THE HORSE GAZETTE
equine health
the way of the horse
what’s the best bedding for your horse?
By Eleanor Blazer © 2009
Water, water every- horse than hard wood shavings. PAPER BEDDING
where…and not a drop to drink! Pine and spruce are the most com- Shredded paper and
An average 1,000- mon sources for commercial soft cardboard are the most common
pound horse produces about 2 ½ wood shavings. paper products used for horse bed-
gallons of urine a day. The soft wood shavings ding. They are very absorbent,
So, how do you keep are generally safe to use. Occa- but will mat when wet. This
stalls dry? sionally a horse may be allergic results in a poor cushion factor.
A stall that drains prop- to the pine resins. The symptoms No dust is the main
erly is the first step. shown by an allergic reaction will benefit of paper bedding. Paper
Constructing a good be bumps or hives. based bedding products are low
base will allow the urine to drain. Hard wood shavings in allergenic mold spores, so great
Poor drainage means the bedding can be dangerous to use. You for horses with allergies.
must absorb all the moisture. must be absolutely certain there is
It’s much easier to no walnut, cherry, or cedar in the PEAT MOSS
construct a good base before the material. Peat moss is one of
barn is built. The toxins produced by the most absorbent of all the
One method of estab- these products can cause laminitis. bedding materials available. Dry
lishing a good base it to remove The horse does not need to eat the peat moss will absorb 10 times
the top soil (save it for other proj- product – just standing on them its weight in moisture, making it
It’s like nothing you’ve ever seen before!
ects) and then remove enough soil allows the toxins to penetrate the heavy to remove when wet.
so you are about three feet deep. hoof. Laminitis can occur within There is no dust – as
The next step is to 12-24 hours of exposure, and can long as it is kept moist. Horses
have the contractor place a layer lead to severe lameness. that are prone to allergies seem
We’re not just a feed store, or western wear,
of large stones, followed by a Dust is not usually a to do well when bedded on peat.
layer of small stones, then stone problem with wood shavings. Mares should not be allowed to
dust; followed by a final layer The texture can vary and every foal in peat moss, as it will stick
hardware, tack, house wares, lawn and garden
of clay or clay and sand mixture. person who has cleaned stalls has to her and the foal.
Availability of materials will vary a preference. Unfortunately it’s Peat moss should be
or gifts...we’re ALL of that and MORE!
according to region. Check with pretty hard to tell what the texture bedded deep. The deeper it is
a local contractor to find out what is until you open the bag. Remem- – the easier it is to clean the stall.
is best in your area. ber: shavings are a by-product so It has a great cushion factor when
Avoid using straight quality control is not perfect. bedded at 8-12 inches.
There’s something for everyone Callahan’s!
sand as your final layer. Horses Wood shavings are not
ingesting sand can colic. suitable for a foaling mare. The STRAW
The center of each stall shavings will stick to the mare Straw is the best bed-
should be slightly higher than the and newborn foal. Straw should ding for a mare about to foal. It
sides, so urine will not puddle. be used in the stall as the foaling provides a good cushion and will
Someone here knows how to custom
You will have to replenish the clay date approaches. not stick.
every few years. There can be dust if it
Solid, one-piece rubber PELLETED BEDDING was not baled properly. Straw is
shape hats, kill fire ants, thread pipes,
mats will not allow the urine to Pelleted bedding is not as absorbent as some of the
drain. made from compressed soft woods. other products.
seasoned cast iron...
Many barns have con- The resins, hydrocarbons, and any If a horse is not receiv-
crete floors. These barns must other moisture have been removed ing enough good quality digest-
have good quality mats installed. during the processing. This results ible fiber (hay) he will eat the we’ll be glad to share that knowledge with you.
Plenty of bedding needs to be used in a highly absorbent product. straw bedding. As long as it is
to absorb the urine. The tightly compressed clean, not moldy, or dusty eating
Regardless of the floor pellets become fluffy when wet. a small amount should not harm
type, the stall should be cleaned If they are allowed to dry they the horse. If the horse should
daily. Removal of the wet, urine can become dusty. Manufactur- eat large amounts of straw, then
soaked bedding will cut down on ers recommend the wet spots not impaction colic is possible.
Don’t forget, we also carry fresh hay & Capitol Feeds!
ammonia build-up. be removed, but mixed with the * Earn a Bachelor of
There are several con- dry material. The daily routine Science degree in equine studies
siderations when deciding on bed- advised is to remove the manure or certification as a Professional
501 Bastrop Highway - Austin, Texas
ding: absorbency, dustiness, how and mix the wet bedding with Horse Trainer or Riding Instruc-
well it cushions, possible allergies the dry. Occasionally a bag may tor. Start your new career as a
Phone: (512) 385-3452 - Toll Free: (800) 950-8602
to the product, how digestible it is, need to be added. In time the stall riding instructor, horse trainer,
and availability. will need to be stripped and new or stable manager. All courses Fax: (512) 385-0932
product used. are online. Start anytime and
WOOD SHAVINGS Pelleted bedding should work at your own pace. Visit
Website: www.callahansgeneralstore.com
Soft wood shavings are not be used in a foaling stall. www.horsecoursesonline.com for
more absorbent and safer for the information.
Call our Texas Division
and ask for Don Buyse
830-537-5268
Visit: www.classic-equine.com
E-mail: don.buyse@classic-equine.com
Visit us at: www.HorseGazette.com Page 3
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