Choosing stable bedding: which type suits your horse

Why the choice of bedding matters

Good stable bedding provides a dry, clean, and soft surface. This protects joints and hooves, reduces the risk of respiratory problems caused by dust and ammonia, and keeps your horse comfortable when lying down and standing. At the same time, your choice determines how much time you spend each day mucking out and topping up. Also consider disposal: large quantities of straw compost easily, but some municipalities or manure processors do not accept certain materials or charge additional fees. In short, the ideal bedding does not exist — it is about finding the best match for your horse, stable, and routine.

The most commonly used types at a glance

These are the most common options in the Netherlands, each with its own profile:

• Wheat straw: classic, good insulation, approx. 3–5 kg per day per horse, less suitable for dust-sensitive horses
• Sawdust or wood shavings: absorbent, easy to manage, watch out for fine dust in cheaper varieties
• Wood pellets: highly absorbent, compact storage, low manure volume, start-up costs approx. €15–25 per bag
• Flax bedding: low in dust, good for respiratory issues, higher purchase price but lower consumption
• Rubber mats (with or without additional bedding): floor protection, less bedding required, high one-off investment of €200–600 per stable

Straw versus wood pellets: costs compared

In practice, many owners choose between straw and wood pellets. Straw costs on average €4–7 per bale and in a standard 12 m² stable you use around 2–3 bales per week. Wood pellets cost more per bag, but because they absorb up to eight times their weight in moisture, you need less volume. A deep-litter bed with pellets can last for weeks with only the wet patches removed daily. Over a full year, the total costs can work out similarly, but the time savings with pellets are a clear advantage for busy stable owners.

When should you choose flax bedding?

Flax is the first choice when your horse suffers from respiratory problems, recurrent coughing, or RAO (recurrent airway obstruction). The material is naturally almost dust-free and contains few moulds. The downside: a bale can easily cost €12–18 and availability is limited in some regions. Ideally, combine flax with well-ventilated stables; the material absorbs well but needs air circulation to dry. Register in the EquiSight horse profile whether your horse has respiratory issues — that way you can immediately see whether switching to flax has an effect on the health notes over time.

Rubber mats: investment or saving?

Rubber mats provide a firm, soft surface that relieves pressure on joints. They reduce bedding consumption by 30 to 60 percent, which adds up to significant savings over a year. However, the purchase costs €200–600 per stable, depending on quality and thickness (a minimum of 17 mm is recommended). Mats are not a replacement for bedding: you still need a thin layer for hygiene and ammonia absorption. They are ideal for older horses with joint problems or horses that lie down frequently. Check every 6 months that the mats are still lying flat and have not shifted.

Practical tips for daily management

• Muck out the stable at least once a day and remove all wet and soiled patches immediately
• Use the EquiSight calendar to schedule stable routines so nothing gets overlooked
• Maintain a minimum layer depth: 15 cm for straw, 10 cm for sawdust or pellets
• Allow the stable to dry out completely at regular intervals by turning the horse out during the day
• Record material consumption per week in the horse profile to track trends and rising costs
• Ask EquiCoach for advice if you are unsure whether switching materials is wise given a health condition