Which type of wood shavings is known to be harmful to horses?

Black walnut wood shavings are known to be harmful to horses. The shavings contain substances called juglone and other toxins that can induce laminitis, a painful and serious condition affecting the hooves. When horses are exposed to bedding made from black walnut shavings, they may develop symptoms such as swelling in the limbs, increased temperature in the hooves, or, in severe cases, lameness. This makes the use of black walnut shavings particularly dangerous for equine health, highlighting the importance of selecting safe bedding materials for stables.

While other woods, such as pine, oak, and cedar, are commonly used for bedding, they do not carry the same level of risk as black walnut. For instance, pine can sometimes cause respiratory issues due to aromatic oils, and cedar is also known for its strong scent, which can irritate the respiratory system, but neither wood has the same toxic properties as black walnut. This underscores the critical nature of understanding bedding materials and their effects on equine well-being.