Which bedding is described as comfortable, with good absorption and easy to muck out, but expensive and dusty?

• A. Straw
• B. Sawdust
• C. Shredded newspaper
• D. Shavings

Answer: (D)

Choosing bedding comes down to comfort for the horse, how well it absorbs urine, how easy it is to muck out, and how much it costs and how dusty it is. Shavings hit the sweet spot: they give a soft, cushioned surface for the horse to lie on, they absorb urine effectively, and they break down and lift out relatively cleanly when you clean the stall. They’re often pricier than straw and can be dusty if the wood type is very dusty or when ventilation is poor, so good bedding quality and airflow matter.

Straw is cheap and can feel comfortable, but it doesn’t absorb as well and tends to spread and break apart, making cleaning more work. Sawdust soaks up liquid well but is usually very dusty and can be slippery when damp. Shredded newspaper is inexpensive and easy to dispose of, but it offers little cushioning and poor absorption, making it less ideal for a horse’s comfort and cleanliness.