key risk factor for colic and exertional rhabdomyolysis, sometimes known as azoturia or tying up. Studies have shown that if time indoors is increased from zero to six hours to 19 to 24 hours, the risk of impaction colic is seven times greater.

“Confinement decreases the frequency of large intestinal contractions, reducing both fibre digestibility and the water content of droppings,” Kieran explains.

How to reduce the risks of stabling

“Exercise, or at the very least some turnout, every day, is hugely beneficial — both mentally, allowing social interaction with other horses, and physically, ensuring the normal function of the digestive and musculoskeletal systems and providing access to clean air,” says Kieran.

While exercise is generally a good thing, there is evidence that horses given a minimum of two rest days per week have a much lower incidence of gastric ulcers.

“Conventional twice-daily rations of hard feed, especially those containing cereal grains, further increase the chance of colic and also cause large shifts of acidity of the stomach – a known predisposing factor for gastric ulceration.”

When feeding horses prone to ulcers, small, frequent meals are preferable.

“Ideally use feeds high in oil and low in starch. Adding alfalfa chaff (preferably dry) increases salivation, helping to neutralise stomach acid,” Kieran advises.

Reduce reliance on hard feed by providing the highest quality forage you can find.

“Hay or haylage should be soft, green and leafy and fed ad lib, so there is always some left in the morning,” says Kieran, who also recommends providing multiple forage options.

“Provide forage in more than one place in the stable, to satisfy the horse’s strong natural motivation to eat and move, and use a hay bag, or a small-holed haynet to slow his intake,” he adds. “Placing some forage at floor level will vary his neck position and elevate his spine when eating, promoting natural drainage of respiratory secretions and ensuring correct alignment of the cheek teeth when chewing.”

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

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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Mucking out is never a favourite yard job, particularly in winter. For some, deep litter bedding is the answer — but what are the pros and cons? H&H investigates…

What is deep litter bedding?

Instead of completely mucking out, when using deep litter bedding for horses involves just removing the droppings daily and allowing a thick bed to build up. The idea is to always have a clean layer of bedding on top, with a compacted layer beneath.

There are no hard and fast rules on how often the deep litter bed is completely removed and started again. However, Gemma Stanford, head of welfare at the British Horse Society, advises finding a balance between convenience and welfare.

“It is important that beds do not become too deep and the stable should periodically be completely emptied and thoroughly cleaned. Although this system is the most economical time- and cost-wise, it is the least suitable for the horse’s respiratory health and can cause other health problems too,” she says.

Why do people deep litter?

Time is a big consideration; for example, those who keep horses on livery find deep littering through the week and then changing the bed at a weekend helps when juggling the demands of work, horse and family life. Others argue that the compacted layer at the base of the bed provides additional insulation and warmth.

For stables without rubber mats, it also prevents horses slipping on exposed concrete if they are likely to ‘dig up’ an ordinary bed. Cost is another key factor — once the initial outlay for a deep starter bed has been made, deep littering usually means less bedding is required day-to-day; all that is needed is a scattering of clean bedding on top.

Best bedding to use?

Shavings have traditionally been used for deep littered stables, as they are considered absorbent and easy to poo pick. For larger loose yards, straw is more economical as a deep littering option.

“Different types of bedding materials are used in stables to satisfy the needs of both the horse and the carer. The significant impact that poor quality bedding can have on the health and welfare of the horse, even those stabled for only very short periods of time, should not be underestimated,” says Gemma.

Bedding manufactured from high absorbency materials such as hemp, flax and shredded wood fibre can be a good choice for deep littering. While shredded cardboard and paper has the benefit of being dust free, it’s not usually considered suitable for deep littering as the droppings can be hard to separate out and the wet bedding may stain horses’ coats.

“It’s important to realise that even higher absorbency bedding will only absorb so much. The biggest challenge with deep littering is ammonia from the urine and you will get that no matter what you use unless the bed is removed regularly,” warns vet Joe Mackinder MRCVS, of Malton-based Rainbow Equine Hospital.

Health issues

Ammonia

“This is a massive irritant to the horse’s respiratory system, so any horse with known breathing issues is probably not a candidate for deep littering,” says Joe, who advises making an honest assessment of whether the stabling area is suitable in terms of air circulation and volume.

“Airflow is not the same as a draught, which can be harmful. Small, low ceilinged wooden stables with just a door opening will not have sufficient air circulation to remove ammonia and airborne bacteria.”

Bacterial & parasitic challenges

Unless deep litter beds are kept really clean, the horse is inevitably exposed to more bacterial challenge. For those susceptible to lymphangitis, cellulitis and dermatitis, this can mean an increased health risk.

“It can be very difficult to keep deep littered beds clean enough to prevent susceptible horses being affected. There is also an increased risk of thrush, so good hoof hygiene is crucial,” says Joe.

“Be aware, too, that beds which are not removed regularly are more prone to a build up of mites and lice. Deep littered stables should be completely emptied, washed and disinfected regularly to deal with this and problems like ringworm.”

Dust and mould

It’s crucial to choose clean, dry and dust/mould free bedding – both for your horse’s respiratory health and your own. “Expecting staff to work with dusty or mouldy bedding materials is unacceptable,” says Gemma.

