Zeolite bedding – less ammonia, dry hooves, healthier horses

Ammonia in the Horse Stable – Why the Right Bedding is So Important

When you enter a horse stable, you often smell it before you see it. That pungent, sharp odor that assaults your nose – ammonia. Unpleasant for us humans. Dangerous for horses. Many stable owners know the problem: poorly ventilated stalls, often in former cow sheds, high ammonia levels, especially in winter. What many don't know: The choice of the right bedding can make a huge difference here.

First things first:

Ammonia is not only unpleasant for horses but poses a serious threat to their health. Continuous exposure can lead to irreversible respiratory damage and long-term impairment of the animals' well-being. Therefore, it is important to keep the ammonia concentration in the stable as low as possible through appropriate measures, such as choosing the right bedding and good ventilation.

"I have observed how the best horses have shied away from lying down because the bedding wasn't right for them. If it was too hard, for example, their joints would hurt. It has been found that horses lie down too little, and this leads to numerous secondary problems. Or it smelled too much, too much ammonia near the ground. Some lie down despite strong ammonia exhalation; their head is then too close to the ground, and they breathe in the toxic gases. Heavily pregnant mares around the time of birth are at risk from the toxic gases and various unseen contaminants in the bedding, as are the foals themselves in the first days of their lives."
Dr. Reinhard Tötschinger

Hoof Health & Air Quality – The Biggest Stable Challenges

Finding the right bedding for horses is one of the biggest challenges known to horse owners and stable managers. In particular, the hoof health of the animals is highly dependent on the choice of bedding. An aspect often overlooked is the pollution of stable air by ammonia. Many horse stables are housed in former cow sheds and are often difficult to ventilate. This leads to a high concentration of ammonia in the air, especially in the winter months or on hot summer days when horses like to stay in the cool stable. Even small amounts of ammonia can attack the horses' respiratory tracts and weaken their immune systems. In extreme cases, this can even cause allergic reactions.

A good stable is therefore not only a safe, clean place for the animals, but also a place that contributes to health through its bedding. Conventional bedding, such as sawdust or straw, often has more disadvantages than advantages. Sawdust can contain pollutants and heavy metals, while high-quality straw can tend to form mycotoxins due to poor storage. But what is the alternative?

HORSEKRAFT Zeolite Bedding: Natural Solution with Added Value

This is where HORSEKRAFT Zeolite Bedding comes in – a sustainable and health-friendly alternative specifically developed for horses. Consisting of feed lime, natural zeolite, and a special herb mixture including lavender, it offers numerous benefits for horse health. This innovative bedding has the ability to effectively bind ammonia, thereby noticeably improving the air quality in the stable. This positively affects the animals' breathing and can significantly reduce the risk of respiratory diseases.

In addition, the zeolite bedding ensures dry hooves by absorbing and binding moisture, thus preventing the development of thrush. Anyone who has ever struggled with this persistent problem knows how important dry hooves are for horse health. Damp areas can be specifically removed thanks to the high absorbency of the bedding, which reduces consumption and thus bedding costs.

The Added Value of Zeolite: Sustainability and Better Soils

Another advantage of HORSEKRAFT Zeolite Bedding is its positive effect on the environment. The horse manure, enriched by the bedding, transforms into high-quality organic fertilizer. This can be used in agriculture and provides the soil with important nutrients such as calcium and silicon. This ensures more vital soils and better plant growth, so stable owners can also benefit.

HORSEKRAFT pursues a clear philosophy: Raw materials are processed as effectively as possible, reducing both costs and environmental impact.

Our Tip: Investing Together Pays Off

HORSEKRAFT bedding with zeolite is offered in large quantities – 80 bags on a pallet or also in half with 40 bags. This is particularly worthwhile for stable communities that can order together. This benefits not only the horses through a healthier stable climate and dry hooves, but also the stable owner, who has less ammonia in the air and also receives valuable fertilizer for their fields.

Why Lavender in the Bedding?

Lavender is known for its calming effect on the nervous system. Romans already used lavender to relax body and mind. Furthermore, the pleasant scent repels annoying insects like mosquitoes and flies, making life in the stable even more pleasant for the horses. Don't worry, the scent is very subtle; only the horses are meant to smell it and enjoy it.

 

Conclusion: Win-Win-Win for Horse, Stable, and Environment

Choosing the right bedding is crucial for the health and well-being of horses. HORSEKRAFT Zeolite Bedding not only impresses with its ammonia-binding properties and promotion of hoof health but also offers sustainable benefits for the environment. Whether through improved stable air, drier hooves, or use as organic fertilizer – this bedding ensures all-around satisfied horses, owners, and stable managers.

