Owners name respiratory issues the number one health threat for horses – and for themselves.
The results of the Equine Health & Bedding Survey 2025, conducted by the UK’s leading equine bedding manufacturer, Bedmax, have confirmed what many owners already suspected – respiratory disease remains the most pressing health challenge facing horses in stables. Strikingly, the survey also reveals that one in three owners report suffering from similar respiratory issues themselves.
Run in December 2024, the survey drew responses from 895 horse owners, collectively caring for more than 2,600 horses. The findings offer a detailed insight into the health challenges horses face in their stables, and how bedding choices continue to play a critical role in protecting both equine and human health.
Respiratory Disease Still Dominates
More than half of respondents (52%) reported caring for a horse with a health condition that required treatment, with respiratory disease affecting 28% of these cases – once again making it the most common issue. Meanwhile, 33% of owners said they themselves suffer from conditions such as asthma, making low-dust environments a shared priority.
What Owners Want from Bedding
When asked what they look for in bedding, the top three features were:
- Low dust content
- Absorbency
- Hygiene
Interestingly, cost ranked surprisingly low on the list of priorities, despite current economic pressures. Instead, owners continue to focus on their horses’ health and wellbeing.
Tim Smalley, founder and Managing Director of Bedmax, says the results reinforce the company’s long-standing mission: “Respiratory disease has always been the biggest health problem cited in every survey we’ve done since we started in 2000. It’s reassuring to see that owners are prioritising low-dust bedding for the sake of their horses – and themselves. Producing bedding with minimal breathable dust remains our top priority.”
Shifts in Bedding Preferences
This year’s survey saw a continued preference for high-quality, purpose-made larger shavings, with 42% of owners naming these as their first choice. Straw, while still the second most popular bedding type, dropped to 13%, with straw pellets rising to third place at 12% – reflecting a growing demand for absorbent, easy-to-manage options.
Local Retailers Still Trusted
Despite the convenience of online shopping, two-thirds of respondents (66%) prefer to purchase their bedding from local equestrian retailers. Bedmax’s commitment to its national network of wholesalers and stockists clearly aligns with customer preference, ensuring trusted, accessible supply.
Trusted by Professionals
Bedmax is the UK’s foremost manufacturer of high-quality equine bedding, launching Bedmax large pine shavings in 2000 and Littlemax fine pine shavings in 2010, and recently adding Strawmax straw pellets to their growing range. All Bedmax shavings are made from selected pine timber to offer an ultra-low-dust bedding with unique natural, antibacterial benefits, and Strawmax straw pellets have been developed to meet the growing demand for a super-absorbent, highly economical alternative to shavings.
Bedmax is used by horse owners, trainers and equine professionals around the world. The company was granted The Queen’s Royal Warrant in 2008 and The King’s Royal Warrant was confirmed in 2024, recognising their dedication to excellence in animal welfare and sustainability.
For a full breakdown of the 2025 Equine Health Survey results, including detailed trends in horse care and stable management, head over to the Bedmax website and download the full Survey Report HERE.