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An equine bedding company has reassured customers after it came to light its packaging is being used for unknown products.

A spokesman for Nedz bedding said there has been reports of a “dried paper pulp” type bedding been found in Nedz packaging.

“It has recently come to the attention of Nedz that there are some bales of bedding circulating within the UK, that are using our packaging but are not containing our product. These bags have not been authorised by ourselves, nor has any company been given permission to use our packaging to sell their bedding in,” said the spokesman.

“We want to assure our customers and retailers that the issue is currently being dealt with and Trading Standards has been informed about this incident.

“Nedz has been producing straw bedding in various forms for over 25 years and takes very seriously its production of Nedz Original and Nedz Pro for the equestrian market. The bedding is known for its high quality manufacturing process alongside a superior end product.”

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The spokesman said Nedz cannot comment on where the bedding has been found or how many bags are in circulation due to an ongoing investigation with Trading Standards but said it believes the issue has occurred after Nedz updated baling equipment two years ago.

“The old baler was returned to the company along with an amount of plastic. Since then the company has modified the baler and sold it on, and supplied with it a quantity of Nedz plastic,” said the spokesman.

If any owners have any concerns about bedding bought they should contact Nedz directly via the company’s Facebook page or email info@nedz.co.uk.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday. In this week’s magazine don’t miss our ‘Dressage Special’ out on Thursday 7 February. 

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An equine vet is warning horse owners that building banks against the sides of a stable will not necessarily prevent a horse from getting cast.

Dr Kieran O’Brien, a senior vet at Penbode Equine Vets in Tavistock, Devon said although it is traditional to bank the bedding, “the evidence suggests this will not usually have any beneficial effect other than providing some protection if a horse does become cast”.

“They are almost entirely decorative, and may be making things worse,” warned Dr O’Brien.

Other downsides to banking bedding are that fungi will grow in the undisturbed areas.

These can release spores into the stable air, which are breathed by the horse and might cause airway inflammation, pointed out Dr O’Brien.

The experienced vet and H&H contributor posted his bedding article on the practice’s Facebook page, and thousands of people viewed the post.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the response,” said Dr O’Brien.

Some commenters suggested banks were created not to cushion the horse when it gets cast but to encourage the horse to lie in the centre of the stable.

“Video recordings of sleeping horses have shown when they are rising they often make a rolling motion when they stand up. This could explain why they are found cast against the side of the stable in the morning, often in spite of the presence of banks” said Dr O’Brien.

To prevent casting he said the best solution is to fix a wooden batten or rubber anti-cast strip about one metre from the floor around the stable walls.

The horse’s feet will be able to get a grip on the strip, and it can then push itself away from the wall.

Continues below…

Make mucking out easier

Fieldguard's range of rubber bedding and wall mats can save time mucking out and reduce bedding costs

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Deep litter bedding for horses: pros and cons

“People will still use banks for cushioning effects but it’s important if you do use them the bedding in the banks is kept fresh so fungi don’t proliferate there,” he said.

The size of the bank is also important.

“The bank won’t stop a horse getting cast unless it is very big and wide, and most are neither,” Dr O’Brien said.

Do you agree, or do you build banks for other reasons? Email hhletters@ti-media.com for a chance to see your views in H&H magazine and win a bottle of Champagne Taittinger (please include your name and address; letters may be edited)

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The mundane task of filling your horse's haynet becomes significantly less mundane when you have a flattened frog or stray address book to contend with...

Don’t mind if I have a snooze here do you?

“I found six month old Border Terrier Cleo (pictured, above) from Collective Equestrian in Chew Magna, Somerset in the hay. Even a few months later she still loves sleeping amongst the hay bales. Along with her brother Bertie as well as their Whippet x Cocker Spaniel friend Tilly, they are often found riding along in the wheelbarrows at hay time!” Elizabeth Allen

A frog (not of the prince variety…)

“I was going to a BHS Access Ride at a lovely estate in Ayrshire. When I was about to unload my horse Darcey I saw a dead frog on the ramp of the trailer, which she had shoogled out of her haynet. It was flat and almost mummified looking. I hadn’t noticed it when filling the net the day before — oops! The funny thing was it was my birthday, so I think Darcey was giving it to me as a present. Not the best present I’ve ever received…” Lorna Wright

…and another one

“Some years ago, a young friend found a flattened, desiccated frog in a hay bale. He incurred some displeasure at school when he was found to be using it as a bookmark.” June Craig

The family address book

“Last summer my dad was in a hurry to get the last bit of grass cut and baled before the weather turned. He was quite happy with the way things were going until he discovered his bag had fallen open while hung on the tractor. Needless to say much amusement was had when finally in the winter there appeared in the haynets a chequebook, the family address book and the lid of his lunch box — resulting in some confused horses!” Jenny Phillips

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A preserved hedgehog

“I once opened a square bale of haylage to find a complete if somewhat flat perfectly preserved hedgehog, poor little mite. Not funny really but when it plopped out smelling far from fragrant — it did raise a few titters on the yard. Talk about wrong place, wrong time?” Jacqui Clayton

Oh deer…

“I once found an entire deer buck carcass in a bale of hay. The sink was horrendous and we had to throw out all the bales underneath it because the deer “leaked” on them.” Andrea Feldaverd

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Thinking about swapping your straw or shavings for wood pellets? Made from compressed wood, these are sold in 10kg or 15kg bags, to which you add water (or sprinkle it directly onto the pellets) on order to activate them. Here’s what you need to consider about this type of bedding first…

The pros of wood pellet horse bedding

Absorbency

“Verdo wood pellets will absorb up to three times their own weight in liquid,” says Angela Curgenden from wood pellet manufacturer, Verdo. This figure was arrived at by independent testing, and may not be true of all horse pellets on the market — however, it’s significantly more absorbent than most other types of horse bedding.

