Choosing horse bedding is not quite as simple as buying whatever is on sale. You want to choose the best shavings for horse stalls to ensure your horse's comfort and health. There are things you should look for in stall bedding to ensure you are providing a clean, healthy environment for your horse.



Moisture and Absorbency

The right horse stall shavings will be kiln-dried. According to J Gibson McIlvain, the moisture content in kiln-dried wood is six percent to eight percent. Kiln-dried wood is a good option because of its low moisture content. Additionally, you also want shavings to be absorbent. Shavings need to be absorbent to prevent a build-up of ammonia that can cause irritation to the horse's eyes and respiratory system. Typically, the thinner the shavings, the more absorbent they are. With that being said, you also have to be mindful of the potential dust created by thin shavings.

Comfort and Cushioning

Softer woods make for a more comfortable environment for your horse because they offer cushioning. Medium and large types of shavings can provide more comfort for your horse's hooves. This makes for a better bedding material. When your horse is comfortable, you will see benefits to its overall health.

Ease of Use

Ideally, the stall shavings that you choose should be easy for you to use. The bedding should come well packaged and be easy to spread. The right shavings will be easy to muck out and maneuver when it is time to clean out the stall. If the shavings are not packaged well and are difficult to use, you will spend a lot of time on horse stall maintenance.

Multi-Layer Approach

Many horse owners use different types of horse stall shavings in a layered approach. For example, they will use thin shavings as the first layer and then use medium to large shavings for the top layer. The thinner shavings are more absorbent, so they are used on the bottom. The larger shavings are more comfortable, so they use them as the top layer.

The most important part of choosing the right shavings for your horse stalls is to work with a supplier that offers premium choices. The right supplier will put your horse's health and comfort first. Learn more today by contacting Guardian Horse Bedding.