There are a lot of questions that go through people’s minds when it comes to transporting a horse in a horse trailer. One common question is whether or not to put shavings in the horse trailer.
If you’re like most people, when you hear the word “shavings,” you probably think of wood. But did you know that there are other types of shavings? One such type is horse shavings, which are used to bed horses in trailers and stables.
In this article, we will discuss the purpose of horse shavings, and their pros and cons.
And will also share the alternative option so you can decide easily whether or not to use bedding and which bedding will be more suitable for you and your horse trailer.
Contents
What Exactly is Shavings? (Which material they’re made of & Types)
Shavings are small pieces of wood that are shaved off of a larger piece of wood.
Horse shavings are usually made from pine or aspen.
Shavings are used to bed horses in trailers and stables because they provide a comfortable, absorbent surface for the horse to stand on.
There are two types of shavings: bagged and loose.
Bagged shavings are more expensive but are easier to use because they are already in small pieces. Loose shavings are less expensive but you will need to chop them up into smaller pieces before using them.
Do you put shavings in a horse trailer?
Shavings are used in horse trailers to provide a comfortable and safe environment for the horse during transport. Shavings also help to absorb horse manure and urine and keep the trailer floor clean.
However, when you drive and keep the windows open, the shavings can also fly around, get in horses’ eyes, and nasal passages, and create a mess. And it is a solid reason to not use shavings.
Benefits of using shavings in a horse trailer
Shavings can help to absorb urine, manure, and sweat, which can make the trailer more comfortable for your horse.
They can also help to keep the trailer cooler in the summer months and warmer in the winter months. Shavings can also make it easier to clean the trailer out after your horse has been in it.
Shavings bedding also prevents horses to slip as the bare floor of the trailer is often slippery.
Especially with manure and urine, the floor will be more slippery and it will not make the horse feel comfortable and also leads to serious injuries.
Are there any drawbacks to using shavings in a horse trailer?
One of the major disadvantages and the reason to not use shavings is they can be dusty and can cause respiratory problems for horses with allergies or asthma.
Another problem with shaving bedding is it can fly all around when the windows are open.
Assume you’re driving the trailer at 50 or 60 mph and a window or small portion of the trailer stays open, the shavings will blow around and can create a big mess.
To avoid this problem of course you have to close every possible opening to the trailer. But at the same time, ventilation is important, especially in the summer.
They can also be messy to clean up. If you’re hauling your horse in a trailer that you also use for other purposes, shavings can be difficult to remove completely.
If you choose to use shavings, be sure to get them from a reputable source and avoid using any that are moldy or contain other contaminants.
Alternative to Shavings Bedding?
There are many alternative options to shavings. Some people use a straw, hay, or wood chips. Others use mats made from rubber or recycled materials.
No matter what you choose, be sure to avoid anything that is dusty or could cause respiratory problems for your horse. You should also avoid anything that is moldy or could contain other contaminants.
One popular alternative to shavings is Shredded paper bedding. It is absorbent, doesn’t create dust, and is easy to clean up.
Shredded paper bedding can be made from recycled paper or you can buy it from a pet store.
It is usually used in horse trailers, stalls, and paddocks. It is a good alternative to shavings.
It is also known as virtually dust-free bedding that provides superior absorbency, excellent cushion, and is inexpensive. It is also Non-toxic and Non-allergenic which means it can be used for any horse.
Conclusion
Shavings are a popular choice for horse trailer bedding because they are relatively inexpensive and easy to find. However, shavings can be messy to clean up, especially when the windows are opened and you drive at a faster speed.
If you choose to use shavings, be sure to get them from a reputable source and avoid using any that are moldy or contaminated.
And most importantly close all the holes and windows that let the air in(consider the safety and ventilation in mind as well). And make sure to clean when you’re done don’t leave and let them sit in the trailer.