There are a number of different types of horse bedding to help keep your horse comfortable and to try and encourage the horse to lie down.
They all have their advantages and disadvantages, but our trials show that the best horse bedding is straw.
The types of horse bedding include: Straw * Straw is the most popular bed used, mainly because it is comfortable and warm for the horse when it lies down * It has very good drainage * And there are three different types of straw - wheat, barley and oat.
Wheat is the best as it is comfortable, absorbent and warm Two of the disadvantages of using straw for horse bedding is that it may be dusty or could contain fungal spores which could get into the horses eyes or could cause an allergic reaction leading to respiratory problems, However, the best horse bedding is said to be straw Wood shavings * Are good for horses that have respiratory problems but can be expensive * Shavings do not have spores provided they are dust free * They are highly absorbent and are easy to work with Two disadvantages of wood shavings for horses bedding are that shavings are difficult to dispose of and they are not as warm and comfortable as straw.
Paper * Paper is used with horses that tend to eat their beds * It is good with horses that have allergies or respiratory problems because it is dust free * It is cheaper to buy but you need to make it deep as it gets saturated very quickly and needs mucking out regularly * It is light and easy to handle but the downfall is that it often made from printed paper therefore the print may transfer onto the horse - especially greys * It is hard to control in the wind as it is very light Rubber * Is a recent type of horse bedding * It was first used in trailers but now you can buy it for your horse stable * It is very easy to clean, can be hosed and it is good as a prevention to horses slipping * It can also be used with a layer of shavings or straw * However it does not absorb wet therefore the horse will be lying in dirt if there isn't a layer to help absorb it * It does not look very attractive and doesn't provide much warmth or comfort Peat * It is not used as much today but is still a good form of bedding * It is comfortable and very absorbent * It won't burst into flames in the event of a fire However, peat does have its downfall - it is expensive, heavy to handle and needs regular mucking out to prevent it going soggy Whatever horse bedding you use, the purpose of it is to give the horse something comfortable for it to lie on.
Also it helps insulation, absorb moisture and prevents the horse from banging its legs on the hard walls and floor.
Our recommendation based on solid experience is that straw is the best horse bedding.