
Welcome to our article about horse bedding!
As the weather gets colder and most horses and ponies are kept in their stables for longer periods of time, it is important to ensure that they have a comfortable and safe place to sleep.
In this article, we will explore the different types of horse bedding available, their benefits and drawbacks, and how to choose the best option for your horse or pony. We will also discuss how to maintain a clean and hygienic stable environment, and how to dispose of soiled bedding in an environmentally-friendly manner. Whether you are new to horse ownership or have been caring for horses for years, this post will provide you with valuable information on how to keep your horse comfortable and healthy during the winter months.
Bedding a crucial aspect of horse care.
Bedding is a crucial aspect of horse care, especially when it comes to stables. It helps to keep the horses comfortable and healthy, as well as to maintain a clean and hygienic environment.
There are a few different options when it comes to bedding for horse stables, each with their own benefits and drawbacks. Some of the most common types of bedding include straw, shavings, and pellets.
Straw is a popular choice for horse bedding, as it is less expensive and absorbs moisture well. It is usually easy to find and use, as it is commonly used for livestock bedding. However, straw can be dusty, and it may not provide as much insulation as other options.
Shavings are another popular choice for horse bedding. They are made from wood and are available in both soft and hard varieties. Shavings are relatively absorbent and provide good insulation, but they can be more expensive than straw. They can also be dusty, so it is important to use them in a well-ventilated area.
Pellets are a newer option for horse bedding, and they are made from compressed wood shavings. They are very absorbent and can be used in smaller amounts than other types of bedding. However, they can be more expensive than straw or shavings, and they may not provide as much insulation.
When choosing bedding for stables, it is important to consider the needs of the individual horse as well as the specific requirements of the stable. Some horses may have allergies or sensitivities to certain types of bedding, so it is always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian or other equine professional before making a decision.
Regardless of the type of bedding chosen, it is important to keep the stable clean and well-maintained. This includes removing soiled bedding regularly and adding fresh bedding as needed. Proper bedding is essential for the comfort and well-being of horses, and it is an important part of responsible horse care.
More about straw bedding.

Straw is a popular choice for horse bedding due to its relatively low cost and good moisture-absorbing capabilities. It is made from the stem of a grain plant, such as wheat, oats, or barley, and is typically used in its natural, unprocessed form.
One of the main benefits of using straw for horse bedding is that under normal circumstances it is inexpensive and widely available. It is often used for livestock bedding and can be purchased in large quantities at a reasonable price. Straw is also easy to use, as it can be spread out in the stable and topped up as needed.
Straw is also good at absorbing moisture, making it an effective bedding option for horses that tend to produce a lot of urine. This helps to keep the stable clean and dry, which can help to prevent the build up of harmful bacteria and reduce the risk of respiratory issues in horses.
However, straw is not without its drawbacks. One of the main drawbacks is that it can be dusty, which can irritate the respiratory system of both horses and humans. Straw can also be more difficult to clean up than other types of bedding, as it can break down into smaller pieces and become scattered throughout the stable.
Despite these drawbacks, straw is a widely used and effective option for horse bedding. It is important to use it in a well-ventilated area and to monitor the cleanliness of the stable to ensure the health and well-being of the horses.
Wood Shavings as an option for Horse bedding.

Wood shavings are a popular choice for horse bedding due to their good moisture-absorbing capabilities and insulation properties. They are made from wood, typically from trees such as pine or cedar, and are available in both soft and hard varieties.
One of the main benefits of using wood shavings for horse bedding is that they are relatively absorbent and can help to keep the stable clean and dry. They are also good at providing insulation, which can help to keep horses warm in colder weather. Wood shavings are also relatively easy to use, as they can be spread out in the stable and topped up as needed.
Both soft and hard wood shavings can be used for horse bedding, although soft wood shavings are generally considered to be more comfortable for horses. Soft wood shavings are made from trees with a softer wood, such as pine, and are typically finer and fluffier than hard wood shavings. Hard wood shavings are made from trees with a harder wood, such as oak or cedar, and are typically coarser and more dense.
One potential drawback of using wood shavings for horse bedding is that they can be more expensive than other options, such as straw. Wood shavings can also be dusty, so it is important to use them in a well-ventilated area to reduce the risk of respiratory irritation.
Overall, wood shavings can be a good option for horse bedding, provided that they are used in a clean and well-ventilated area and the stable is properly maintained. It is important to consider the specific needs of the individual horse and the requirements of the stable when choosing a bedding option.
We were lucky enough to live near a wood yard and the owner was only too happy for us to bag the shavings and take them away in the trailer and best of all they were FREE so it's well worth checking that out as an option.
Wood Pellets.

