Which is best: straw or shavings?

Written By Louisa Harry-Thomas

Choosing the right bedding is one of the most important decisions for any horse owner. With so many options out there, it often comes down to two favourites: straw bedding or wood shavings. But which is actually better for your stable, your horses, and your peace of mind? Let’s break it down.

Straw Bedding: The Natural, Sustainable Solution

What is it?
Straw bedding is made from the stalks of cereal crops like wheat and rape, chopped and dust-extracted for maximum comfort and cleanliness.

Why Choose Straw?

  • Animal Wellbeing: Our premium chopped straw is dust-free, which means fewer respiratory issues like COPD—something our customers consistently praise.

  • Superior Comfort: Horses love a deep, soft bed. Straw creates a plush, inviting surface that encourages rest.

  • Sustainability: Straw is a renewable by-product, fully compostable and gentle on the environment. It breaks down quickly and helps reduce muckheap size.

  • Cost-Effective: Sourced directly from our Gower farm, straw is an affordable choice—especially for larger stables.

  • Local & Reliable: By buying local, you’re supporting Welsh farming and reducing transport miles.

Customer Feedback:
“***** bedding which gives a deep dust free, absorbent bed.” – Margaret, Gower

Wood Shavings: The Classic Stable Choice

What is it?
Wood shavings are made from kiln-dried softwoods, often pine, and are a familiar sight in many yards.

Why Choose Shavings?

  • Absorbency: High-quality shavings soak up moisture and help control odours.

  • Easy to Muck Out: Shavings separate easily from manure, making cleaning quick.

  • Tidy Appearance: Many owners like the neat, uniform look of a shavings bed.

Points to Consider:

  • Dust Risk: Not all shavings are dust-extracted. Lower quality products can increase the risk of respiratory problems.

  • Environmental Impact: Shavings decompose more slowly and can increase muckheap size. They’re not always locally sourced, which means more transport miles and a bigger carbon footprint.

  • Price: Shavings can be more expensive, especially during periods of high demand.

The Gower Granary Difference

At Gower Granary, we’re passionate about animal wellbeing, sustainability, and supporting local agriculture. Our straw bedding is:

  • Deep, dust-free, and absorbent

  • Sourced and produced right here in Gower, Wales

  • Backed by customer testimonials and consistent quality

We know every stable is different, but time and again, our customers tell us that high-quality straw bedding ticks all the boxes for healthy, happy horses and efficient stable management.

Ready to Try Premium Straw Bedding?

Explore our full range of bedding and forage here. If you have questions or want to discuss what’s best for your horses, reach out any time:

Gower Granary: Putting your animals’ wellbeing first.

Louisa Harry-Thomas
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Small animal range relaunched