Hemp hurds as horse bedding – Natural comfort and stable health
Author: Lucie Garabasova
High-quality bedding is crucial for the comfort and health of horses. One of the best and increasingly popular options is hemp hurds – a natural, eco-friendly, and effective choice that offers many advantages over traditional materials such as straw or wood shavings. Why should you consider hemp hurds for your horse?
What are Hemp Hurds?
Hemp hurds are the woody inner part of the industrial hemp stalk, produced during processing. This lightweight, absorbent, and hypoallergenic material is ideal as bedding for horses and other livestock. Thanks to its natural properties, it is not only comfortable but also promotes a healthy stable environment.
Why choose Hemp Hurds?
✔ High absorbency – Hemp hurds can absorb up to five times their weight, keeping stables dry and hygienic.
✔ Less dust – Unlike straw or wood shavings, hemp hurds contain minimal dust particles, helping to protect the respiratory health of both horses and humans. This makes it extremely suitable for horses sensitive to dust.
✔ Natural antibacterial protection – Hemp fibers have natural antibacterial properties, reducing the risk of mold, allergies, and skin problems.
✔ Easy handling and mMaintenance – Hemp hurd bedding is lightweight, easy to spread, and maintains cleanliness in the stable for extended periods.
✔ Eco-friendly solution – Hemp hurds are biodegradable and compostable, making them a great choice for environmentally conscious horse owners.
How to use Hemp Hurds?
The amount of hemp hurds needed for one stall depends on its size, maintenance method, and the owner's preferences. Generally:
- Initial Bedding Setup: A recommended layer of 10–15 cm requires approximately 3–4 bales (20 kg each) for a standard 3x3 m stall.
- Ongoing Maintenance: Around 1–2 bales are added weekly, depending on contamination levels and cleaning methods.
- Annual Consumption: Typically, 50–100 bales per horse per year, depending on maintenance intensity and usage method (deep bedding vs. daily removal of wet spots).
The cost of the initial bedding setup (3–4 bales) ranges from CZK 450–600.
Regular annual maintenance (1–2 bales per week) costs approximately CZK 7,800–15,600 per horse.
How much does hemp bedding cost?
On average, 1 ton of hemp bedding costs around CZK 7,500.
Interested in hemp bedding for your horse?
Contact us, and we will send you a price quote.
Conclusion – An investment in your horse's health
Hemp hurds provide a modern, healthy, and eco-friendly alternative to traditional bedding. Thanks to their high absorbency, low dust content, and antibacterial properties, they contribute to the well-being of horses and easier stable maintenance. If you are looking for high-quality bedding that benefits both your horses and the environment, hemp hurds are an excellent choice!