Hygiene

“From a veterinary perspective, one of the major pluses of our wood pellets is that they’re heated to a high temperature during manufacture, meaning any bugs are killed off,” explains Stuart Fitzgerald at the White Horse Energy Company, another wood pellet manufacturer.

“You can be sure they’re not harbouring any nasties. The beds don’t move about, and the moisture content is consistent, which is better for horses’ feet. Also, the air quality is also typically better with a wood pellet bed than other types of horse bedding, which is beneficial from a respiratory point of view.”

Time-saving

You can see the wet patches in a wood pellet bed easily — no need to scrabble about checking your banks — and can remove them without having to take the whole bed apart, which reduces mucking-out time.

Cost-saving

Most wood pellet companies offer the option of buying in bulk, and provided you’ve got somewhere to store it and have the capital up-front, this is a good way of saving money on your horse costs. It you buy a ton or half ton, you could be paying under £5 for a bag of wood pellets, including VAT and delivery, which is significantly cheaper than most brands of shavings.

“It costs £2.40 for a 10kg bag if I collect from my local supplier, so it’s very cost effective,” says Tamworth-based horse owner Lynne Bagnall. “I’ve been using wood pellets for six years now and wouldn’t use anything else.”

It can be easy to manage

“It does take a while to get the hang of it, but once you’ve cracked it, it really is brilliant stuff,” says Lynne. “I make the stable up with 10 to 12 bags to start. I’ll slit the bag open on the stable floor and pour about a half a bucket of water into each bag, go and have a cuppa for half an hour, then tip it all out and make a nice flat bed. I bank it up along the back wall.

“The first week, I just take out any poo — the wet stuff drains down to the bottom of the pile and goes solid. Once a week I’ll take out the hard wee patch and replace with a new soaked bag of pellets. If you have a messy horse you can take out the poo and the worst of the wet each day and just mix the rest of the wet with the dry — it sounds gross, but the clean dry bedding will soak up the wet really well.”

The cons of wood pellet horse bedding

VAT

As horses are considered to be a luxury item, VAT for horse bedding is 20%. Wood pellets can be used for fuel, so you may find the same or similar product on sale for 5% VAT. However, the onus for paying the correct VAT is on the customer, so you risk action from the Inland Revenue if you buy at the cheaper rate.

Storage

To get the cheaper rate for wood pellets, you typically need to buy in bulk (half a ton or a ton), so you’ll need enough space to store your purchase. However, as the pellets are heavier and denser than shavings or straw, they’re easier to store. “Once activated, a bag of Verdo pellets is the same weight as a typical bale of shavings, but they’re compacted so don’t take up as much space to store,” points out Angela.

Appearance

“Wood pellets are a little bit like Marmite — people either love them or hate them,” says Stuart. “The obvious downside is they don’t make a big, fluffy bed like shavings or straw. But what they lack from a visual perspective they make up for from a veterinary and cost perspective.”

All wood pellets are not created equal…

“There are lots of makes of wood pellet on the market, but they’re actually quite different. Some use recycled wood, which means the end products may include additives that can reduce absorbency, and sawdust, which is obviously more dusty,” Angela explains. “Verdo wood pellets are made from FSC certified softwood timber, and the bark is stripped off, so only the wood goes into the product.”

Stuart Fitzgerald agrees that wood pellets do vary from company to company: “They all offer different absorbency, fluffiness and cost savings.”

So as with most types of horse bedding, it’s worth shopping around and asking fellow horse owners for their experiences with different brands, before taking the plunge yourself. But typically savings can be made in both time and money, especially if you’re intending to buy in bulk.

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This week's new to the market round up features products from Nedz, Ariat, By Sikora, Equus Health and Breyer.

Nedz bedding

A stable furnished with Nedz bedding provides more than just superficial comfort for your equine love. New research shows that bedding is significant, in fact, the greater the surface area of soft bedding available — that is, the size of the area that is bedded — the more time horses spend lying down. As an additional benefit, all Nedz bedding features the organic Natural Nedz formula. The organic formula supports your equine’s health and helps promote a hygienic environment for them to be stabled on.

Visit: www.amazon.co.uk 

Ariat Heritage Ellipse limited edition boots

Using their technical expertise and experience in manufacturing performance footwear, Ariat are excited to launch their new Heritage Ellipse Limited Edition Boots for an impressive 2016 competition season – whether viewed from the saddle or the judging box. The Heritage Ellipse limited edition feature a high Spanish cut topline with on-trend Snake or Ostrich print cuff, ensuring these boots stand out in the saddle. The perfect boot for trend-setting riders, these boots will only available for a limited time – making them a unique fashion investment and guaranteed to create a stir.

