Should bedding be added to the stable mat for horses?

Whether additional bedding should be used alongside stall mats for horses depends on various factors, including the type of stall mat, the housing conditions, the preferences of the horse and the owner, as well as hygiene requirements. Here are the key considerations for making an informed decision:

1. Benefits of Bedding in Addition to Stall Mats

Although stall mats already offer many advantages, bedding can be useful or necessary in certain situations:

Hygiene and Urine Absorption

  • Bedding such as shavings, straw, or pellets can absorb liquid and help keep the stall drier.
  • Some stall mats (especially those with smooth surfaces) do not fully drain liquids, so bedding helps reduce odors and maintain a cleaner environment.

Comfort and Well-being

  • Many horses prefer to lie on soft bedding. Bedding provides additional cushioning, enhancing comfort, particularly for older horses or those with joint issues.
  • Bedding creates a warmer lying surface, which is especially beneficial in colder stalls.

Encouraging Natural Behavior

  • Bedding allows horses to exhibit natural behaviors such as pawing, playing, or foraging (in the case of straw bedding).

Hygiene in Stall Housing

  • Particularly in stalls where horses spend long periods, bedding helps minimize the impact of urine and manure on hooves, reducing the risk of issues like thrush.

2. Situations Where Bedding May Not Be Necessary

However, there are scenarios where stall mats alone may suffice:

Water-Permeable Stall Mats

  • Stall mats with drainage features or perforations that efficiently direct liquids away can reduce the need for additional bedding. The floor remains drier and more hygienic.

Proper Maintenance and Cleaning

  • If the stall is regularly cleaned and the stall mats are high-quality and urine-resistant, the need for bedding can be minimized.
  • In areas like wash bays or paddocks, where no lying surface is required, stall mats without bedding are often sufficient.

Cost and Labor Savings

  • Stall mats are designed to reduce the need for bedding, minimizing costs and labor. Less bedding means less waste to dispose of.

Allergies or Respiratory Issues

  • For horses with allergies to dust or spores (e.g., in straw bedding), it may be advisable to forgo bedding or use dust-free alternatives.

3. What Bedding Works Best with Stall Mats?

If bedding is used, it should be chosen carefully to ensure optimal use of the stall mats:

  • Shavings or Wood Pellets: Dust-free variants are ideal as they are easy to handle and highly absorbent.
  • Straw: Popular for its natural properties but less absorbent and more labor-intensive.
  • Planed or Sawdust Shavings: Good for hygiene but should only be used in dust-free quality.
  • Peat or Hemp Bedding: These options offer high absorbency and are often dust-free, making them suitable for horses with specific needs.

4. Decision Factors: Bedding or No Bedding?

Bedding is Recommended When:

  • Stall mats do not provide sufficient urine drainage.
  • The horse lies down frequently and needs additional comfort.
  • The stall floor is cold, and extra insulation is desired.
  • Bedding improves the overall stall hygiene.

Bedding Can Be Omitted When:

  • High-quality, non-slip, and water-draining stall mats are used.
  • Horses are regularly mucked out and maintained.
  • The stall floor is already warm, or during warmer seasons.
  • Bedding could cause health issues (e.g., allergies).

5. Conclusion

Whether bedding should be used in addition to stall mats depends heavily on the individual needs of the horse, the type of housing, and the stall mats used. A combination of high-quality stall mats and carefully chosen bedding provides the greatest comfort and optimal hygiene. However, if the mats are well-maintained, water-permeable, and sufficiently comfortable, bedding can, in some cases, be reduced or even eliminated. Ultimately, it is a matter of weighing comfort, hygiene, workload, and costs.