Respiratory problems: coughs and dust allergies
Horses that cough need plenty of fresh air and dust-free horse bedding!
Relatively a lot of horses are allergic to the dust and fungal spores that are often found in hay. The first thing you have to do to alleviate the problem is eliminate the cause of the cough.
If you take the following actions your horse’s breathing will improve and you’ll notice a genuine long-term improvement:
- Ensure the horse gets plenty of fresh air – a loose barn or paddock box makes sense if the horse has a chronic cough. In any event the stable should have a window
- Minimise the exposure of the horse’s respiratory system to dust and ammonia vapour. Choose a dust-free horse bedding type. Ensure that the horse is not in the stable when you’re mucking out, sweeping or shaking out hay
- Horses with lung problems benefit from light daily exercise. It increases air intake to the lungs and helps to shift mucus. But never overexert the horse!
- In more serious cases of respiratory disease it’s a good idea to check the riding arena and surrounding area for dust and allergens
Boxengold® Premium Ecostreu is dust-free, deodorising, entirely mould-free and practically germ-free. It also provides effective thermal insulation in the winter. Boxengold® Premium Ecostreu is therefore the perfect bedding alternative for horses with respiratory problems. Always consult a vet. We'll be happy to recommend the right expert for you!
Hoof and skin ailments: thrush and cracked heels
Horses with thrush or cracked heels need bedding that is as dry as possible and direct hoof or horn contact with the bacteria in the manure should be avoided.
Boxengold® Premium Ecostreu allows the urine to seep through to the bottom layer, where it is soaked up. If you don’t use the deep bedding method and your horse has a hoof or skin ailment, it’s a good idea to remove damp areas more frequently.
Boxengold® Premium Ecostreu is produced in an innovative process that eliminates practically all germs. As a result, the affected areas of the hoof horn or skin are exposed to fewer of the bacteria that can cause thrush or cracked heels.
Metabolic processes: impaction colic and metabolic diseases
Some horses tend to eat a considerable amount of their bedding. The horse’s digestive system can cope with moderate amounts of straw as roughage. However, when consumed in excessive amounts it can cause colic – often due to impaction – and other digestive problems. Horses that eat too much straw can also become overweight, leading to metabolic problems.
In their natural environment, horses are on the move all day long, even if they’re only walking. Stabled horses obviously have less scope for free movement. Also, modern-day feeds contain a lot more energy than sparse steppe vegetation.
Seasonal weight fluctuations in horses that are put out to pasture in the summer months are normal. However, a horse carrying excessive weight over a long period of time can develop serious metabolic problems and diseases – e.g. EMS, laminitis or liver disease. It’s always difficult to establish the ideal diet for a horse and consulting a vet is always a good idea. We'll be happy to recommend the right expert for you!
Switching over to Boxengold® Premium Ecostreu is definitely a good choice if you want to control the amount of roughage your horse eats more effectively.
Musculoskeletal system: tendon injuries
The special fibre structure of Boxengold® Premium Ecostreu makes it slightly springy and also prevents the horse from slipping.
This is a big advantage for horses with musculoskeletal problems because the bedding prevents the hoof from sinking in and over-stretching the tendons and ligaments. It also cushions movement, which makes it gentle on the joints. Horses that are convalescing particularly benefit from having the right bedding to support the healing process.