Visit: www.tallyhofarm.co.uk 

Quirky sheepskin inspired by heritage

These British sheepskin products are the perfect accessories to tackle any winter. Featuring a variety of comfortable, warm and stylish British sheepskin items including hloves, headbands, scarves, slippers and other accessories, By Sikora provides high quality products at a fair price whilst also supporting small producers. Johanna’s pick for this winter are By Sikora’s stunning British sheepskin fingerless embossed gloves. Bringing a little style to any outfit, these gloves are both practical and warm. Made from 100% twin faced Sheepskin in a rich caramel colour which is embossed with a ‘wild rose’ pattern.

Visit: www.bysikora.co.uk

Healthy Gut from Equus Health

Healthy Gut contains pure live yeast. Pure live yeast is scientifically proven to aid digestion. The yeast works as a probiotic helping balance the microbes in the gastro-intestinal tract. Healthy Gut ensures the yeast reaches the large intestine (also known as the hind gut), where two thirds of horse’s energy comes from the fermentation of fibre. Designed to be fed daily, Healthy Gut is approved by the EU for feeding to horses of all ages and offers excellent value for money.

Visit: www.equushealth.org.uk or call 0845 6809893

Breyer’s Valegro portrait model

The Breyer portrait model of Valegro is a dynamic new sculpture created in his likeness by sculptor Brigitte Eberl. It will be available at Olympia at the Equestrian Book Fair Stand and TC Tack. Carl Hester will autograph Breyer Valegro models at the Equestrian Book Fair Stand at a time to be announced.

Visit: www.hottotrotmodelhorses.co.uk 

A new machine, which claims to “revolutionise” horse bedding by allowing owners to create their own shavings on site, has been launched.

The new Tonka mini wood shavings machine creates dust free, fresh shavings from soft wood logs or offcuts. Once the wood is loaded into the machine it shaves them down into fresh bedding.

The equivalent of a pallet of pre-packed shavings can be made in less than an hour.

The idea has been developed over the past four years by Kenn Fulton.

“The cost of shavings made me think about developing a machine,” he told H&H. “Using our machine a yard could make a saving of 45%-50% straight away.”

Similar machines are already in use in South America, America, and Canada but are much larger.

Mr Fulton wanted to develop a smaller machine that was “100% safe” for the equine market.

His machine was trialled in competition and livery yards around the country last year before being officially launched last week (22 January).

Tonka Machines, the company set up to sell the machine, has 80-90 log suppliers on its website that can supply customers with wood. The price of wood ranges from £50-£75 a tonne depending on location.

The mini machine can be run on electricity or by a petrol engine generator and fits into a spare stable or corner of a barn.

As the shavings are produced they can be collected in a large bag or wheelbarrow and taken to a horses’ stable. Mr Fulton added that this gets rid of the need to dispose of unsightly plastic packaging and removes the need for storage and bulk buying.

“This machine produces clean, dust free shavings that aren’t too expensive,” he said.

It is aimed at bigger yards with at least eight to 10 horses but Mr Fulton said he has also had enquiries from a zoo and a company that specialise in wood smoking food.

The machine costs £6,345 plus VAT and comes with full servicing, installation and a one-year warranty.

For more information visit: www.tonkamachines.co.uk

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Industry figures say it may be prudent to stock up on horse bedding ahead of the winter now, due to an increase in prices.

Costs are rising because horses being kept in for much of the winter, plus a decline in the building trade, of which shavings are a by-product.

Frank Thorogood of Thorogoods, Essex, reports that shaving prices have gone up 8%, with other processed bedding rising by approximately 4%.

“Price increases depend on timber prices [as timber sourcing increases in cost due to increased prices of machinery, diesel, manpower etc] and we had to put our prices up by 10 pence a bale in January,” said Tim Smalley, managing director of Bedmax.

Demand for shavings has increased, as it has become harder to access straw.

April Gingell of the British Straw and Hay Merchants’ Association told H&H that there’s not a lack of straw, just a lack of smaller bales.

“The demand isn’t there; farmers want big bales so smaller ones, which horse owners need, aren’t being produced as much,” she explained.

“And because of that you could find yourself paying the same for a small bale as a big one.”

With wheat straw averaging £66 a tonne at the moment, and about three large bales to the tonne, a big bale costs around £22.

Adrian Cannon of Tayler and Fletcher auctioneers in the Cotswolds agreed small straw bales were scarce.

“This may affect the cost of bedding drastically next winter,” he warned.

“Small bales are in high demand and the wholesale cost of wheat straw is up by £1 per tonne compared with last year.”

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound magazine (23 May 2013)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Equibright, a new “eco-friendly and cost effective” horse bedding, made of soft, clumped briquettes that break down as you or your horse walks on it, has been launched.

The “unique, self-replenishing, natural” stable bedding is made from a 50:50 recycled wood/fresh straw mix, which slowly releases fresh bedding.

This is designed to help it last longer and go further – saving both money and time, says the company.

