Flax Bedding: An Evidence-Based Solution for Stable Air Quality

The Hidden Hazards in the Stable

The dangers inside a stall are not always visible. Dust particles, too small for
the eye to see, remain suspended in the air long after a horse shifts in its
bedding. The finest of these—known as PM₂.₅—are capable of traveling deep
into the lungs, where oxygen exchange occurs. Once inhaled, they trigger
inflammation, stimulate mucus production, and narrow the airways. Even
mild cases of Inflammatory Airway Disease (IAD) can reduce oxygen uptake
by 5–10%, a margin that can cost a Thoroughbred several lengths in a
competitive race. And because oxygen fuels not only speed but also muscle
repair and bone strength, horses compromised by dust fatigue sooner,
recover more slowly, and are at greater risk of injury.

Compounding the problem is ammonia. Within minutes of a horse urinating,
bacteria in the bedding begin breaking it down, releasing ammonia gas into
the air. While a clean, well-managed stall is every trainer’s priority, science
has shown that ammonia forms faster than even the best mucking can
prevent. Prolonged exposure irritates the airways, making horses more

vulnerable to infection and IAD. Grooms, riders, and veterinarians are not
immune either, often experiencing eye, throat, and respiratory irritation in
barns where ammonia levels run high. Together, dust and ammonia create
an invisible but persistent challenge to equine health and performance—one
that demands a better solution.

The question has never been whether dust and ammonia are harmful; that
truth has been established for years. The real challenge has been finding a
stable management practice that addresses both dangers effectively.

“Oxygen fuels both speed on the track and recovery in the barn.”

Why Bedding Choice Matters

For generations, straw and wood shavings have been the go-to choices for
stall bedding. But both materials continue to present the very risks
veterinarians and researchers have warned us about. Straw breaks down
into fine particles that fill the stable with dust, directly feeding the cycle of
respiratory irritation. Wood shavings may appear cleaner at first, yet they,
too, crumble over time, releasing irritants into the air and contributing to
inflammation. And in both cases, urine seeps to the stall floor, where
bacteria convert it into ammonia gas that horses and humans must breathe
day after day.

These realities make bedding choice one of the most important—and often
overlooked—determinants of stable air quality. A horse can be on the best
feed, the best training program, and the best veterinary care, but if it is
breathing dust and ammonia for 23 hours a day in its stall, its performance
and long-term health will inevitably be compromised. Because a racehorse
spends most of its day in the stall, bedding is not just a matter of tradition,
but of welfare, performance, and longevity.

“When horses breathe cleaner air, they not only perform better—they stay in
training longer. That’s a win for the horse, the trainer, and the sport itself.”
— HISA veterinary panel statement

That is why flax bedding is different—and why it matters.

Flax Bedding: The Equicibus Solution

This is where Equicibus flax bedding offers a practical, science-based
answer. Most horsemen are already familiar with the flax plant (Linum
usitatissimum) for its health benefits in flaxseed and flax oil. But beyond the
seed lies another remarkable part of the plant: its sturdy stem. Inside that
stem is the woody inner core, known as the shive. The long outer fibers of
the stem have traditionally been used for linen, while the shive was once
 considered a byproduct. Yet it is here—in the core of the stem—that flax
reveals its unique value as bedding.

The design of the stem itself is nature’s blueprint for absorption. In the
living plant, the shive pulls moisture upward, feeding the leaves and seeds.
When repurposed as bedding, those same woody fibers act like countless
tiny sponges, drawing in and holding liquid far more effectively than straw
or wood shavings. This natural capillary structure not only makes flax
bedding exceptionally absorbent, but also allows the fibers to chemically
bind liquid at the molecular level, locking it in place rather than letting it
pool or seep. That distinction becomes critical when it comes to controlling
ammonia, which we will return to shortly.

