Creating a comfortable and safe place for your horses helps ensure they have a calm environment to rest and feel secure. Wood shavings are a common ingredient of this secure and healthy setting. The type you choose is important, however—there are several choices that are ideal while others should be avoided. Here’s a closer look at what you should know before making your selections.

Best Wood Shavings for Horses

Pine 

This species is considered ideal for horse bedding because of its many beneficial qualities. Pine is dry and sturdy yet soothing to the horse’s feet. These shavings are also thoroughly screened to remove dust, which can trigger respiratory problems. 

Cedar Fiber 

Dense and heavy, cedar fiber won’t be swept away by wind in outdoor horse corrals and pens. The wood shavings are also resistant to rot when the weather is rainy or humid.  Because a variety of cedar shavings are available, be sure to ask a horse bedding provider for those that are not toxic to horses.

Douglas Fir

This type is typically screened to remove dust and dried in a kiln. Horses tend to favor the aroma of Douglas fir shavings. Soft and comfortable, they also have a low-moisture content. The shavings contain no phenols, which have been known to trigger sneezing and other allergy attacks in horses. 

Species to Avoid

Maple

Specifically, red maple can be dangerous if consumed by horses. To be safe, steer clear of all maple shavings. While horses may like the aroma of maple, even the leaves can be toxic. If shavings or leaves are eaten, a horse can experience skin irritation, swollen legs, hair loss, and, in extreme cases, death.

Cypress

Stay away from cypress because it may cause your horse to develop swollen legs and skin rashes. These shavings are commonly mixed in with other woods. To be on the safe side, avoid buying cypress from tree trimmers or landscaping companies. It’s best to consult a horse bedding supplier to ensure the shavings you choose aren’t mixed with other varieties. 

Black Walnut

Avoid exposing this type of shaving to your horse due to the number of ailments it can cause. Horses may develop an irregular heartbeat, fever, and hair loss. The wood shavings could also trigger laminitis, which is also known as founder. This dangerous condition can lead to inflammation in the hooves and cause severe pain. 

GI Shavings LLC in Hallandale, FL, is your trusted provider for a variety of wood shavings for horse bedding. Serving all of Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties, the supplier can produce up to 2,400 bags of shavings each day. You can also count on the specialists to help you select shavings that are safe for your horses. To learn more, call (754) 300-4684 or visit the company online.