What’s Really in Your Horse’s Bedding? Dust, Data and the Truth About Bale Weights

About this episode

Dr David Marlin explores the science behind horse bedding, focusing on dust, quality, and bale weights to help owners make informed decisions.

In this episode of the Animalweb podcast, Dr David Marlin takes a deep dive into something every horse owner uses, but few truly scrutinise, bedding. Drawing on extensive independent testing, owner surveys and even calibrated weight checks, David unpacks the science behind bedding quality, respiratory health, value for money and UK Trading Standards compliance. This is not a brand-bashing discussion; it is evidence-based information designed to help you make informed decisions for your horse and your wallet. Why You Should Listen Many brands claim to be “dust free”. David explains why, in laboratory testing, no bedding has ever been completely dust-free. What dust actually contains, including bacteria, mould spores, pollen and mites Why this matters for equine respiratory health Which products tested as genuinely low dust, and which performed poorly If your horse spends up to 23 hours in the stable, air quality matters. Beyond Dust – What Really Makes Good Bedding? The podcast explains how Animalweb tests bedding scientifically, including: Absorbency Hygienic quality, measured through bacterial and fungal colony growth Ammonia control Resistance to scattering Ease of mucking out…

People in this episode

Host: Dr David Marlin

Topics covered

• horse bedding
• respiratory health
• bale weights
• dust control
• bedding quality
• owner experience

Keywords

• dust free
• bacterial growth
• fungal growth
• ammonia control
• absorbency
• mucking out
• equine health

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: UK Trading Standards

Products: bedding, shavings

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