Straw Horse Bedding

Straw Horse Bedding: A Traditional, Natural & Cost-Effective Stable Bedding

Straw has been the bedding of choice for horses for centuries — and despite the growing popularity of wood-based alternatives, it remains a widely used and genuinely practical option for many horses and yards. A good straw bed is warm, comfortable, and naturally encouraging for horses to lie down in; it composts readily and is often welcomed by local farmers and gardeners; and for yards managing multiple horses on a budget, it can offer a more cost-effective bedding solution than premium wood-based alternatives. The key to getting the best from straw bedding is choosing the right type and quality — and managing it correctly to keep the bed clean, dry, and as dust-free as possible.

At Horseworld, we stock straw horse bedding in dust-extracted and treated varieties that offer better respiratory performance than untreated field straw. Dust and spores are the primary respiratory concern with straw bedding — conventional straw can contain significantly higher levels of airborne dust and fungal spores than wood-based alternatives, making dust-extracted or treated straw an important consideration for any horse with a respiratory sensitivity, and a worthwhile upgrade for all horses stabled for extended periods.

Key considerations when choosing and using straw bedding:

• Dust-extracted & treated varieties — dust-extracted and treated straw significantly reduces airborne dust and fungal spores compared to conventional field straw, making it a better choice for stabled horses' respiratory health
• Natural warmth & comfort — straw provides a naturally warm, deep bed that horses lie down in readily and that offers good cushioning and insulation during cold winter nights
• Wheat vs barley straw — wheat straw is the most commonly used and generally preferred for horse bedding; barley straw has awns that can cause skin irritation and is less suitable for horses
• Not suitable for horses that eat their bedding — horses that eat straw bedding will consume additional fibre that can disrupt their diet and cause weight gain; wood-based bedding is a better choice for good doers and horses on restricted diets
• Composts readily — straw muck heaps compost more quickly than wood-based alternatives and are more readily accepted by farmers and gardeners, making disposal easier for many yards

Browse our full Straw Horse Bedding range below and find the right straw bedding for your horses, your yard, and your management routine.