Equibright is put through a double dust extraction process to help reduce respiratory problems and is treated with a natural citrus spray to make it less tempting for your horse to eat.

“We are delighted by the quick take up of this product and our customers are extremely pleased with its performance,” said Jane Filtness from Equibright. “There are many benefits to the product.”

For more information visit: www.equibright.co.uk

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Hadfield Wood Recyclers has designed a new pallet system for horse bedding to offer a smaller stack size for easier storage and more efficient delivery.

The manufacturers — who also make easibed shavings — claim that the “double-stack” system means two pallets, stacked with five bales, can be loaded on top of each other. While the number of pallets per lorry load remains the same, this system allows more bales per pallet.

A spokesman said that a maximum of 1040 bales could now fit on a lorry, compared to 720 previously.

Product development manager Trevor Coultan said that customers have been “very pleased”.

“Not only do we get the same number of pallets on a lorry load, but we can actually get more bales of bedding per delivery, making it more cost-efficient for people buying our bedding,” he said. “This system makes it easier for storage and, in some cases, for handling of bales.”

For more information visit: www.hadfield.co.uk

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A new super-absorbent horse bedding has been launched in the UK that makers claim is less wasteful, more hygienic and significantly more cost effective than many traditional beddings

Verdo Horse Bedding is made from wood pellets that “fluff up” once sprayed with water after being spread in a stable.

Because of the pellets’ absorbency, manufacturer Verdo Renewables UK claims the bedding is cleaner, less wasteful and easier to use than traditional materials such as wood shavings.

“We believe this product will appeal to horse owners and stables managers across the country,” said Verdo Renewables UK sales manager Alistair McGlynn.

“Not only do we think you get a lot more for your money, but the pellets are a lot less wasteful and make mucking out an easier, more pleasant experience.”

The wood pellets are made by compressing dry sawdust and other wood residues under extremely high pressure.

The combined low moisture content — typically less than 10% — and the highly compressed material makes the wood pellets around three to four times the density of wood chips.

Verdo Horse Bedding also takes up significantly less storage space — the pellets come in 15kg bags. Manufacturers Verdo Renewables UK claim that a 65-bag pallet, which costs £270 including UK delivery, should provide six months’ supply for the average horse.

For more information visit www.verdohorsebedding.co.uk

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If you are struggling to get your hands on straw this autumn, we’ve compiled contact details for the suppliers of 12 alternative types of horse bedding

Straw pellets: Nedz Advance

• Chopped and ground straw, sterilised then pelleted

• Launched 2008, available nationwide

• Tel: 01772 877096, www.nedz.co.uk

Chopped straw: Belvoir Bed

• A combination of wheat and rape straw that has been chopped, dust-extracted and treated with a natural formula containing lemongrass

• Launched 2008, only available direct from manufacturer

• Tel: 01772 877897, www.belvoirbed.co.uk

Rape straw: Bedrap

• Best-quality rape straw, which is cleaned, chopped and dust-extracted

• Launched 2005, available nationwide

• Tel: 01285 653738, www.bedrap.co.uk

Shavings: Bedmax

• From renewable forestry timber, with shavings cut to large, medium and small size for optimum cushioning, aeration, drainage and absorbency

• Launched 2000, widely available

• Tel: 01668 213467, www.bedmaxshavings.com

Wood pulp: Megazorb

• Virgin wood pulp, dried and sterilised

• Launched 2000, available nationwide

• Tel: 01759 318396, www.northerncropdriers.co.uk

Wood fibre: Easibed

• From clean white wood fibre

• Launched 2003, available nationwide

• Tel: 01613 702360, www.easibed.co.uk

Woodchip: Orchard

• Recycled hard and soft wood, graded, chopped and sifted

• Launched 2007, available nationwide depending on order size

• Tel: 01780 470045, www.orchard-equestrian.co.uk

Hemp/flax: Aubiose

• From hemp grown in Champagne region of France, processed via milling and sieving

• Launched 1973, widely available

• Tel: 0800 3891703, www.aubiose.co.uk

Cardboard strips: Shreddybed

• A mix of cardboard waste and large pieces of flat card, shredded

• Launched 2005, predominantly for purchase in the south-west, but available nationwide depending on order

• Tel: 01566 776756, www.shreddybed.co.uk

Shredded paper: Yesterday’s News

• Recycled newspaper, shredded

• Mainly Lincolnshire, but nationwide for bigger orders

• Tel: 01775 710171, www.yesterdays-news.co.uk

Miscanthus: Miscanthus Bedding

• Miscanthus plant harvested, broken down into optimum particles and softened

• Launched July 2010, mainly Midlands area, but nationwide for bigger orders

• Tel: 01889 500476, www.miscanthusbedding.co.uk

Softwood fibre pellets: White Horse Bedding

• Made from virgin softwood fibres compressed into low-moisture content pellets

• Launched summer 2010, available nationwide online

• Tel: 01672 838202, www.whitehorsebedding.co.uk

In some cases other suppliers are available — a websearch may produce more convenient sources

This is an extract from a feature first published in Horse & Hound (30 September, ’10)

Bedmax, the UK’s largest producer of bespoke horse bedding has announced the launch of its first new equestrian product in 10 years — Littlemax.

