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Selecting Horse Stall Bedding
If cleaning stalls is part of your routine, too, you might be wondering if you’re using quality bedding. Most owners are torn between two types: wood shavings and straw—and I was one of them. I want my horse to be super comfortable and happy, so I researched the pros and cons of each.
Shavings are highly absorbent, can reduce urine odors, and are easy to clean. Straw is dust-free, warm, comfy, and ideal for those who compost manure. There are several factors to consider when choosing bedding, including price, availability, ease of cleaning, and dust. The best bedding comes down to you and your horse’s preference.
Source: Canva
Stall Bedding Basics
Bedding not only helps keep your horse comfortable, it can keep nasty urine and manure odors at bay.
Shavings Summary
With the increase of wood byproducts (i.e., shavings), owners have turned to wood shavings. Learn more about the pros and cons of shavings below, or review our article about how much shavings to use in a stall.
Advantages:
- Highly absorbent
- Easy to clean
- Easy to store
- Dirty shavings take up less room in the muck bin
Disadvantages:
- Dusty
- Quality/size of shavings can be inconsistent
Source: Canva
Straw Summary
Straw is the leading choice for many uses and is the only bedding used for foaling. You’ll see a lot of equestrians in the UK using straw, whereas shavings are a popular choice in the US.
Advantages:
- Cheap
- Widely available
- Warm
- Soft
- Dust free
Disadvantages:
- Prone to mold
- Not absorbent
- Horses may try to eat it
Source: Canva
Shavings vs. Straw
Let’s break down the main differences between shavings and straw.
Price
Straw is typically cheaper, and some farmers will even purchase used straw from you. Shavings are also affordable, but prices can vary.
Availability
This depends entirely on your location. If straw or shavings are more readily available, that option will make keeping it in stock easier.
Absorbability
Shavings have high absorbability (and can minimize the smell of ammonia). Straw is pretty terrible at absorbing moisture.
Ease of Cleaning
The jury is out on this one. It depends mostly on your experience and how frequently you can clean your stalls.
Ease of Disposal
If you have your manure hauled away, shavings may be easier as they take up less space. If you compost, straw works better (you have to minimize the amount of materials in a compost pile).
Dust
Shavings can come with a lot of dust, which isn’t ideal if you or your horse has allergies or respiratory issues. Straw, however, is dust-free.
Warmth
Straw takes the cake for warmth and is a popular choice among horse owners in chilly northern climates. Shavings are good, too, because they provide a layer of insulation from the cold ground.
Best Bedding for Horses
Both shavings and straw can get the job done. It’s more about what your horse needs and what you prefer.
Have limited time to clean stalls and no allergies? Shavings can make cleaning quicker. Able to frequently pick stalls or have a dust problem? Straw is the way to go.
Source: Canva
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s cheaper shavings or straw?
Generally, straw is the cheaper bedding choice.
Q: What is the best bedding for horses in the winter?
Straw is the warmer choice, but it can be a nightmare if your horse is messy. If your horse will be inside more, shavings will make keeping his stall clean much easier.
Q: What is the best bedding for horses?
This depends on both your preference and your horse’s needs. If your horse has a dust issue, straw is the way to go. If your horse pees like crazy, shavings will make cleaning quicker.
Q: What is the best bedding for rubber mats?
Stall mats add a basic layer of comfort, so many owners pair shavings with stall mats.
Source: Canva
Parting Thoughts
Finding the right bedding can involve some trial and error. At the end of the day, the best bedding is the one you can afford, keep in stock, and the one that keeps your horse happy.
P.S. Enjoy this article? Trot on over to:
- Horse Hay FAQs: List of Types of Hay, What Hay is Best, etc.
- 3 Best Water Buckets for Horses
- Stay Put, Pony! Horse Stall Guards
- $hit Happens! Best Boots for Mucking Stalls
- Horse Stall Shavings: How Much Do You Need?
- Home Sweet Stable: How Big Should A Horse Stall Be?
- Best Portable Horse Feeder? It’s in the Nose (Bag)
- Equine Shelter 101: Do all horses need a stable?
- What is a horse house called?
The post Putting the Horse Straw vs. Shavings Debate to Bed appeared first on Horse Rookie.
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