At Equicibus, we refine this natural advantage through a careful kindling
process, where the long outer flax fibers are separated from the woody inner
core. Once separated, the shives are chopped, cleaned, and thoroughly dust-
extracted. Unlike straw or wood shavings, which inevitably break down into
harmful airborne particles, flax shives resist fragmentation, making them far
safer for horses prone to airway inflammation. Each batch is also heat-
treated to eliminate bacteria and pathogens, ensuring a bedding material
that is not only dust-free but hygienic. And because flax is naturally
hypoallergenic, it creates a stable environment that minimizes the risk of
respiratory and skin reactions for even the most sensitive horses.

The second challenge—ammonia—is solved at the molecular level. Flax cell
walls naturally contain hydroxyl groups that bind chemically with nitrogen
compounds in urine. This prevents the bacterial conversion that produces
ammonia gas. Rather than merely absorbing liquid, Equicibus flax bedding
neutralizes the precursors of ammonia before they can escape into the
stable air.

“Flax bedding binds urine at the molecular level—so ammonia never
escapes.”

The result is a cleaner, healthier environment for both horses and humans.

By removing both dust and ammonia, the health impact on the horse is
noticeable within days to a week. Trainers and veterinarians often observe
clearer airways, reduced irritation, and visible improvements in recovery
times. As oxygen intake improves, horses gain greater stamina, bounce back
faster from training, and show a steadier, more consistent effort. These early
improvements compound over time, supporting not only performance on the
track but also long-term durability and welfare.
 
The benefits extend beyond respiratory protection. Flax compacts into a soft
yet stable cushion underfoot, providing superior support compared to straw
or shavings. This reduces concussion on joints and tendons, while the
consistently dry surface helps prevent hoof problems such as thrush.
Trainers using flax bedding report not only cleaner air and fewer respiratory
issues, but also sounder horses that recover more quickly from training. In
an industry where even minor gains in oxygen uptake or reductions in
inflammation can translate into measurable performance advantages, these
improvements matter.

Results for Trainers, Owners, and Racetracks

Trainers benefit first. With Equicibus flax bedding, horses remain more
consistent in their training programs, missing fewer days due to respiratory
irritation or hoof problems. That reliability means fewer unexpected gaps in
conditioning, fewer late scratches, and a stronger ability to keep horses at
peak performance. Reduced reliance on medications and fewer scopes also
translate into lower veterinary costs and cleaner compliance under
regulatory oversight.

For owners, the advantage is clear: a healthier horse is one that stays in
training, enters more races, and delivers on its athletic potential. Horses
that avoid interruptions not only perform better on the track, but also retain
greater long-term value, both in competition and eventually in breeding
programs. Protecting the horse’s health ultimately protects the owner’s
investment.

As earlier mentioned, up to 80% of young Thoroughbreds in training are
affected by airway disease. That figure is not abstract—it represents a
significant portion of the racing population performing below their full
potential. A horse with even mild IAD may still train and compete, but its
oxygen uptake is reduced, its recovery is slower, and its consistency is
compromised. Multiply that across barns and across racetracks, and the
result is fewer horses able to sustain training at the highest level.

Now imagine lowering that 80%. Even a modest reduction—say by 10–20%—
would mean thousands more horses across the industry staying sounder,
training more consistently, and entering races. For trainers, that translates
to fuller barns with fewer setbacks. For racetracks, it means deeper entry
boxes, stronger fields, and higher-quality races that draw more bettors and
fans. By addressing the root causes of dust and ammonia, flax bedding gives
the industry a practical way to strengthen its competitive base.

The financial benefits add to the case. Because flax is exceptionally
absorbent, trainers require up to one-third less bedding per stall compared
 to straw or wood shavings, lowering supply costs across entire barns. That
savings is substantial—not just trimming costs, but creating security and
stability for barns, with the flexibility to reinvest in horses, staff, and
training programs. Racetracks also realize savings on manure disposal, as
soiled flax produces less bulk and decomposes faster. In Europe, composted
flax bedding is returned to farmers to enrich the soil, closing the loop
between racing and agriculture.

From the racetrack to the earth, the Thoroughbred and its flax bedding join
forces to produce compost that renews and nourishes the soil.