Hemp Bedding for Horses: 7 Benefits of Wyoming Hemp Company’s USDA Certified Biobased Stall Bedding

By Dr. Connie, Futurist with the Wyoming Hemp Company 

Quick answer: Hemp bedding for horses is made from hemp hurd, the chopped woody core of the industrial hemp stalk. Independent lab testing shows hemp absorbs two to three times its weight in water and captures more ammonia than wood shavings or straw [1]. It composts faster than pine, horses rarely eat it, and Wyoming Hemp Company bedding is a USDA Certified Biobased Product with 100 percent biobased content [2][3].

Key Takeaways

• Absorbent: Hemp shives absorbed an average of 252 percent of their weight in water in independent testing, on par with fine wood shavings [1].

• Ammonia control: Hemp absorbed 50 percent of ammonia in the same study, compared with 44 percent for wood shavings and 4 percent for straw [1].

• Less labor: Hemp was the easiest and quickest bedding to muck out in a Finnish comparison of stable bedding materials [4].

• Faster compost: Wood products, especially pine, break down much more slowly than straw [5], while hemp decomposes rapidly [6].

• Verified renewable: The USDA Certified Biobased Product label means verified third-party laboratory testing [3].

Every horse owner has a bedding opinion. Pine shavings have been the default in many barns for decades, and straw still has loyal fans. More owners are switching to hemp. The reasons come down to what horses need: dry footing, clean air, and comfort. The switch is also fueled by what owners want: less labor and less waste.

Here is what the research says, and why Wyoming Hemp Company’s bedding checks every box.

What Is Hemp Bedding for Horses?

Hemp bedding is made from hurd, also called shives, the soft woody core of the industrial hemp stalk that remains after the outer fiber is separated [1]. The hurd is chopped into small, light flakes that spread like shavings but behave very differently once a horse starts using the stall.

Wyoming Hemp Company’s large animal bedding is made of premium half-inch hemp hurd flakes, sustainably grown on American family farms and processed in Wyoming [2]. Each  33-pound bag is designed for horses, cattle, pigs, goats, and other large animals.

Benefit 1: Superior Absorbency Keeps Stalls Drier

A 1,000-pound horse produces roughly 31 pounds of feces and 2.4 gallons of urine every day [7]. All of that liquid has to go somewhere, and bedding is the only thing standing between it and your horse's hooves.

In a 2023 study published in the journal Animals, Italian researchers tested hurd from ten hemp varieties as livestock bedding. The shives absorbed an average of 251.9 percent of their weight in water, with individual varieties ranging from 211 to 318 percent [1]. The authors reported that this performance was similar to fine wood shavings. 

The result is a drier stall floor, a more comfortable bed, and wet spots that stay contained and are easy to spot-clean.

Benefit 2: Better Ammonia Control Protects Your Horse's Lungs

When urine breaks down, it releases ammonia. You know the smell. By the time you notice it, your horse has already been breathing it for a while.

Bob Coleman, PhD, an equine extension specialist, notes that ammonia levels as low as 10 parts per million may affect the lungs. Most people cannot smell ammonia until it reaches about 20 ppm [8]. A stall that smells only a little strong to you may already be irritating your horse's airways.

Bedding choice makes a measurable difference. In the Animals study, hemp absorbed 50 percent of ammonia on average, compared with 44 percent for wood shavings and just 4 percent for straw [1]. Wyoming Hemp Company’s bedding naturally absorbs ammonia and odor, so the barn smells like fresh hemp rather than urine [2].

No bedding solves ammonia by itself. A Swiss study of eight bedding materials found that ammonia rose well above 10 ppm in every material after five days [9]. The lesson is simple. Pair absorbent bedding with daily picking and good ventilation. Penn State Extension recommends four to eight air changes per hour in horse stables [10].

Benefit 3: Low Dust Supports Healthy Breathing

Respiratory disease is one of the most common health problems in stabled horses. A 2020 review by an international group of equine researchers estimates that severe equine asthma, often called heaves, affects 14 to 17 percent of horses in cool northern climates. Additionally, mild to moderate asthma may affect 68 to 77 percent of pleasure horses [11]. The authors identify organic dust from hay and bedding as a key trigger, with signs often worsening in winter when horses spend more time indoors [11].

That makes dust one of the most important factors to weigh when choosing bedding. Wyoming Hemp Company’s large animal bedding is ultra-soft and low-dust. Its larger flakes resist wind, so the bedding stays in the stall instead of drifting down the aisle [2].

Quality matters. Hemp is a crop, and bedding quality can vary by growing season and processing [6]. A Swiss study found that two hemp blends, one with added eucalyptus and one mixed with flax, produced more fine dust than several other materials tested [9]. At Wyoming Hemp Company, we suggest using our hemp bedding without additional additives for horses. 

When comparing hemp products, look for clean, consistent flakes and very little powder at the bottom of the bag. If your horse already has heaves or equine asthma, work with your veterinarian on a complete plan that covers hay, bedding, and ventilation.

