Posted: 12th February 2026 | Back to news feed
Respiratory Problems Remain the No.1 Stable Health Threat for Horses – And More Than One in Three Owners
The latest Equine Health & Bedding Survey, carried out in December 2025 by the UK’s leading equine bedding manufacturer Bedmax, once again highlights the biggest health threats facing horses in their stables – and confirms that these same issues are affecting a growing number of owners too.
Response to this year’s survey was the highest yet, with 1,179 owners taking part, responsible for the care of more than 3,250 horses.
Key Findings
- 45% of owners reported a horse suffering from a health problem needing treatment or time off work.
- Respiratory disease remains the single most common problem, affecting 26% of these horses.
- 35% of respondents said they themselves suffer from respiratory problems such as asthma, making low-dust bedding essential.
- Health problems kept many horses on box rest or reduced work for weeks, and in some cases months.
Once again, the survey shows just how critical the stable environment is to both equine and human health. Bedding choice continues to be most strongly influenced by absorbency, low dust, hygiene and quality – with cost ranking much lower than might be expected, despite continued economic pressures.
This year’s results show that purpose-made shavings remain the clear favourite bedding, used by 45% of respondents. Straw accounted for just 10%, while straw pellets were used by 9%, with many owners reporting that they now mix or layer different bedding types as a way of balancing cost, absorbency and dust control.
Bedmax founder and Managing Director, Tim Smalley, says the results underline the long-term importance of stable hygiene and air quality: “Respiratory disease has been the number one equine health problem in every survey we’ve carried out for more than 20 years. What’s especially striking this year is that more than one in three owners are also suffering from respiratory problems themselves. That makes low-dust, hygienic bedding not just a comfort issue, but a genuine health priority for both horses and people.”
The survey also confirmed that 61% of respondents believe it is “very important” that Bedmax shavings are made predominantly from Scots Pine, which has natural antibacterial properties that help to kill harmful bacteria in the stable environment.
Bedmax is the UK’s leading manufacturer of high-quality equine bedding, producing Bedmax and Littlemax shavings, as well as Strawmax straw pellets, all designed to provide the highest levels of equine health protection. Made from carefully selected, managed UK forestry timber and high quality locally sourced straw, Bedmax equine beddings are renowned for their low dust, high absorbency and natural hygiene benefits, and are used by horse owners and professionals throughout the UK and worldwide.
This year’s survey also confirms that 70% of owners prefer to support their local equestrian retailer rather than buy bedding online.
Full details of the results of the Bedmax Equine Health & Bedding Survey 2026 are available in the full Survey Report on the Bedmax website - https://bedmaxshavings.com/bedmax-equine-health-bedding-survey-2026/
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