Bedding for Horses

Proper bedding for horses is extremely important. Their health and performance depends on them having the proper amount of rest.

Studies have shown that sleep can be divided into 2 stages,

If the horse is feeling comfortable in its environment it will lie down and drift further into SWS with further relaxation of the muscles.

The horse may then lie down flat to enter PS where the muscles are totally relaxed, that is, there is virtually no muscle tone.

An important point about sleep cycles is that the horse must lie down flat to complete a sleeping cycle that includes PS. If a horse cannot, or chooses not to lie down then it can rest in SWS but cannot achieve the total relaxation of PS.

Paradoxial sleep is sometimes termed the sleep of the body because of the general muscular relaxation.
SWS is known as the sleep of the mind. for references click here

And so with that in mind I started researching the different types of bedding for horses.Here are the various types of horse bedding I have found.



Straw

Sawdust

Wood shavings

Wood Pellets

Hemp

Black Ink Newsprint

Peat Moss

Rubber Matting
Like any other bedding, the amount of material you will need depends on the type of horse being housed, how many hours the horse spends in the stall, weather conditions, and the size of the stall.

Also be aware that stabling is not natural for equines, so measures must be taken to ensure a healthy, comfortable and happy environment is created.

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