Horse bedding pellets: dust-free wooden bedding for a horse
If you’re looking for a cleaner, faster, and more sustainable way to manage your stable, horse bedding pellets are a practical choice. At SDL Pellets, we supply ENplus A1, BSL-certified wooden bedding that’s highly absorbent, dust-free, and easy to maintain – helping horse owners create a drier, healthier stable environment all year round.
This guide explains how wood pellet bedding works, how much you’ll need, and why more horse owners are making the switch.
Why horse owners choose wood pellet bedding
Many horse owners are turning away from traditional shavings or straw in favour of wood pellets. The reason is simple: pellet bedding is cleaner, more consistent, and saves time every day. When water is added, the pellets expand into a soft, cushioned bed that locks in moisture below the surface and keeps the top layer dry and dust-free.
It’s a reliable option for stables of any size and particularly useful for horses prone to respiratory issues.
- Dust free: Creates a soft, low-dust environment that supports clear breathing.
- Highly absorbent: Locks in wet patches quickly to reduce ammonia smells and dampness.
- Fast to muck out: You only remove the wet areas, leaving the clean bedding in place.
- Compact storage: 15 kg bags are easy to handle and take up less space than bales.
- Sustainable: Made from virgin softwood with ENplus A1 and BSL certification for quality and responsible sourcing.
- While these certifications relate to biomass wood pellets – the same pellets are used for wood pellets and just shows the quality and standards ahieved in our wood pellet production.
What is wooden bedding for horses?
Wooden bedding, often known as horse bedding pellets, is made from compressed wood that expands into a soft, springy texture once water is added. It offers excellent absorbency, a stable surface, and easy daily maintenance. Because the pellets come from clean, untreated softwood, they’re naturally hygienic and biodegradable.
The result is a comfortable, dry bed that’s kind to your horse’s lungs, hooves, and joints, and much easier to keep clean.
How to set up your horse bedding pellets
Setting up a wood pellet bed is simple and can be done in under half an hour.
- Start clean: Begin with a dry stable, ideally with rubber mats for drainage.
- Lay your base: For a 12 × 12 ft box, use around 8–10 bags of pellets.
- Add water: Cut a hole in each bag and pour 2–3 litres per bag, leave 15–20 minutes, and then spread evenly.
- Level the bed: Aim for 7–10 cm across the stable floor with slightly higher banks.
- Daily routine: Remove droppings and lift out wet areas.
- Top up weekly: Add 1–2 bags depending on turnout and the horse’s routine.
If you prefer a firmer bed, use a little less water. For a softer feel, add slightly more.
How much bedding for a horse do I need?
The amount of bedding you’ll use depends on your stable size, your horse’s habits, and how often they’re stabled. For most horses in a 12 × 12 ft box, 8–10 bags will give a good starting base, with 1–2 bags added weekly to maintain it.
At SDL Pellets, we make it easy to plan ahead:
- A full pallet (64 × 15 kg bags, 960 kg) is ideal for long-term use or multiple stables.
- A half pallet (32 × 15 kg bags, 480 kg) suits smaller yards or limited storage space.
Each bag goes a long way, and because you’re topping up small amounts each week, you’ll find it’s easier to manage your supply without waste.
Why pellets save time and money
Stable management can be one of the most time-consuming parts of horse care. With wood pellet bedding, you can cut that time down significantly. The pellets’ absorbency means only the wet patches need to be lifted, and the smaller muck heap means fewer skip collections and less manual labour.
Over a season, this translates into clear savings:
- Less bedding used overall
- Reduced muck heap volume
- Quicker daily mucking out
- Easier storage and transport
Many owners find that wood pellets pay for themselves in time and cost savings within just a few months.
Health and comfort benefits
Keeping a horse’s stable clean and dry is key to maintaining their health. Pellets help by reducing moisture, odour, and airborne dust, all common causes of respiratory irritation. The soft, cushioned surface also supports joint comfort and reduces pressure on the legs when resting.
- Low dust: Helps prevent coughing and irritation for sensitive horses.
- Dry surface: Reduces bacteria build-up and supports hoof health.
- Comfortable texture: Offers firm support without clumping or slipping.
Horses tend to lie down more on a dry, comfortable surface, which is a good sign of trust and relaxation.
Muck heap and waste management
Because pellets are biodegradable and absorbent, they break down quickly when composted. You’ll notice a smaller muck heap compared with straw or shavings, which makes storage and disposal simpler. For many yards, this means fewer skip collections and lower waste costs throughout the year.
Why buy from SDL Pellets?
At SDL Pellets, we’re committed to providing a bedding solution that performs just as well for horse owners as it does for the environment. Our ENplus A1, BSL-certified wood pellets are made from virgin softwood, ensuring a clean, consistent, and sustainable product every time.
We supply both full and half pallets, delivered directly to your yard anywhere in the England, Wales or Scotland (additional charges may apply for Scotland). Every batch is tested for moisture content, guaranteeing quality that stays consistent all year round.
We’re proud to help horse owners across the country maintain clean, comfortable, and efficient stables and keeping horses happy.
Quick checklist
Here’s a quick reminder for setting up your wooden bedding for horses:
- 8–10 bags for first setup
- 1–2 bags weekly top-up
- Watering can or hose for activation
- Shovel and fork for daily care
- Order horse bedding pellets from SDL Pellets in full or half pallets
Common questions about horse bedding pellets
Yes. Both are made from compressed wood, our top-quality pellets are screened for dust and contain no chemical additives. They’re EnPlus A1 certified and BSL approved, ensuring minimal dust and the highest quality available on the market, designed for safe use with horses and other animals.
Around 2–3 litres per bag is ideal for most setups. You can adjust slightly depending on whether you prefer a firmer or softer bed.
Around 2–3 litres per bag is ideal for most setups. You can adjust slightly depending on whether you prefer a firmer or softer bed.
Pellets absorb moisture quickly, but lifting out wet patches daily helps prevent odour build-up. Regular top-ups will keep the surface clean and fresh.
Many owners do. Simply remove droppings daily and lift the wet areas as needed. Over time, a stable base forms that remains dry underneath.
Most horses ignore the bedding once it fluffs up. If yours is particularly curious, start with a small test area and monitor them closely before switching fully.
Ready to switch?
Join thousands of horse owners already using SDL Pellets for drier, cleaner, and easier stables.
Order your full pallet (960 kg) or half pallet (480 kg) today and enjoy fast, reliable delivery straight to your yard.