In the daily life of the stable, bedding is directly connected to the horse's health, the quality of the stable air, and how smoothly daily work goes. Especially in winter, a lot is demanded from bedding.
Biohansa's new peat-wood fibre bedding mixture meets the needs by combining the properties of two traditional and popular bedding materials.
When peat's excellent absorbency as well as its odour and ammonia binding properties are combined with the structure of wood fibre, the result is a bedding that works effectively both indoors and in outdoor paddocks year-round.
Peat has been a popular choice for years. Wood fibre, on the other hand, is known for its fluffiness, which makes the bedding easy to handle. The end result is a bedding that not only absorbs moisture quickly but also maintains its airiness longer than peat alone.
In practice, this means less compaction, a more even stall floor, and easier daily cleaning.
Comparison to other beddings
Compared to traditional sawdust bedding, peat-wood fibre bedding binds moisture more effectively. The challenge with sawdust is often that moisture seeps through the layers and can remain at the bottom of the stall, making the base wet and heavy.
Wood-based beddings, such as shavings, sawdust and chips, work well in many ways, but their thermal insulation capacity and moisture management are generally not on the same level as peat-based ones.
The structure of wood-based beddings compacts more easily, their absorbency is relatively weaker and they do not bind ammonia in the same way as peat. This does not mean that wood-based beddings could not work well in certain conditions, but especially in cold and humid stable environments, their limitations become more apparent.
The peat-wood fibre mixture forms a better manageable base, where moisture is bound into the material itself. This reduces the formation of ammonia, which is important for the horses' respiratory health.
The air quality in the stable directly affects the horse's performance, resistance and general well-being. Therefore, the choice of bedding and its usage amount have a greater significance than often thought.
The influence of seasons
Horses spend several hours a day in the stall and quality bedding encourages the horse to rest sufficiently. A good base supports joints and muscles, which affects many things especially in sport horses and aging horses.
Peat-wood fibre bedding provides a heat-insulating base that feels pleasant in colder seasons. Well-insulating bedding helps keep the stall dry and warmer, reducing drafts at floor level.
In late winter and early spring, stable conditions become more challenging.
Snow melts and moisture levels rise. In such conditions, the absorbency and structural durability of the bedding become emphasized. Peat-wood fibre bedding maintains its structure in a moister environment and does not become as heavy a mass as quickly as peat alone.
This makes cleaning easier and reduces bedding consumption in the long run.
Using bedding in an outdoor paddock
In an outdoor paddock, more is demanded from bedding. In a more open space, horses move freely and the bedding is exposed to greater wear and varying weather conditions.
Peat-wood fibre bedding works well in paddocks because its structure binds moisture effectively while remaining flexible and soft. It forms a pleasant lying area where it is comfortable to rest.
Adequate rest is as important for paddock horses as it is for stall horses. A dry, warm lying place reduces avoidance of lying down and the risk of hoof problems.
High absorbency, effective ammonia binding and environmental friendliness make it a modern option for stable keepers looking for a cost-effective solution.
From an environmental perspective, the peat-wood fibre bedding mixture is biodegradable and compostable.
Waste bedding is suitable for fertilizer use when properly composted, making it a sustainable choice. Sustainable development is an increasingly important factor for stable entrepreneurs and horse owners who want to reduce the environmental impact of their operations without compromising the horse's well-being.
In the end, the choice of bedding is a combination of practicality, maintaining the horse's well-being and economic sensibility. Peat-wood fibre bedding offers a convenient solution that combines peat's effective moisture management and wood fibre's convenience.
It works reliably both indoors and in paddocks, from winter frosts to spring thaw moisture. When the stall base stays dry, the air fresher and the horse content, the overall stable routine also works better.