Benefit 4: Longer-Lasting Bedding Means Less Labor and Less Waste

A stalled horse typically goes through 8 to 15 pounds of bedding per day, and each stall can generate 12 to 13 tons of manure and bedding waste per year [5]. Anything that shrinks those numbers saves money, time, and your back.

Hemp bedding is easy to manage. In a Finnish study comparing bedding materials, removing dirty hemp bedding was the easiest and quickest option tested [4]. Because wet spots form compact clumps, you can lift out soiled bedding and leave the clean bedding in place.

Wyoming Hemp Company’s bedding lasts four to eight times longer than wood bedding, depending on the species [2]. With frequent spot cleaning and fresh top dressing as needed, most stalls go two to six weeks between full cleanings [12]. Fewer full strips mean fewer bags to haul and a smaller manure pile.

Benefit 5: Compostable Bedding That Breaks Down Fast

Penn State Extension estimates that about 12 tons of manure and soiled bedding come out of each full-time horse stall every year [7]. Your bedding choice determines what happens to that pile next.

Wood products, especially pine, break down much more slowly than straw and can slow nutrient release from manure [5]. Hemp, by contrast, decomposes rapidly [6].

Wyoming Hemp Company bedding is easily compostable and rich in carbon, nitrogen, and nutrients [2]. That turns a disposal problem into a resource for gardens, hay fields, and pastures. 

Benefit 6: 100 Percent USDA Certified Biobased

Wyoming Hemp Company’s animal bedding is 100 percent USDA-certified biobased [2]. Here is what that certification means and why it matters.

The USDA BioPreferred Program was created by the 2002 Farm Bill to spur economic development, create new jobs, and provide new markets for farm commodities [13]. The program has two parts: a federal purchasing preference for biobased products, and a voluntary label that certifies how much of a product comes from renewable biological sources [13].

To earn the USDA Certified Biobased Product label, a product's biobased content is third-party tested under the ASTM D6866 standard and monitored by USDA [3]. The test measures the ratio of new organic carbon from renewable sources to total organic carbon, including carbon from fossil fuels [3]. A score of 100 percent means all the carbon in the product comes from renewable biological material and none comes from petroleum. According to USDA, consumers "can be assured that the USDA and federal government stand behind the accuracy" of the biobased percentage on the label [3].

In plain terms, you can trust what is in the bag. Our hemp is grown on American farms and 100% plant-based.

Benefit 7: Horses Usually Leave It Alone

Equine journalist Sarah Evers Conrad reported in The Horse that horses will not eat hemp bedding [6]. That matters for easy keepers and for horses on carefully managed diets. Wyoming Hemp Company bedding also naturally resists many common pests [2].

Hemp vs. Pine Shavings vs. Straw: How They Compare

How to Bed a Horse Stall With Hemp

1. Start with a clean, dry floor. Strip old bedding and let the floor dry completely.

2. Break up the bag. Wyoming Hemp Company bags are compressed, so loosen and fluff the flakes as you spread them.

3. Go at least three inches deep. Spread hemp evenly at a minimum depth of three inches, and build a deeper layer for extra cushion or high traffic areas [12].

4. Pick daily. Remove manure and wet clumps every day, and top dress with fresh bedding as needed [12].

5. Replace on a schedule. Plan a full clean out every two to six weeks, depending on your horse and your management style [12].

6. Keep air moving. Aim for four to eight air changes per hour [10], and move horses out while you clean when possible, since mucking stirs up dust [8].

7. Compost the waste. Build a compost pile and let spent hemp become a soil amendment.

Storage tip: Hemp is highly absorbent, so keep bags indoors and off of floors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hemp bedding safe for horses?

Yes. Hemp hurd is a natural plant material that is highly absorbent and that horses will not eat [1][6]. Wyoming Hemp Company bedding is 100 percent USDA Certified Biobased, which means it contains no petroleum based ingredients [2][3]. As with any bedding change, watch your horse closely for the first few days.

Is hemp bedding good for horses with heaves or equine asthma?

Hemp can be a strong choice for horses with sensitive airways because it captures more ammonia than wood shavings or straw [1], and Wyoming Hemp Company bedding is low dust [2]. Dust from hay and bedding is a known asthma trigger [11], so bedding is only one part of the solution. Ask your veterinarian about hay, ventilation, and turnout as well.

Is hemp bedding better than pine shavings?

In lab testing, hemp matched fine wood shavings for water absorption and outperformed them for ammonia absorption, 50 percent versus 44 percent [1]. Hemp also breaks down faster in compost than pine [5][6]. Wyoming Hemp Company bedding lasts four to eight times longer than wood bedding, depending on the species [2].

How much hemp bedding does a horse stall need?

Spread hemp at least three inches deep, and add more for extra cushion [12]. One 33-pound bag of Wyoming Hemp Company bedding equals about two to three bags of pine shavings [12]. Contact Wyoming Hemp Company for a bag estimate based on your stall size and number of horses.

