Straw
Has limited absorption, minimal impact on odor, creates waste disposal problems and because it is so light often ends up along the edges of the stall with the center of the stall exposed. Straw must be constantly changed, resulting in unnecessary labor and waste.

Shavings
Shavings take up a large amount of storage both at the stable and when traveling with a trailer. Shavings are ineffective in absorbing urine allowing it to spread over a large area of the stall resulting in unnecessary mess. Shavings' inability to absorb wetness results in lingering odor. With shavings, manure tends to get lost in the bedding increasing the amount of time spent cleaning. Also, much of the bedding is removed from the stall when cleaning.

Sawdust
Sawdust supplies are often limited and inconsistent. Its cleanliness and purity is in question and has a limited absorption capacity. The length of time it is effective is short, resulting in unnecessary cleaning and waste.

Hardwood pellets
Less absorption (and slower) than pine. Do not hold up as long and must be replaced sooner. These pellets are dark making it very difficult to identify which areas require cleaning. The dark bedding gives an unclean appearance to the stall.

Softwood/white wood 'blends'
An all-pine pellet is the most effective type for bedding. Mixing wood types diminishes the effectiveness of the pine. Blends are produced in areas that do not have a large supply of pine, the best wood type for bedding.

Wood chips
Simply less effective. Cleanliness, comfort, and supply are in question.