Straw

There are three types of straw which can be used for bedding horses, listed here in order of practicality.

Wheat straw is the first choice. It is best suited for horses because it is harder and shorter than other types. As a rule the horse is less likely to eat wheat straw than he is to eat others.

Barley straw is less preferable because it is palatable, although less digestible, and horses are always tempted to eat it. It can very easily ball up in the horse's gut and cause colic. Fatalities have been recorded due to balled-up barley straw in the gut. The husk of barley can also be harmful if it gets into the horse's eyes. Oat straw is again palatable to the horse and therefore not desirable. The straw length is longer than other types and more difficult to handle. Bales are invariably larger and therefore heavier.

Whichever type of straw is used the bale should be shaken up thoroughly and a thick bed with high banks around all the walls should be built. A straw bed is easily displaced once the horse turns about and rolls so it is important that there is sufficient straw to give the base