How often should you change hemp bedding in a horse stall?

Pick out manure and wet spots daily, and top dress as needed. Most stalls need a complete strip every two to six weeks [12].

Does hemp bedding contain THC, and can it affect drug testing?

Hemp bedding is made from the woody inner stalk of the plant. Cannabinoids such as THC are produced mainly in glandular trichomes on the flowers [14], and industrial hemp production is regulated by the USDA under federal THC limits [15]. Horses also do not eat hemp bedding [6]. If you compete, review your governing organization's medication rules, since those rules are the final authority.

Is USDA Certified Biobased the same as USDA Organic?

No. They are separate USDA programs. The USDA Certified Biobased Product label verifies the percentage of a product's carbon that comes from renewable biological sources, confirmed by third-party testing under ASTM D6866 [3]. Wyoming Hemp Company bedding is certified 100 percent biobased [2].

Can you compost hemp horse bedding?

Yes. Hemp decomposes rapidly [6], while wood products like pine break down much more slowly [5]. Wyoming Hemp Company bedding is easily compostable and rich in carbon, nitrogen, and nutrients [2]. Compost soiled bedding fully before spreading it on fields or gardens.

Is hemp bedding worth the cost?

Compare cost per month, not cost per bag. One compressed bag equals two to three bags of shavings [12], and the bedding lasts longer between full cleanings [2]. Factor in the time saved mucking stalls and the smaller manure pile, too.

Where can I buy hemp bedding for horses?

Order Wyoming Hemp Company large animal hemp bedding online at wyominghemp.us. Bulk pallets and super sacks are available for larger barns.

Give Your Horse a Better Bed

Wyoming Hemp Company bedding is grown on American farms, processed in Wyoming, and certified 100 percent biobased by the USDA. It keeps stalls drier, helps control ammonia, composts quickly, and gives your horse a soft, clean place to rest.

Order our industry-leading hemp bedding for your horses today: https://wyominghemp.us/collections/animal-bedding

References

1. Arango, S., Greco, R., Guzzo, N., Raffrenato, E., Montanari, M., and Bailoni, L. (2023). "Physical Characterization of Ten Hemp Varieties to Use as Animal Bedding Material." Animals, 13(2), 284. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13020284

2. Wyoming Hemp Company. "Large Animal Hemp Bedding." Accessed September 2026. https://wyominghemp.us/products/large-animal-hemp-bedding

3. USDA BioPreferred Program. "About the USDA Certified Biobased Product Label." Accessed September 2026. https://www.biopreferred.gov/BioPreferred/faces/pages/AboutLabel.xhtml

4. Airaksinen, S., Heinonen-Tanski, H., and Heiskanen, M-L. (2001). "Quality of Different Bedding Materials and Their Influence on the Compostability of Horse Manure." Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 21(3). https://www.researchgate.net/publication/248868740

5. Westendorf, M., and Krogmann, U. "Horse Manure Management: Bedding Use." Fact Sheet FS537. Rutgers Equine Science Center. https://esc.rutgers.edu/fact_sheet/horse-manure-management-bedding-use/

6. Conrad, S. E. (2002). "Bedding Benefits and Risks." The Horse. https://thehorse.com/130673/bedding-benefits-and-risks/

7. Penn State Extension. "Horse Stable Manure Management." https://extension.psu.edu/horse-stable-manure-management

8. Pfeffer, H. (2026, March 31). "Why Stall Air Quality Matters for Your Horse's Lungs." The Horse. https://thehorse.com/1143112/why-stall-air-quality-matters-for-your-horses-lungs/

9. Herholz, C., Kocher, J., and Küng, P. (2020). "Equine Health: Dust and Ammonia Emissions from Eight Different Bedding Materials." Agrarforschung Schweiz. https://www.agrarforschungschweiz.ch/en/2020/11/equine-health-dust-and-ammonia-emissions-from-eight-different-bedding-materials/

10. Penn State Extension. "Horse Stable Ventilation." https://extension.psu.edu/horse-stable-ventilation

11. Couëtil, L., et al. (2020). "Equine Asthma: Current Understanding and Future Directions." Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 7, 450. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2020.00450/full

12. Wyoming Hemp Company. "How to Use Wyoming Hemp Company's Animal Bedding for Large Animals and Livestock." https://wyominghemp.us/blogs/news/how-to-use-wyoming-hemp-company-s-animal-bedding-for-large-animals-and-livestock

13. USDA BioPreferred Program. "Frequently Asked Questions." https://www.biopreferred.gov/BioPreferred/faces/pages/FAQs.xhtml

14. Livingston, S. J., et al. (2020). "Cannabis Glandular Trichomes Alter Morphology and Metabolite Content During Flower Maturation." The Plant Journal, 101(1). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31469934/

15. USDA Agricultural Marketing Service. "Hemp Production Program." https://www.ams.usda.gov/rules-regulations/hemp

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