Why high quality bedding matters for your horse
When we think about our horses’ wellbeing, we often focus on the obvious: getting them the best feed and forage we can afford, planning out a balanced routine including exercise, rest and turnout, and bringing in vets, dentists and other professionals on a routine basis. But one of the most influential parts of a horse’s daily environment is something we barely notice: their bedding. The material they breathe over, lie on and stand in for hours every day can have a direct impact on respiratory health, sleep, hygiene and overall comfort.
Choosing good quality bedding is one of the simplest and most practical ways to support your horse’s welfare all year round. In this blog we look at why it matters so much and what to look for when selecting the right bedding for your stable.
1. Respiratory health
Respiratory health is one of the most studied areas relating to bedding quality. Research consistently shows that horses kept on dusty or microbially contaminated bedding are far more likely to develop airway inflammation.
Even the cleanest stables contain dust, but many bedding types generate additional particulates, including mould spores, bacteria and endotoxins. These tiny particles can remain suspended in the air long after mucking out, making them easy for horses to inhale.
Horses inhale far greater volumes of air than humans, and when the air in the stable is filled with microscopic dust it can reach the deepest parts of the lungs, triggering coughing, nasal discharge, reduced performance or more serious conditions such as inflammatory airway disease or equine asthma.
Studies show clear differences between bedding types. Straw typically produces higher dust levels and is more prone to harbouring mould spores. In contrast, kiln dried and dust extracted wood bedding produces significantly lower airborne particulate levels, helping to create a cleaner breathing environment.
2. Comfort, rest and sleep
Rest is an essential equine welfare need, yet it has often been overlooked. Horses experience two main types of sleep:
- NREM sleep, which they can achieve standing or lying down
- REM sleep, which can only be achieved when they are lying down
Most horses need 60 to 90 minutes of REM sleep each day. Without it, they may develop sleep deprivation, which has been linked to irritability, reduced concentration, performance issues and even collapse episodes.
A horse will only lie down if they feel safe and comfortable. Bedding that is too shallow, abrasive, damp or lacking support discourages them from resting properly. For older or larger horses, thin beds over hard floors make getting up difficult, which further reduces the likelihood of them lying down.
Scientific reviews show that horses lie down more, and for longer, when the bed is soft, supportive and dry. Kiln dried, dust extracted small flake bedding creates a warm, cushioned surface that horses willingly relax on, especially through winter when stables stay damp for longer.
3. Reducing ammonia
Ammonia is produced when urine breaks down in the stable. Even well managed stables produce some ammonia, but poor bedding or infrequent mucking out can increase levels significantly.
Low levels of ammonia can irritate the delicate lining of the nose, throat and lungs. Higher levels can damage the mucosa, making horses more vulnerable to infection. Ammonia can also worsen chronic respiratory conditions and contribute to coughing and excess mucus.
Ammonia also affects skin health, softens the hoof’s sole and frog and contributes to bacterial conditions such as thrush. Bedding absorbency plays a major role in ammonia control. High quality kiln dried wood bedding absorbs urine quickly and traps it deep within the bed, preventing the spread of wet patches.
4. General stable hygiene
Moisture is one of the biggest threats to stable hygiene. Damp environments encourage the growth of bacteria, mould spores and yeast, all of which can irritate skin and contribute to respiratory issues.
High quality bedding supports stable hygiene because it:
- absorbs urine rapidly
- dries quickly
- keeps moisture contained within a dense core
- produces less dust, reducing airborne microbes
5. Cost effectiveness
While it might seem that higher quality bedding costs more, many horse owners find it is more economical in the long run. It is easier to muck out, so you remove less each day, and it lasts longer before a full stable clean is needed.
Kiln dried small flake bedding expands well, is consistent from bale to bale and forms a supportive bed without the need for regular topping up. Many customers find they use fewer bales overall compared to lower grade shavings.
Providing a clean, dry, comfortable bed is a clear indicator of good stable management. It protects your horse’s health and creates a cleaner environment for anyone caring for them.
What to look for when choosing bedding
- Dust extraction for respiratory health
- Kiln drying to remove moisture, mould and fungus
- High absorbency for ammonia control
- Consistency between bales
- Softness and comfort to support proper rest
- Low waste for easier, more economical mucking out
A bedding that delivers all of these qualities will support your horse’s health from their lungs down to their hooves and make day to day care cleaner and easier. If you would like to learn more about what makes Wood & Slumber different, click here to explore our product pages.