Littlemax is a small flake shaving made “specifically made for those horse owners who prefer the finer things in their stable”, says the company.

Managing director Tim Smalley said: “We know that from our research that there are people who will always prefer a finer shaving, so Littlemax is a natural progression for the company.”

When Bedmax came onto the market in 2000 it was the first shavings product created specifically for horse bedding.

Littlemax is made in exactly the same manner as the original product; it is produced from sustainable sources of British pine cut specifically for shavings and not as a by-product of another process.

Once cut, they shavings are dried to a carefully controlled moisture level and rigorously screened to remove dust.

Consequently Littlemax shavings while finer, still offer the anti-bacterial properties of pine, minimal dust and maximum absorbency, comfort and protection.

Currently Littlemax is only manufactured at the company’s Midlands plant however it intends to extend availability to all areas of the UK.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

If early reports are correct and we are facing a straw shortage this winter, it might be time for horse owners to try out one of these alternative types of horse bedding

Prices were correct at date of publication (21 June 2010), may vary and are intended as an approximate guide only.

Straw pellets

• Pros: Rapidly degrades, sterilised product so no dust. Discourages eating bed. Can be stored outside

• Cons: Cost

• Cost: £8-£9 per bale. Brands include Nedz Bed Advance

Chopped straw including rapeseed

• Pros: Soft bed, degradable, absorbent and discourages eating bed. Can be stored outside

• Cons: Cost

• Cost: £7 per bale. Brands include Nedz Bed Pro, Equistraw, Belvoir Bed

Shavings

• Pros: Absorbent, degradable and discourage eating bed. Can be stored outside

• Cons: Some cheap shavings may not be dust extracted. Cost; six-eight bales required to start a bed and without mats it may be necessary to use two-three bales a week for horses stabled for long periods

• Cost: £7 for 25kg, discount for bulk. Brands include Bedmax

Wood pellets, fibre or pulp

• Pros: Absorbent, degradable and discourage eating bed. Low use once bed established

• Cons: Cost. Pellets will need spraying with water

• Cost: £5.50 for 13.6kg, discount for bulk (Natures Best pellets), £4.20 for 25x10kg bags (White Horse Bedding pellets), £6.50-£7.95 for 20-25kg wood fibre bales (easibed)

Hemp/flax

• Pros: Made from stem of flax plant, highly absorbent and degradable

• Cons: Cost. If eaten can swell in stomach and cause discomfort

• Cost: £9-£10 for 20kg bale (Hemcore). Brands also include Aubiose and Equisorb

Shredded and pelleted paper/cardboard

• Pros: Absorbent and soft, highly degradable

• Cons: Print paper can mark lighter coloured horses. Can be heavy and messy to muck out

• Cost: £3.50 for 15kg (Yesterday’s News). Brands include Agribed

Rubber matting

• Pros: Reduces bedding use by 50-80%, so initial cost quickly repaid. Prevents injuries such as capped hocks from lying on concrete floors, is insulating and non slip

• Cons: Initial expense, heavy and unwieldy, needs pressure washing two or three times a year. Traps urine and can be smelly

• Cost: Around £35 for a 6x4ft, one inch thick mat (£210 for 12×12 stable)

Miscanthus (elephant grass husk)

• Pros: Highly absorbent, low dust, rapidly degradable. Marketed as carbon neutral

• Cons: New to market and not widely available in small quantities

• Cost: £5.50+VAT for 20kg, £4.50+VAT for bulk (pallet load), delivery extra (Miscanthus Bedding)

For the full article on coping with hay and straw shortages, see the current issue of Horse & Hound (22 July, ’10)

A Newbury manufacturer has produced a low-cost wood pellet horse bedding to beat the credit crunch.

White Horse Bedding is offering its new WHB Value product for just £2.39 per 10kg bag (for 100 bags) or £2.80 for 50, including VAT and delivery.

The company’s premium bedding costs £3.25 (for 100 bags) or £3.64 for 50.

A spokesman for the company said: “Low cost wood pellets typically create a dusty atmosphere in the stable as they tend to be made from very fine fibres.

“Our bedding is produced from carefully screened, consistently larger wood fibres, ensuring the pellet will not break down into fine dust.”

He said the value product has comparable dust and absorbancy levels to the premium bedding. The main difference is that the value range has a slightly larger pellet and is a darker colour.

WHB Value is also available from www.efeed.co.uk for £2.80 a bag.

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Green Mile has created a new corrugated cardboard animal and horse bedding, which it claims is better than previously available cardboard and other traditional beddings.

Previous complaints about cardboard are that it’s dusty, that it lies flat making an uncomfortable bed, that it sticks to the floor making it difficult to scrape up, and that it’s difficult to separate wet from dry bedding so mucking out can be wasteful.

The Green Mile bedding claims to deal with all these problems. “We’ve created a unique, highly absorbent alternative bedding,” says Joey Kinnersley, managing director of the Green Mile Company.

Green Mile’s strips of corrugated card mimic the binding properties of straw, forming an irregular but secure structure that resists crushing. Its hollow nature makes it highly absorbent, say its manufacturers, around five times more absorbent than wood shavings and six times more absorbent than straw.