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"Since we've been using zeolite bedding throughout the stable, it simply doesn't smell as strongly of ammonia anymore. Our boarders noticed it immediately too."
— Stable Owner, HORSEKRAFT Bedding

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"We've had problems with thrush in one of our horses for years. Since switching to zeolite bedding, the hooves are significantly drier."
— Horse Owner, HORSEKRAFT Bedding

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"I was initially skeptical about whether the effort would be worth it. Meanwhile, I – actually my daughter does it – order regularly – especially because I have to muck out less often."
— Petra L.

Try it out and experience how HORSEKRAFT Zeolite Bedding positively changes daily stable life!

 

Why is Ammonia so Dangerous for Horse Lungs?

Ammonia is a toxic gas released during the decomposition of horse urine and manure. In poorly ventilated stables, ammonia concentrations can quickly rise and have significant effects on horse health. The animals' respiratory tracts are particularly affected, as ammonia irritates mucous membranes and can permanently impair lung function. Here are the main reasons why ammonia is so dangerous for horse lungs:

1. Irritation of the Respiratory Tract

Ammonia has a strong irritating effect on the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and lungs. Even at low concentrations, the gas can cause coughing, watery eyes, and shortness of breath. Horses in such situations often show increased nostril flaring and coughing, which is a sign of upper respiratory irritation.

2. Weakening of the Immune System

With constant exposure to ammonia, the horse's immune system is weakened. The mucous membranes of the respiratory tract are normally an important protective barrier against pathogens. However, irritation and damage to this barrier make horses more susceptible to infections and inflammations, such as chronic bronchitis.

3. Lung Damage

Ammonia attacks the alveoli (air sacs) responsible for gas exchange in the lungs. Constant exposure leads to reduced lung capacity and thus poorer oxygen uptake. In severe cases, permanent damage to lung tissue can occur, significantly impairing the horse's performance.

4. Promotion of Allergies and Chronic Respiratory Diseases

Ammonia, in combination with dust and other pollutants in the stable, can trigger allergic reactions and chronic respiratory diseases such as heaves (RAO, Recurrent Airway Obstruction) or the so-called "emphysema syndrome." These diseases are not only difficult to treat but also significantly reduce the well-being and quality of life of horses.

5. Influence on Behavior

If the air quality in the stable is poor, horses avoid lying down and resting because they would then be directly near the bedding and thus near the ammonia concentration. This leads to insufficient regeneration and increased stress levels.

Ammonia is therefore not only unpleasant for horses but poses a serious threat to their health. Continuous exposure can lead to irreversible respiratory damage and long-term impairment of the animals' well-being. Therefore, it is important to keep the ammonia concentration in the stable as low as possible through appropriate measures, such as choosing the right bedding and good ventilation.

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"The smell difference after the first application was surprisingly clear to me. I didn't expect it to work so quickly."
— Verena P.

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"We've been using it since last summer also because of the flies. Indeed, fewer insects in the stalls that are bedded with it."
— Markus B., Stable Owner

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"I was skeptical at first whether the effort would be worth it. Meanwhile, I – actually my daughter does it – order regularly – especially because I have to muck out less often."
— Christine H.

Application example on forest floor bedding >>>

☀️ Summer Benefits of Zeolite Bedding: Fewer Flies, Fewer Larvae, and a More Pleasant Stable Climate

In summer, flies and other insects are a major challenge in many horse stables. They annoy the animals, promote the spread of germs and infections, and significantly impair the well-being of horses. Here, HORSEKRAFT Zeolite Bedding can make a big difference. Through its unique properties, it helps to improve the stable climate and effectively reduce the plague of insects and their larvae.

1. Reduced Fly Infestation

Zeolite has the ability to bind ammonia and moisture, thereby reducing the formation of a damp environment. Flies are particularly attracted to damp and ammonia-containing areas in the stable, as these provide ideal conditions for egg laying. Zeolite bedding specifically reduces these damp areas, making the stable less attractive to flies and thus significantly reducing the fly population.

2. Reduction of Larval Development

The combination of zeolite with herbs like lavender has another positive effect: the scent of lavender repels many insects, including flies. This makes the stable less appealing to flies. In addition, zeolite inhibits the development of larvae by binding moisture and ammonia – two essential factors for the survival and growth of fly larvae.

3. Improved Stable Hygiene

By reducing moisture and pollutants, the germ load in the stable also decreases. Less moisture means less breeding ground for bacteria and mold, which in turn could stress the horses' immune systems. With zeolite bedding, the stable remains drier, cleaner, and more hygienic, which reduces the risk of illness.

4. Pleasant Scent and Calming Effect

The organic herbs contained, such as lavender, not only bring a pleasant scent into the stable but also have a calming effect on the horses. Lavender also has the effect of keeping mosquitoes and flies away, which significantly improves the quality of life for the animals in summer.

