by Kentucky Equine Research Staff
The type of bedding you provide affects your horse’s health and comfort, as well as your bottom line. From straw and pine shavings to paper and peat moss, the perfect bedding has yet to be discovered. One of the most recent options available is hemp hurd, a byproduct of hemp fiber production.
Two studies presented at the 2025 Equine Science Symposium examined the physical characteristics of hemp hurd and its potential as a horse bedding material.*,**
A research group from the University of Kentucky investigated the water-holding capacity, bulk density, and ammonia-binding capacity of several fiber-type hemp hurd varieties. The study found differences in physical characteristics based on variety and particle size (large vs. small), suggesting that some types of hemp hurd may be better suited for bedding than others.
The second study compared the water absorbency and fecal coliform (Escherichia coli) counts of hemp hurd bedding with two commonly used alternatives: pine shavings and cut straw.
To measure fecal coliform levels, each bedding type was mixed with manure and dissolved urea (simulating urine), then composted for one week. The compost mixtures were submerged in water to create a “compost tea,” which was tested for E. coli using colony-forming units (CFU) as the measurement. Cut straw produced the highest CFU counts (i.e., more E. coli), while hemp hurd resulted in the lowest.
To evaluate absorbency, all three beddings were soaked in water, drained, and weighed. Hemp hurd was twice as absorbent as pine shavings and only slightly less absorbent than cut straw.
“These studies highlight the positive attributes of hemp hurd as a bedding for horses. Further research on the use of hemp hurd bedding in practical and commercial settings is warranted,” said Catherine Whitehouse, M.S., a nutrition advisor for Kentucky Equine Research.
“Don’t ignore the importance of bedding selection to optimize horse comfort and health, waste disposal and management, as well as barn hygiene. Appropriate bedding selection is particularly important for horses with equine asthma,” said Whitehouse.
Do you have questions about the best management and nutritional strategies for horses with equine asthma? Contact a Kentucky Equine Research nutrition advisor to learn more.
*Lee, A., A. Endfinger, R.C. Pearce, and L.M. Lawrence. 2025. Physical characterization of hemp hurd varieties to assess suitability as bedding. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 148:105553
**Williamson, K., A. Jaqueth, K. Ely, G. McGlinch, and S. Jacquemin. 2025. Potential of hemp hurd bedding for use in equine operations. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 148:105436.
Reprinted courtesy of Kentucky Equine Research. Kentucky Equine Research is an international equine nutrition, research, and consultation company serving horse owners and the feed industry. Our goals are to advance the industry's knowledge of equine nutrition and exercise physiology, apply that knowledge to produce healthier, more athletic horses, and support the nutritional care of all horses throughout their lives. Learn more at Kentucky Equine Research.
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