“Owners depend on the advice of their local retailer.”
Two thirds of horse owners would rather buy bedding from their local store than by going online.
The good news for bricks-and-mortar merchants has emerged from a consumer survey by bedding manufacturer Bedmax.
In December 2024, 895 owners across the UK, responsible for the care of more than 2,600 horses, were asked where they buy their bedding.
Sixty-six percent said they preferred using their local retailer to ordering online.
Bedmax sells its equine beddings through a nationwide network of retailers. Managing director Tim Smalley says the survey underlines why that will always be the case.
“Many owners depend on the knowledge and advice of their retail suppliers to choose the best bedding for their horses,” he explained.
“In this survey, the top three key factors that owners look for in good bedding continue to be low dust, absorbency and hygiene - and many will look to their retailers to identify the best performers in these critical respects.”
Favourite bedding types revealed
Owners were also asked about their choice of bedding type, with 42% preferring purpose-made, larger shavings. The second choice was straw at 13% with straw pellets at 12%.
Bedmax produces Bedmax and Littlemax shavings, as well as Strawmax straw pellets.
The survey also asked owners about the health of their stabled horses and the source of raw materials used in bedding. Read more in the April issue of ETN.