5. Reduced Use of Chemical Insecticides

Due to the natural insect-repelling properties of the zeolite litter and the herbs it contains, the use of chemical insect repellents in the stable can be reduced. This is not only more environmentally friendly, but also better for the health of humans and animals.

6. Less stress for horses

Flies and other insects are a constant source of stress for horses in summer. Constant tail-swishing, skin twitching, and head-shaking affect the animals and prevent them from relaxing and recovering. An environment with less insect exposure contributes to a calmer and more stress-free stable atmosphere.

HORSEKRAFT zeolite litter ensures fewer flies and less larval formation in summer, making the stable more hygienic and pleasant. The combination of ammonia binding, moisture control, and the repellent effect of the herbs makes this litter the ideal solution for a stress-free and healthy stable environment during the summer months.

High-quality horse litter with a sustainability effect

At STEINKRAFT, we have developed a litter made from high-quality feed lime, 100 percent natural zeolite, and organic lavender, which binds ammonia. This leads to cleaner air in the stable and improved respiration for the horse. The scent of lavender repels mosquitoes and flies and has a calming effect on the nerves. By binding moisture and pollutants, HORSEKRAFT zeolite litter ensures healthier hooves, as it keeps them dry and thus prevents thrush. Since damp spots can be bound and selectively removed, the amount of litter needed is reduced.

Use the litter together with the zeolite hoof powder >>>

Horse litter becomes organic fertilizer in agriculture

By combining HORSEKRAFT litter with horse manure, a high-quality fertilizer is created that can be used in organic farming, where it provides the soil with self-produced nutrients.

The result:
More vital soils due to calcium, silicon, and other trace elements contained in zeolite. Our STEINKRAFT philosophy is to refine raw materials so that less is needed: sustainability from use as litter, to climate improvement in the stable, to application in the field.

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"Our riding share owner pointed it out to me because her own stable had problems with ammonia. Now we use it too and the difference is significant."
— Julia S.

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"Practical that you can simply put it over the existing straw. No need to change the entire system."
— Werner F., boarding stable operator

Our TIP again:

We sell zeolite litter in large quantities, namely 80 bags on a pallet. Half a pallet is also possible. Then it's 40 bags. Then transport is worthwhile. Either you convince the stable owner of the product - it smells less in the stable because less ammonia is flying around, then all boarders are happier AND he has a high-quality fertilizer for his fields. This means that if he fertilizes the meadows with it, more different types of grass and herbs grow, and especially more of them.

Or you make a stable community purchase.

This is a full win-win-win situation. The 3rd win is because the horse can also breathe better, its hooves are drier, it might lie down more willingly, and therefore can rest and relax better.

FAQ

❓ How much zeolite litter do I need per box?
As a guideline, we recommend 2 scoops spread over an approx. 10 m² box over the existing litter – at spots where the horse frequently urinates or defecates, a little more is fine. One bag lasts for about 2 weeks with this dosage.

❓ Can I put the zeolite litter over straw or wood shavings?
Yes. The litter can easily be placed over existing types of litter such as straw, wood shavings, or even over rubber mats. It does not need to be replaced but supplements the existing litter.

❓ How fine is the grain size of HORSEKRAFT litter?
The grain size is 35 µm – this is very finely ground and ensures particularly effective binding of ammonia and moisture.

❓ Does zeolite litter really help against thrush?
Zeolite binds moisture in the box floor, thus keeping the hooves drier. Since thrush is promoted by constantly damp, poorly ventilated conditions, drier litter can make an important contribution to prevention. For existing thrush, we also recommend targeted application of zeolite hoof powder and veterinary or farrier clarification.

❓ How often should I remove wet spots?
Since zeolite litter binds moisture, wet spots can be easily identified and selectively removed instead of mucking out the entire box. This reduces both labor and litter consumption.

❓ Is the litter also suitable for horses with respiratory problems?
Since the litter binds ammonia and thus improves air quality in the stable, it can be a valuable support, especially for horses with sensitive airways or existing respiratory diseases such as RAO. For existing diseases, please consult your veterinarian.

❓ How many bags do I get per pallet?
HORSEKRAFT litter is delivered in large quantities – a full pallet contains 80 bags, a half pallet 40 bags. This is particularly worthwhile for stable communities that order together.

❓ Can I use the horse manure with the litter as fertilizer?
Yes – that is one of the biggest advantages. The zeolite-enriched horse manure becomes high-quality organic fertilizer that returns important nutrients like calcium and silicon to the soil.

❓ Does the zeolite litter produce dust when spread?
No – although the grain size is very fine at 35 µm, HORSEKRAFT litter surprisingly produces little dust. This is due to the special tribomechanical grinding process, which processes the particles differently from coarsely ground products. Many customers are positively surprised by this.

See the product here >>>

Read more:

Thrush in horses - causes, prevention, treatment
Natural helpers: Microorganisms in horse care

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