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 a good foundation and to guard against the horse injuring himself. It is less absorbent than other types of bedding and relatively more is needed to make a good deep bed every day. Wastage is high compared to shavings, sawdust and peat. The main disadvantage of any type of straw is the dust content, even present in what may appear to be 'clean' straw. This is harmful to the animals' respiration and one of the reasons why many horse owners, in particular racehorse owners, have switched to shavings. It is, however, dry and comfortable for the horse, easily obtainable, less harmful to the hoof, as well as being easy to handle and muck out. It will burn if necessary or can be left to rot down and sold to mushroom growers, farmers etc.

Shavings

Wood shavings from saw mills are becoming increasingly popular for stabled horses because they create less dust than straw and owners are now more aware of the danger to the horse's health caused by a dusty atmosphere. Respiratory ailments often result from the horse being subjected to a confined area which is continually dusty. Consequently the horse's fitness is endangered and this, if not given due consideration, can effect long-term damage. One of the common diseases which has been identified in recent years is COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).

Although shavings have this advantage over straw they are more difficult to handle. They are usually packed in large polythene bags which are awkward for one person to lift and carry. Some saw mills like you to bring your own sacks and bag your own shavings, which is more economical. There are many companies now who distribute shavings in bulk and if you have somewhere dry to store them large quantities can be delivered loose.

Disposal of wood-shavings manure is not terribly efficient because one often has to rely on burning it. Ideally it should be removed from the stable area to a convenient site where it will not offend neighbors whilst it is burning. Shavings manure is useful for laying over grass to provide a surface for lunging horses on when the ground is hard. It can also be applied to some outdoor arenas to improve the going.

Many yards use wood shavings for deep-litter beds because shavings are better than straw for soaking up moisture. However regularly this type of bed is mucked out a deep foundation of 6 ins (15 cm) minimum as a shavings bed is essential to encourage the horse to lie down and to safeguard against injuries. If a horse is prone to eating a straw bed, shavings are a useful alternative.

Sawdust

This is much finer than shavings and consequently more dusty. It is also more prone to pack in the horse's feet and to block up drains as well as being slower to burn. With the increased availability of shavings, sawdust is less popular today. A bed should be no less than 6 ins (15 cm) deep in the middle with high banks around the wall. Compared with straw, it is labor saving from the point of view of mucking out. Sawdust, like shavings, should be checked thoroughly for any foreign objects which may have passed through the saw mill and which could be harmful to the horse. Whilst it is less practical to handle than shavings it is also less expensive and for this reason may suit horse owners with a limited budget. It can be useful for soaking up spilt oil etc. and for use in the horse box instead of straw.