STRAW OR SHAVINGS??

[Walder]

I hope this is not a thick question but i am having my rubber matting laid this weekend - now i have always had fatties before so have had them on rubber matting with shavings as they would eat a whole bed overnight - Now i dont have that problem with my new pony can i have him on straw (cheaper option) or should matting always have sahvings - thanks for any advise

 

[claire1976]

Shavings or equivalent are better on matting for absorbancy. As some point the wet starts to leak under the matting and shavings are smaller and more absorbant so it far better than straw. Personally I use Auboise as its excellent on matting, much easier to muck out than straw as well.

 

[mollymurphy]

Depends how much straw / shavings you'll be putting down. If it's just enough to soak up any wet, i'd use shavings. Mine have massive straw beds, so i do prefer straw - think it's cosier for them!

But it's just harder to muck out and not as absorbant.

Lou. x

 

[Guinness]

mine is on rubber matting and shavings-he is prone to getting a cough on straw, plus shavings are easier to muck out!

 

[Merlotmonster]

Definately shavings if you have rubber mats. I keep mine on that. I went away once to a place that had straw with rubber mats (just for a weekend) and it was disgusting. Unless you put loads down(which kind of defeats the object of having matting!), it gets spread around and the wet doesnt get soaked up, so you end up with stinky horse. Neither of mine lay down that night thats for sure.

 

[Walder]

OK - thanks for that peeps - shavings it is then - dont want a stinky horse!!!!