The optimal living conditions for a horse is to be outside in all but the most inclement weather. Those who don't have pasture turn out, face a constant and often losing battle to keep ahead of the mud and odor problems associated with stabling.

Most horse lovers board their horses in outside paddocks and are continually searching for a suitable bedding medium. Do nothing and you have ankle deep mud in winter and hard-pan in summer. Add sand and pay the vet for sand colic visits. Pour in the pine shavings and watch them blow away, put down nothing and the stall develops such an ammonia odor that you don't want to go near your own horse's corral.

Don't risk your expensive investment on wet or hard footing. Your horse carries all of its weight on four small ankle bone, which are one of its most vulnerable areas. To promote logevity and maximize performance, give your horse that extra dryness and cushion where the hoof meets the ground.