When you add up all of you at the end of the month, there are a few bills that typically stand out: your feed bill and your bedding bill. Bedding bills can be costly, especially if you house many horses in your barn. You can take control of your bedding bill, though – here are a few ways to save on your bedding costs!

Install Stall Mats or a Stable Mattress System

The base of your stall can directly affect how much bedding you go through on a daily basis. A good base reduces the amount of bedding that you use. If you don’t already have interlocking stall mats in place, then they are a worthwhile investment – stall mats provide some cushion, while also preventing your horse from digging down into the dirt and blending it into his bedding.

Additionally, give some serious thought to installing the StableComfort system. The StableComfort system creates a cushiony base for your horse to stand on, greatly reducing the amount of bedding that you need to put down.

Buy In Bulk

When it comes to actually buying bedding, buying in bulk can reduce the overall cost! If you can afford to buy in bulk, then always do so – the savings will really add up throughout the course of a year. If you have a smaller barn and can’t make bulk orders, see if you can join onto a larger stable’s bedding order. You will need to come up with a way to transport your share of the bedding, but the savings you’ll gain by adding onto a bulk order may be worth the trouble.

Avoid Buying Bagged Shavings

Try to avoid buying bagged shavings at all cost. Bagged shavings are significantly more expensive than loose, bulk shavings. If you have to buy bagged shavings, then shop around for the best deals and always keep an eye out for sales.

Investigate Bedding Types in Your Area

Different types of bedding cost different amounts. Depending on your location in the country and the most popular bedding types locally, you may be able to save money by choosing one type of bedding over another. Doing your research about the costs of different types of bedding can pay off.

Create Adequate Storage

With buying in bulk being one of the best ways to save on your bedding costs, having storage for your bedding is important. If you don’t have adequate storage to keep the bedding protected from the weather, then the savings you get by buying in bulk may quickly be negated because of lost or spoiled bedding.

There are many ways to reduce your bedding costs. What methods have you found to be the most effective?!

Original Source: Ways to Save On Your Bedding Costs