Although we have no personal experience of using wood pellets, we are reliably informed that they are a popular option for horse bedding because they are absorbent, easy to clean, and biodegradable.
They are made from compressed sawdust, which is a by-product of wood processing, and are often considered more environmentally friendly than other bedding options such as straw or shavings. Wood pellets can also be more cost-effective because they are lightweight and easy to store, making them convenient to transport and handle. They are typically used in a pellet form, which means they need to be moistened before use to expand and create a soft, absorbent bed for your horse. They should be checked and replenished regularly to ensure your horse has a clean and comfortable environment.
The Deep Litter Bedding System.
Deep litter bedding is a type of bedding system that involves using a thick layer of bedding material to create a soft, comfortable surface for horses. The bedding is typically made up of straw, shavings, or a combination of the two, and is added to the stable on a regular basis to maintain a deep, fluffy layer.
One of the main benefits of using deep litter bedding is that it provides a comfortable and insulating surface for horses to rest on. The thick layer of bedding material helps to keep horses warm in cold weather and can help to prevent injuries from falls or slips. Deep litter bedding is also good at absorbing moisture, which can help to keep the stable clean and dry.
To maintain a deep litter bedding system, the bedding material is typically topped up on a regular basis, and soiled areas are removed and replaced with fresh bedding. The bedding is also turned over or fluffed up regularly to help it break down and prevent the build-up of harmful bacteria.
Deep litter bedding can be an effective and comfortable option for horse bedding, provided that it is properly maintained and the stable is kept clean and well-ventilated. It is important to consider the specific needs of the individual horse and the requirements of the stable when choosing a bedding system.
Ways to dispose of soiled horse bedding.
There are a few different options for disposing of soiled horse bedding, depending on the specific type of bedding and the resources available. Some common options include:
Composting: Soiled bedding that is made up of organic material, such as straw or wood shavings, can be composted. To compost horse bedding, it should be mixed with other organic materials, such as food waste and yard clippings, and turned regularly to encourage decomposition. Composted bedding can be used as a natural fertilizer for plants.
Landfilling: Soiled bedding can also be disposed of in a landfill. This is typically the easiest option, as most areas have a landfill where waste can be disposed of. However, landfilling can be harmful to the environment, as it can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and the production of leachate, a toxic liquid that can contaminate groundwater.
Incineration: Soiled bedding can also be burned, or incinerated, as a means of disposal. This option is typically only available at large facilities, as it requires specialized equipment. Incineration can be an efficient way to dispose of soiled bedding, but it can also be harmful to the environment, as it can release harmful emissions into the air.
Recycling: Some types of bedding, such as pellets, can be recycled and used for other purposes. For example, pellet bedding can be used as fuel for wood pellet stoves.
It is important to consider the environmental impact of different disposal options when deciding how to dispose of soiled horse bedding. It may also be a good idea to check with local authorities or waste management agencies to determine the best disposal options in a specific area.
Maintaining a Midden or 'Muckheap'

To maintain a horse bedding midden so that the waste rots down and can be used as fertiliser, it is important to follow a few key steps:
To avoid any potential accidents or incidents, it is important to choose a site for your muckheap that is well away from any buildings or structures. Many years ago, we naively made the mistake of placing our muckheap too close to an old wooden shed, which resulted in a fire when it combusted during a hot summer. Luckily, the only casualty was the shed. To prevent this from happening, be sure to select a site for your muckheap that is a safe distance from any structures.
Use organic bedding material: The bedding material used in the stable should be made up of organic material, such as straw or wood shavings, that can decompose over time. This will ensure that the bedding is suitable for composting and can be used as fertiliser.
Add a mix of materials: To encourage decomposition, it is important to add a mix of materials to the midden. This can include bedding material, as well as other organic materials, such as food waste and yard clippings.
Turn the midden regularly: To help the bedding break down, it is important to turn the midden regularly, either by hand or with a pitchfork. This will help to aerate the bedding and encourage the growth of beneficial microorganisms that assist with decomposition.
Keep the midden moist: The midden should be kept moist, but not too wet, to encourage decomposition. This can be achieved by adding water to the midden as needed, or by using a watering can or hose to moisten the bedding.
Allow the bedding to decompose: It may take several months or more for the bedding to fully decompose and become ready to use as fertiliser. During this time, it is important to continue adding new bedding material to the midden and turning it regularly to promote decomposition.
By following these steps, it is possible to maintain a horse bedding midden that decomposes over time and can be used as fertiliser for plants. It is important to keep the midden clean and well-maintained to ensure that the bedding decomposes properly and is suitable for use as fertiliser.
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"This article represents the personal views and opinions of the author and should not be taken as representative of the official policy or position of any organization, professional, expert, or individual."
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