by Lucy Collins

Created on: November 24, 2011

There are many different types of bedding available for horses. When the dreaded winter arrives and the horse is either stabled, or part stabled, bedding will be required. The type of bedding used could depend on cost, availability, the horse’s requirements and, or the owners choice. Bedding is used for the horse’s comfort and to soak up urine.

Rubber matting - Rubber matting is a popular choice, which usually is used in conjunction with another type of bedding. Rubber matting covers the stable floor. It may either be heavy duty rubber or EVA matting which is lighter and more spongy. Whilst the initial outlay is costly depending on the size of the stable, rubber matting will usually save money on bedding and also mucking out time. Whilst rubber matting is comfortable enough for the horse to lie on, a small amount of bedding will help to soak up urine.

Straw - Straw is probably one of the most common, and cheapest forms of bedding. It is reasonably effective at absorbing urine. It is comfortable to lie on and can be used as a thick bed, or can be used in smaller quantities on rubber matting. Some horses will eat their straw bedding, but hopefully won’t if provided with enough hay to eat. Straw can sometimes be dusty and may not be suitable for horses with COPD or any form of respiratory problem. It can be a bit difficult to separate the dirty straw from the clean straw when mucking out.

Shavings- Shavings are a popular choice for rubber matting users as well as stables without rubber matting. They can absorb urine and be used in small quantities and replaced each day. They can also be used for a deeper bed and provide comfort. Shavings are fairly easy to muck out with a shavings fork. Wet patches can be removed from underneath and droppings removed from the top. Some owners prefer large shavings, whilst others prefer small shavings. Shavings may be the bedding of choice for owners of horses with respiratory problems due to the lower dust content. They do not decompose as quickly as straw so are not always a favourite of livery yard owners.

Cardboard - Cardboard is another form of bedding which is useful in conjunction with rubber matting. There are mixed reviews on this, some owners find it useful and others don‘t. It will also rot down fairly quickly. Paper can also be used as bedding, which again will rot down quickly though not as absorbent. They are both dust free. Newspaper in particular can be very cheap. Cardboard is heavier

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