How to Use Pellets for Horse Stall Bedding

Wood pellet bedding is an efficient and cost-effective option for stall litters. It can be used alone or in conjunction with standard bedding such as wood shavings. Wood pellet bedding is made of tightly compressed shavings similar to those burned by pellet stoves. The pellets are placed into the stall, and then fresh water is added to unfurl the tightly compressed pellets into a soft, thick bed of highly absorbent shavings. When properly used, pelleted bedding promotes a dry and clean stall, which decreases the chance of the horse contracting hoof and respiratory problems from exposure to equine waste.

Things You'll Need

  • Wood pellet bedding
  • Muck rake
  • Plastic tub for mixing (optional)
  • Water supply
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Instructions

    • 1

      Strip the horse's stall of bedding. Stalls may be hosed and scrubbed during this process.

    • 2

      Open the bag of pelleted bedding. If desired, sprinkle fresh water on the pellets or empty pellets into a separate container and add water to expand them.

    • 3

      Spread pellets or moistened, expanded pellets in the stall, using a muck rake. This creates a thick, absorbent stall bed with less dust than shavings.

    • 4

      Clean stall daily, removing wet spots. Pelleted bedding will concentrate urine in small areas, making stall cleaning easier. The stall should be stripped and rebedded every four to eight weeks or as needed.