Best Bedding for Wet Horses: Why Cardboard Bedding is Superior
Every horse owner knows that maintaining a dry, comfortable stable is crucial not only for the horse’s comfort but also for their health. Especially over the colder, wetter months of the year, you must find bedding that can keep your horses dry and warm. And if the maintenance is minimal, that’s a bonus too! We believe that cardboard bedding is the best bedding for wet horses.
Traditional bedding materials like straw and wood shavings have been the go-to for many years. However, Cardboard bedding is a more efficient and eco-friendly solution. We’ll delve into the advantages of cardboard bedding, placing a particular emphasis on its superior absorbency qualities that make it an ideal choice for winter months with wet horses and cold temperatures.
Why you need dry bedding
Maintaining a dry and warm environment for your horse during the winter season is crucial as there are a variety of health risks that can affect your horse if they are not properly cared for.
Hypothermia risk: If your horse’s coat is wet, it loses its ability to insulate effectively. Which, in severe cases and extreme weather conditions, can lead to hypothermia.
Skin Conditions: Prolonged exposure to moisture can also lead to various skin conditions, such as rain scald or mud fever. These conditions are caused by bacteria that thrive in damp and muddy environments.
Increased Energy Needs: A wet and cold horse will need to use more energy to keep warm. This can lead to unwanted weight loss over the winter and may require an increase in feed to maintain a healthy weight.
Weakened Immune System: Chronic cold stress can weaken a horse’s immune system, making it more susceptible to infections and illnesses.
Why Cardboard Bedding is the Best Bedding for Wet Horses
High Absorbency
The key to any good horse bedding material is its absorbency, and this is where cardboard truly shines. Thanks to its fibrous wood nature, it’s incredibly absorbent. Absorbing moisture from any surface it comes into contact with and from the surrounding air.
The high absorbency rate of cardboard bedding means that it can effectively soak up any urine or water, leaving the surface dry and comfortable for the horse. Perfect for a wet horse to bed down in.
Thermal Insulation
Cardboard bedding is not just about absorbency. It’s also an excellent insulator.
The air pockets within the cardboard fibres create a barrier that retains heat during cold seasons. This feature, combined with a high moisture absorbency ensures that your horse stays comfortable regardless of the weather outside.
Environmentally friendly choice
S4Bed recycled cardboard bedding is made using 100% recycled, locally sourced cardboard. It’s fully biodegradable and, when discarded, it decomposes quicker than straw or wood shavings. Making it an excellent choice for reducing your carbon footprint.
While change can be daunting, especially when it involves the comfort and health of your beloved equine friend, the benefits of cardboard bedding are worth considering. Make the switch and experience the difference first-hand. Your horse will thank you!