It is also, says Kinnersley, more environmentally friendly than shavings. “Most wood shavings come from trees felled purely to become shavings, rather than as a by-product of, say, furniture manufacture. Our cardboard is made from recycled paper.

“The after-use environmental impact is better too. Shavings have to be stored for two years after use, before they can be spread on fields, to prevent them leaching nutrients from the soil. Our cardboard will break down immediately to make a good mulch, or, like straw, a frost shield for strawberries.”

Kinnersley says that although the cardboard theoretically could become moldy, all batches are rigorously checked to ensure this hasn’t happened.

Jacky Cook, yard manager at Pool House Equine Clinic says: “We use Green Mile for all our COPD horses, horses that eat bedding, and laminitic horses because once it’s down it stays down. It’s cheaper than shavings, and, if you muck out properly, there’s hardly any dust.

“The only downside I can think of it that it can become quite heavy, but all round it’s a good bedding. A lot of racing yards are turning to it.”

Prices start at £4.50 for a 20kg bale, plus VAT. For more details visit www.thegreenmilecompany.co.uk or call 01785 282830.

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A new horse bedding company has been launched by South African event rider Stuart Fitzgerald.

White Horse Bedding is a new brand of pelletised wood fibre bedding, that is locally manufactured to provide value for money for customers.

Users add 3 or 4 litres of water per bag of bedding pellets, once spread in a stable, to create a “soft, fluffy but dense” product.

Users only need to add water the very first time they create a bed, after this initial dampening the horse itself provides the additional moisture required to keep the bedding in balance.

“White Horse Bedding is produced to provide a high quality, locally manufactured, value for money, eco friendly animal bedding,” said a company spokesman.

The manufacturers claim a bag of pelleted White Horse Bedding will last as long, if not longer, than a bale of shavings. They also say it will drastically reduce muck heap size and that a pallet of 100 bags take up less space than 30 bales of shavings.

The bedding is also packaged in recyclable bags.

White Horse Bedding will be available from feed and bedding merchants as well as online from Thursday 29 October.

For more information visit: www.whitehorsebedding.co.uk

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Most materials used for horse bedding produce a stable dust that is an irritant to horses’ airways.

You only need to be mucking out and turning over a stable bed, with the sun streaming in through the door, to see the amazing amount of miniscule particles filling the air.

The perceived wisdom is that paper and shavings beds are better for horses with allergic airway disease, but there has been little objective assessment on the subject.

Vets in Germany took five different commercially-produced horse bedding products and analysed them in 2009.

They tested wheat straw, softwood shavings, hemp/flax fibre, straw pellets and shredded paper.

The results surprised them; the hemp/flax bed, which was specifically marketed for horses with irritable airways, produced the most particles. Next was the wood shavings sample.

Paper and pelleted straw produced the least particles and wheat straw was somewhere in between.

The vets then studied horses in real bedding situations. They used straw, wood shavings and straw pellets.

Straw pellets performed the best and straw was the worst, even though in the lab, shavings had performed worse than the straw.

The vets believed that the difference in air quality between straw and shavings was a reflection of the fact that the straw bed was mucked out and replenished every day, while the shavings were just skipped out.

Further complications were discovered because the straw yielded more moulds than other beds.

“From the respiratory point of view, the best bedding is no bedding,” says Colin Roberts, an ILPH-funded equine internal medicine specialist at Cambridge University Veterinary School.

“You can achieve that in a stable by using rubber matting on its own, but you must get the drainage right. In my experience, horses are fine on it – there are no problems with pressure sores and they lie down happily on it.

“If you have to use bedding, literature suggests that the best types are paper and cardboard, but they must be well managed. Any form of deep litter is out.

“Even healthy horses are better off on dust-free management. What you’re really trying to avoidis mould spores, which are the allergens that cause the most problems. The latest research shows that recurrent airway obstruction [RAO], which used to be called COPD and is similar to occupational asthma in people, may develop if there is any length of exposure to mould.”

Equestrian bedding supplier easibed has renewed its sponsorship of a number of the UK’s top riders for the 2009/10 season.

International show jumpers Ellen Whitaker, Billy Twomey and Di Lampard, international dressage rider and Olympic team manager Richard Davison and international eventer Ruth Edge will all continue to receive sponsorship from easibed over the coming 12 months.

The riders have been sponsored by the company for several years and have built up strong relationships with the brand, taking easibed with them on their travels whenever they can.

Ellen, who stables her horses on easibed, said: “I’m really pleased that easibed has continued to sponsor me. It is a great product for the horses and helps me to keep them in top condition. It’s easy to use as well, making our yard much easier to keep to clean.”

easibed is also continuing its sponsorship of a number of the UK’s top equestrian shows this year, including The British Open, Scope and HOYS.

Ian McColville, National Sales Manager for easibed, said: “The sponsorship of riders and shows is a key way in which easibed can support the industry and maintain a brand presence at the same time.

“As one of the leading alternative equestrian beddings, easibed is proud to be linked with these riders and shows and we look forward to working with them over the coming year.”

