Horses that are kept indoors need a fluffy, absorbent bed to keep them dry and warm.
There are a number of options available on the market, but when buying something in such large quantities it is important to ensure they are as sustain-ably and renewably sourced as possible.
Follow Their Lead
The UK leads the pack in this department with a number of recycled (& recyclable), renewable and sustainable options. But they can be found in the US and Australia too, the more we support responsibly sourced and managed companies, the further their reach will grow.
Auboise
Made from organically cultivated hemp which composts readily and is an annually renewable resource. Your bedding can be traced back to the field where it was grown.
Located in the UK.
Bedmax
Shavings made specifically for horses from renewable forestry timber in the UK (they also use pine where available for it’s antiseptic properties). The product is virtually dust free, absolutely natural with no additives.
Located in the UK.
bluefrog
Bedding made from government managed Irish Coillte forests, planed to a specific size & sterilized naturally which also removes excess dust.
Located in Northern Ireland.
Boomeco
This is a resource recovery company which finds uses for residues of the wood industries. They offer livestock animal shavings from timbre leftovers.
Located in the UK.
Dust Free Horse Bedding
Bedding pellets are manufactured using virgin spruce chippings from a sustainable UK source and contain no additives or bleach.
They also offer flax bedding which is an option that biodegrades much faster than wood.
Located in the UK.
easibed
Dust free bedding options that carry the Organic Farmers & Growers Association approval which means they may be spread on organic farmland as compost once soiled.
Located in the UK.
Eco Animal Bedding
This bedding is made form recycled corrugated food-grade cardboard. A recycled product that is hygienic, absorbent, dust and odor-free.
Located in Australia & here’s a list of distributors
ecobale
Another recycled cardboard option, the cardboard has great insulating properties, it’s biodegradable and safe for horses with allergies.
Located in the UK.
EcoBed
And yet another recycled cardboard option. Providing most of the same benefits as the two above.
Located in the UK.
Fiberclay
This is another resource recovery company, their bedding is made from 100% recycled paper, it is highly absorbent, contains no chemical solidifies and can be used for mulch once soiled.
Located in South Carolina.
Shred-A-Bed
Made from recycled newspaper that has been cleaned and dust-extracted. It is a biodegradable and recycled product, absorbent and can be placed directly to the land after used.
Located in Scotland.
Giffords
Made from 100% recycled wood, reducing wasted resources. This is a low dust product that is super absorbent and economic.
Located in the UK.
Harpers
Made from 100% recycled wood products and provides a low-dust, decomposable and non-toxic bedding option.
Located in the UK.
Hemcore
Made from the inner core of the help plant and their supply is grown and processed entirely in the UK. There is no bleach or added chemicals and the resulting product is fully recyclable and useful for compost. Packaging is recycled polythene.
Located in the UK.
Natures Best
Made from soft whitewood sawmill shavings, a by-product of the timbre industry. They are reduced in size and hammered into highly absorbent pellets. Soiled product can be transfered directly to compost.
Located in the UK.
PlanetWise Products
Provide a range of animal bedding products made from 100% pine, known for its antiseptic properties. Makes great compost and reduces waste.
Located in Arkansas.
StableFresh
A natural, organic and biodegradable horse bedding product made from 100% Swedish block peat, which is cut using environmentally sound methods.
Located in the UK.
Sunshine Horse Bedding
An all-natural, chemical-free product that composts quickly once soiled.
Located in Washington State, & here’s a list of distributors.
Three Willows Farm
Bedding made from Kenaf, a renewable crop that provides a low dust, super absorbent, ammonia neutralizing option.
Located in Virginia.
Side Note
Anytime you purchase bedding from recycled timber products you should always sift through it for chunks & branches prior to bedding your animal.
There is also a new bedding out called White Horse Bedding which is wood pellets which are low in dust. I have using this for a couple of weeks now and this has saved me considerable time mucking out.
To find out more see their website: http://www.whitehorsebedding.co.uk