For those using Softbed for the first time, it would ideal to remove all old bedding and clean your stable thoroughly. However, we know this isn’t always practical and it is acceptable to mix Softbed with other bedding products whilst changing over, although the full benefits of Softbed won’t yet be felt by your horse or pony.
Once your stable is clean, add enough Softbed to cover a depth of 15 cm covering the whole stable floor. You will need between 8 and 12 bales (assuming a 3.5m x 3.5m stable) – dependant on the depth you want the bedding to be and whether you have small banks against your walls. If you use Softbed as part of a deep litter regime, a deeper bed will work better.
Your horse or pony can now move in!
Daily Routine and Care
The bed will take a couple of days to ‘settle’ (dependant on your horse and the hours spent in the stable) but droppings can be easily lifted off with gloves or a good quality shavings fork. Tossing soiled bedding up the banks will separate any droppings mixed into the bed which can then be easily removed. Wet patches can be removed daily or weekly from the base of the bed.
Add new bedding to maintain the depth of the Softbed – typically around 1 bale per week when correctly managed.
The Muckheap
Will be much smaller, doesn’t blow around and will rot down like other wood-based bedding products. It shouldn’t attract vermin and can be spread onto the land without causing potential slug problems. In addition, Softbed has Organic Farmers & Growers approval for use in organic systems and assuming approved feed and other inputs, this includes the spreading of used bedding on organic farmland.