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While rubber matting is becoming increasingly popular in both busy livery yards and private stables, some people don’t like the idea of using rubber matting as a type of horse bedding in their stables because they can’t bear the thought of their horse sleeping on a hard floor.

However, nearly all horses will happily lie down and sleep in a field and rubber mats are designed so that the horse’s weight will compress the rubber to make a comfortable surface to lie on.

The risk of the horse going through to the concrete — as can happen with traditional forms of bedding such as straw — is also removed because the matting completely covers the floor. Another benefit is the dust-free environment that matting can help to create.

For some owners the thought of their horse lying or standing in urine or faeces overnight is enough to put them off this form of bedding. This can be overcome by using a light sprinkling of shavings over the rubber matting that can be swept out each morning or evening.

Alternatively some individuals chose to install rubber matting as a base to help cushion their horse’s joints and provide extra warmth in the stable, while using an absorbent bedding such as shavings on top. In these cases considerably less bedding can be used that for a traditional deep bed, saving money and making mucking out easier.

If you do decide to go down the rubber matting route, you will need to decide if you want the matting permanently fixed to the floor of your stable, which may require some work to ensure good adhesion. Alternatively you could opt for a rubber floor you can “lift” to clean underneath. This is usually done once or twice a year if your matting is of good quality.

Whatever you decide it is important to discuss the drainage of the stable with the matting manufacturers and fitters because you may need to alter the ground line of your stable to get maximum benefit.

Some types of non-fixed matting have a second layer that goes between the stable floor and the top layer to help improve drainage. It is important that you ask manufacturers about the strength of this layer as your horse will be standing on it for long periods and breakages could cause “pooling” of urine by affecting the drainage.

Matting can usually be fitted by the company you buy it from but if you opt for a do-it-yourself variety, ensure that you have all the relevant information and take appropriate safety precautions — goggles, and skin protection from adhesives and cutting instruments — before attempting to fit it.

All well-fitted rubber matting floor should pay for itself — in terms of bedding costs saved — in about a year if no additional bedding is used and should last many years. Ask people who use matting how long theirs has lasted to get an idea of the durability of the various types.

The surface of rubber matting varies enormously, from raised bumps to ridges and geometrical shapes. Decide how much grip your horse will need, depending on any problems it has or the condition of its hooves when he goes into the stable — for example, feet covered in wet clay soil might cause the horse to slip.

Budget is likely to be a consideration when you are shopping around, but you should get the best rubber flooring you can afford for maximum benefit and durability.

With the arrival of autumn, and winter on the horizon, the majority of horses will be spending more time in their stables, which can lead to problems such as RAO, capped hocks and thrush. However, in certain cases, these conditions can be avoided by simply changing your type of horse bedding.

Capped hocks and elbows

If a horse has insufficient bedding in his stable, he may suffer from capped hocks and elbows, caused by bruising over the point of the hock or elbow joint, both of which contain lubricating joint fluid.

In serious cases, the joints can become very swollen and sore, and the horse may also be lame. A combination of rubber matting and a covering of additional bedding such as straw or paper usually helps to alleviate the problem.

Colic

Horses who eat their bedding through hunger or boredom may become prone to colic. A common cause of bedding-related colic is a horse eating dry bedding, which then expands in the stomach causing discomfort, inflammation and possibly a blockage. Choosing a non-palatable alternative such as cardboard or shavings should deter the horse from nibbling his bed.

Getting cast

Horses who enjoy rolling may become cast. This can cause injury and swelling to joints and limbs, as well as potential back damage. High banks and a thick layer of light bedding such as straw will go some way to alleviate injury if your horse does become cast.

RAO

Recurrent airway obstruction (RAO), formerly known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is a common respiratory disease similar to asthma in humans. In most cases, RAO is caused by hypersensitivity to mould spores in the horse’s environment. It is a management issue. The horse’s respiratory tract responds to allergy-inducing particles with a narrowing of the airways and reduced breathing capacity. Many horses with RAO are kept outdoors, while stabled patients are commonly given rubber flooring and/or dust-extracted bedding to reduce spores.

Urticaria

Some forms of the skin irritation urticaria can be caused by an allergy to bedding or mould, which results in the appearance of rashes or bumps on the horse’s body. It is usually a temporary condition, alleviated when the offending bedding is removed and the stable cleaned and disinfected to eradicate mould spores.

Slipping

Shod horses with smooth stable floors and a minimal amount of bedding may be prone to slipping in the stable, resulting in musculoskeletal trauma or strain. Rubber matting is an ideal solution to provide grip for the horse when getting up or lying down, especially if a covering of additional bedding is provided on top.

Stiffness and injury

Some horses with stiff joints, or those with limited mobility through injury, may suit certain types of bedding. For example, rubber matting may not provide enough comfort for the horse who is immobilised for long periods, while some types of bedding can become tangled around limbs or make dressings or wounds messy and unhygienic. Light, clean types of bedding, such as chopped cardboard, are good choices for equine patients.

Thrush

Horses suffering from conditions of the foot, such as thrush, need clean, dry stable bedding in order for the foot to dry out and recover. With this in mind, bedding such as hemp or wood fibre, both of which drain down to the base leaving a dry top layer, may be good options.