Leinenstroh "Flax Lin" 20kg bale

Flax Bedding

Flax bedding, also known as flax straw, is a popular and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional bedding materials such as straw or wood shavings in horse stables. It is made from the woody stems of the flax plant, which remain after the linseed has been harvested. Through a special processing method, these stems are chopped into short, soft fibers and dedusted, which makes the bedding particularly horse-friendly.

Advantages of Flax Bedding

• High Absorbency: Flax bedding is extremely absorbent, as the fibers can effectively soak up and bind moisture. This ensures a dry and hygienic stall, which minimizes the risk of thrush and other hoof diseases.
• Low Dust Content: Compared to straw and some types of wood shavings, flax bedding is virtually dust-free. This is a great advantage for horses with respiratory problems like chronic obstructive bronchitis (COB) or allergies, as it irritates the airways less.
• Low Consumption: Due to its high absorbency and efficient composting, the consumption of flax bedding is lower than that of straw. Less material needs to be added, which reduces working time and lowers costs.
• Odor Control: The porous structure of the flax fibers allows for good odor control, especially of ammonia. This leads to a more pleasant stable climate for both humans and animals.
• Environmental Friendliness: Flax is a renewable resource. The final product, the manure, quickly decomposes into high-quality compost, which is excellent as a fertilizer for gardens or agriculture. It is less voluminous than straw manure and therefore requires less storage space.
• Less Palatable: The fibers are unappealing to most horses to eat, which reduces digestive problems that can arise from excessive consumption of straw (e.g., colic).

Application in the Stall

Applying flax bedding in the horse stall is straightforward. First, the stall should be thoroughly cleaned. Then, a thick base layer of about 10-15 cm in height is evenly spread throughout the entire stall. A guideline for a 3x3 meter stall is about 3-4 bales (approx. 20 kg per bale).

Daily care is limited to removing horse droppings. The wet spots, which form a dense, moist clump, can be easily removed with a pitchfork. The dry bedding remains and is only loosened. A small amount of fresh bedding is added as needed to maintain the layer thickness. A complete re-bedding is rarely necessary; it is often sufficient to do so only every few weeks or months.

Naturalness

Flax bedding is a completely natural product. It is produced without chemical additives or pesticides, making it a safe choice for the sensitive skin and airways of horses. The flax plant itself typically grows without the use of herbicides, as it naturally suppresses weeds. The dedusting is done mechanically, and the fibers are biodegradable. This naturalness makes flax bedding an excellent choice for horse owners who value a sustainable and healthy environment for their animals.