A new Winter 2025 survey examining equine health across the UK has shed light on the prevalence of health issues affecting horses — and the growing importance of stable management and bedding choices in supporting both equine and human wellbeing.
Commissioned by Bedmax, the survey aimed to better understand how often horses experience health problems (excluding injuries), how long those issues persist, and how factors such as bedding and stable environments may influence outcomes.
Over Half of Owners Report Health Problems
The findings reveal that more than 50% of respondents experienced equine health problems during the survey period. Respiratory issues remain the single most commonly reported concern, continuing a trend seen in previous years.
Many cases were not short-lived. A significant proportion of affected horses experienced symptoms lasting several weeks or longer, often requiring box rest or reduced work. These periods of confinement can heighten sensitivity to dust and stable hygiene, placing greater emphasis on the management of the horse’s immediate environment.
Impact on Human Health
The survey also highlights the crossover between equine and human health. One in three respondents reported experiencing respiratory issues themselves, reinforcing the importance of low-dust stable environments not just for horses, but for the people caring for them.
This dual impact underscores the broader responsibility within yard management to create conditions that minimise airborne dust and support good ventilation and hygiene.
Bedding Choice: What Matters Most?
When it comes to bedding, absorbency and low dust remain the most influential factors in decision-making.
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45% of respondents cited absorbency as a top priority
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44% prioritised low dust
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34% highlighted hygiene
Quality and consistency also remain important considerations.
Purpose-made shavings once again dominated as the preferred bedding type, consistent with previous years’ findings. However, the 2025 survey shows a notable rise in owners using combinations of bedding materials — commonly layering shavings over wood or straw pellets to balance absorbency, dust control and cost-efficiency.
Supporting Local Retailers
The survey also reveals that purchasing decisions are influenced by community values, with 70% of respondents stating they prefer to support local retailers.
A Focus on Critical Health Periods
This year’s results offer particularly strong insight into how bedding plays a role at key moments in a horse’s health journey — including recovery periods, box rest, and times of heightened respiratory sensitivity. During these phases, stable management decisions can have a direct influence on comfort, recovery and long-term respiratory health.
As respiratory concerns continue to be one of the most common health challenges facing UK horses, the findings reinforce the need for evidence-based, practical approaches to stable management.
For the full survey results, visit Bedmax Equine Health Bedding Survey 2026