Posted on October 17, 2025

Choosing the right bedding for your horse stall isn't just about comfort—it's a decision that affects your horse's health, your workload, and your budget. Wood shavings have become one of the most popular bedding options for good reason, but not all shavings are created equal. Understanding what makes quality bedding and how to match it to your horse's specific needs can make a real difference in your stable management routine. After more than 30 years of supplying bedding to horse owners, we've learned what works and what doesn't, and we're here to help you make an informed choice.

Understanding Wood Shaving Quality and Processing

The quality of wood shavings starts with how they're processed and what condition they're in when they reach your stall. Moisture content is one of the most important factors to consider. Shavings that retain too much moisture won't absorb well, which defeats the primary purpose of bedding. They can also develop mold or mildew, creating respiratory problems for your horse. Kiln-dried shavings go through an extra drying process that removes excess moisture, making them significantly more absorbent than standard shavings. This matters especially if you have a horse with respiratory sensitivities or if you're managing a show barn where air quality is crucial. The drying process also reduces dust, which is another major consideration for horse health. Dust particles can irritate airways and contribute to conditions like heaves or other respiratory issues. When you're evaluating shavings, look for products that are clearly labeled with their moisture content and processing method. Well-compressed bales are also a sign of quality because they indicate the shavings have been properly processed and will fluff up nicely when opened, giving you better coverage per bale.

The type of wood matters too. Pine shavings are popular because pine naturally has some absorbent properties and a pleasant smell that helps control odors. The natural oils in pine can also help repel insects to some degree. However, you want to make sure you're getting shavings from safe wood sources. Some woods can be toxic to horses or cause skin irritation, so stick with reputable suppliers who can tell you exactly what's in their product. The size of the shavings also plays a role in performance. Shavings that are too fine become dusty and don't provide good cushioning. Shavings that are too large and chunky don't absorb as well and can be uncomfortable for horses to lie on. Quality bedding strikes a balance with pieces that are sized appropriately for both comfort and absorption.

Matching Bedding to Your Horse's Needs

Every horse is different, and their bedding requirements can vary based on several factors. Horses with respiratory issues need the lowest dust bedding you can provide, which typically means investing in kiln-dried shavings. The extra cost is worth it when you're preventing or managing breathing problems that can affect your horse's performance and long-term health. If you notice your horse coughing, showing nasal discharge, or seeming uncomfortable in the stall, the bedding might be part of the problem. Switching to a cleaner, less dusty option often brings noticeable improvement within days. Horses that spend more time in their stalls also need more attention to bedding quality. A horse that's turned out most of the day and only stalled at night has different needs than one in full-time stall rest or a performance horse that spends significant time indoors. More stall time means more exposure to whatever you're using for bedding, so the quality becomes even more critical.

Consider your horse's habits too. Some horses are naturally neat and tend to use one area of their stall for elimination, making it easier to manage bedding. Others scatter their waste throughout the stall or paw and dig, which means you'll go through more bedding and need something that maintains its integrity even when disturbed. Horses recovering from injuries or dealing with hoof problems benefit from bedding that provides good cushioning and stays dry. Moisture against the hoof can contribute to thrush and other conditions, so highly absorbent bedding becomes part of your horse's medical care in these situations. Foaling mares need extra-clean, dust-free bedding since newborn foals have delicate respiratory systems and spend their first hours lying down. Breeding operations and layup facilities often choose premium bedding options specifically because of these health considerations.

Practical Considerations for Stable Management

Your bedding choice affects your daily workload more than you might realize. Highly absorbent shavings mean you can remove wet spots more easily during daily stall cleaning without having to strip the entire stall as often. This saves time and reduces the amount of bedding you need to add back. When shavings absorb well and dry quickly, they also control odors better, which matters if your barn is near your home or if you're managing a boarding facility where clients expect a fresh-smelling environment. Poor bedding that stays damp creates ammonia buildup, which is unpleasant for everyone and harmful to horses' respiratory systems. Storage is another practical factor that many people don't think about until they're dealing with it. Compressed bales take up much less space than loosely packed bedding, which matters if you have limited storage areas or want to buy in bulk to save money. Bales that are too loose or poorly compressed can be awkward to move and store, and they don't give you as much coverage when opened.

Think about your supplier relationship too. Consistent quality matters more than finding the absolute cheapest option. If you're constantly adjusting how much bedding you use because the quality varies from delivery to delivery, you're not actually saving money. Working with a supplier who knows their product and can answer your questions makes the whole process easier. You should be able to ask about moisture content, wood type, processing methods, and get straight answers. If you're managing multiple stalls or running a boarding operation, buying in bulk often makes financial sense, but you need a supplier who can handle that volume reliably. Semi-load deliveries require coordination and dependability—you can't have a truck show up on the wrong day or with the wrong product when you've got twenty stalls counting on that bedding. On the other hand, if you're caring for just one or two horses, you need a supplier who will sell you retail quantities without making you feel like you're not worth their time.

Making Your Decision

Choosing bedding is ultimately about balancing quality, budget, and your specific circumstances. Start by honestly assessing what your horse needs and what your management style requires. A horse with no health issues in a stall that's easy to clean might do fine with standard pine shavings, while a sensitive horse or a demanding situation calls for premium options. Calculate your actual costs including how much bedding you use, how often you need to completely strip stalls, and how much time you spend on stall maintenance. Sometimes paying more per bale for better bedding ends up costing less overall because you use less of it and manage stalls more efficiently. Don't be afraid to try different options if what you're currently using isn't working well. Many suppliers will let you purchase smaller quantities to test before committing to bulk orders. Pay attention to how your horse responds—if you notice less coughing, better hoof condition, or your horse simply seems more comfortable lying down, that's valuable information.

Remember that your bedding choice is an investment in your horse's health and your own quality of life around the barn. Good bedding makes barn chores less demanding and creates a healthier environment for the animals in your care. We've been caring for our own horses and livestock for over 30 years, and we know firsthand how much difference quality bedding makes in daily barn life. Whether you need just a few bales or full semi loads, we're here to help you find the right option for your situation. If you have questions about our wood shavings or want to discuss which product would work best for your horses, give us a call at 417-859-0591 or send an email. We're always happy to share what we've learned and help you make the best choice for your animals.