We all know how tedious it is mucking out our horses day in and day out, so finding a type of bedding that works for you is a true lifesaver. Discovering the correct bedding for your horse could save you money and time, whilst keeping your four-legged friend happy and healthy. We’ve compiled a list of our favourite bedding along with the scientific findings Dr David Marlin’s (2021) case study, to help determine if the type of bedding quality impacts our horse’s respiratory health. Keep reading to find out the results!
There are various reasons our Horses need to be stabled on different types of bedding. Price and personal preference may be at the top of your list, however, it’s important to take your horse’s needs into consideration.
- Respiratory health: Are you aware of any respiratory issues your horse may have? If so, ‘dust-free’ bedding will be the choice for you.
- Does your horse like to eat their straw bed? Shavings or pellets may be a better option.
- What type of flooring does your stable have? Is there rubber matting or just concrete? Is there adequate drainage or will you be needing more absorbent bedding?
- Maybe your livery yard only allows certain bedding types?
These are all questions to consider when choosing your horse’s bedding and a recent case study conducted by the team at DrDavidMarlin.com put 12 different brands to the test. We thoroughly enjoyed reading the article and as a result of us stocking various brands that have been tested, we wanted to share the results. We have only included the results of brands that we currently stock.
Case Study – Does bedding quality impact respiratory health in horses?
A recent case study conducted by the team at DrDavidMarlin.com put 12 different brands to the test to determine the pros and cons of each. These were chosen to represent a range of types, prices and popularity – the team carried out controlled experiments to put the branded claims to the ultimate test. The brands were split into 100g samples and were tested for the four following attributes:
- Dust
- Hygienic quality
- Absorbency
- Coverage/spread volume
Dust:
Their results begin with stating “There is no such thing as “dust-free” bedding!”. However, there are brands that contain minute traces of dust and would be more suitable for horses with respiratory problems. The results collected in the experiment showed a wide range of dust in different bedding types, as listed below (1st containing the least amount of dust) :
1st: Wooburn
2nd: Bedmax
4th: Platinum Plus Pellets
11th: Megazorb
It is noted that the sample of Platinum Plus was dry at the time of testing and when wetted before use, as advised, the dust content would again be even smaller.
Hygienic quality:
Keeping a clean and hygienic bed is essential for the overall health and well-being of your horse. As suggested in Dr D Marlin’s study, all bedding types tested were free from one of the major mould species known to cause respiratory disease in horses. However, there are many other bacterias and moulds known to cause, or worsen, respiratory health in horses.
These are the results that provide the most hygienic bed:
1st: Platinum Plus Pellets
3rd: Bedmax
7th: Wooburn
9th: Megazorb
Absorbency:
Having an absorbent bed may be necessary depending on the flooring underneath, or if your horse drinks excessively. Dry bedding is also important for equine foot health in the majority of horses and ponies. The results were as follows (1st having the best absorbency rating):
2nd: Megazorb
3rd: Platinum Plus Pellets
4th: Bedmax
7th: Wooburn
Coverage:
This experiment tested how many bags of bedding it would take to make a 10cm bed in a 3m x 3m stable. All of the beddings tested came in at under £25 to make a full bed of this size. Obviously, this is the category where shavings will reign supreme as pellets are seemingly smaller before wetted and will require more bags to make a full bed. The results were as follows :
4th: Wooburn
5th: Bedmax
9th: Megazorb
12th: Platinum Pellets
Conclusion:
In conclusion, if you are looking for clean, low dust, sustainable and absorbent bedding then Bedmax would be the best choice for your horse. The large pine flakes are great for added support, whilst the anti-bacterial properties are perfect for hygiene and biosecurity. Bedmax is made from fresh timber that is renewably sourced in the UK, making this bedding brand an environmentally friendly option.
You can find all of our bedding for Click & Collect here!
