Frequently asked questions

For horses with respiratory problems (allergies, chronic bronchitis, dust sensitivity), both Holz Span beddings are suitable, as they are 100% dedusted. Of the two, XL Shavings are generally the most recommended: the larger flake gives a more airy bedding, often preferred for more sensitive animals.

Holz Span shavings are made from pure spruce (Picea abies), from selected European softwood. They are not a sawmill by-product: the shavings are produced specifically through debarking and planing of the wood — a dedicated process that gives a clean flake with consistent characteristics in every batch. The wood is untreated, with no additives or chemical residues; the only further step is a heat treatment, to ensure hygiene and low moisture.

The difference is flake size and volume. Medium Shavings (8–15 mm, about 600 litres per bale) are the standard bedding for professional stables, with optimal absorbency for daily stable management. XL Shavings (15–40 mm, about 675 litres per bale) have larger flakes for riding facilities and high-turnover operations: more volume per bale and less frequent topping-up. Both are 100% dedusted and have moisture below 8%.

Dedusted bedding is a shaving processed to remove almost all fine dust — in Holz Span's case, 100% dedusting. By reducing dust to almost zero, it removes the main cause of respiratory issues in the stable and protects the airways of the horse and of those who work there — handlers, farriers and vets — as well as keeping the stable visibly cleaner.

No. Holz Span shavings are pure, untreated spruce, with no additives or chemical residues. The only treatment is thermal, to ensure hygiene and keep moisture below 8%. No added substance comes into contact with the horse.

Average consumption is 0.5–1 bale per week per horse, depending on stable size and cleaning frequency. A Holz Span bale has an expanded volume of about 600 litres (Medium Shavings) or 675 litres (XL Shavings). The bales are heat-sealed and stackable, so they are easy to store even in multiple units.

Compared to straw, wood shavings offer greater absorbency, less dust and much faster stable management: mucking out a stable with straw can take up to 4 times as long as with shavings. Dedusted shavings like Holz Span's (100% dedusting, moisture below 8%) are also particularly suitable for horses with respiratory sensitivities, while straw tends to release more dust and spores.

Pine (Pinus) and spruce (Picea abies) are softwoods, but differ structurally. Holz Span spruce excels across four critical factors:

• Biochemical Profile: Pine contains high resin and volatile compounds (terpenes) that irritate respiratory/ocular membranes (critical for performance horses or those with asthma/RAO) and trigger contact dermatitis. Holz Span spruce is naturally neutral, hypoallergenic, and thermally sanitized.

• Biomechanical Response: Rigid pine fibers fracture under weight, causing rapid compaction and volume loss. Holz Span's large planed flakes (Medium 8–15 mm / XL 15–40 mm) retain loft and cushioning to protect joints and tendons.

• Efficiency & Consumption: Pine is dark/yellowish, obscuring waste. Holz Span's pristine white shavings maximize visual contrast, making urine and manure instantly identifiable for selective mucking, lowering bale consumption and manure volume.

• Moisture & Dust: Standard pine carries high residual dust. Holz Span features 100% mechanical dust extraction and below 8% residual moisture, ensuring immediate, superior liquid absorption.

Holz Span Data: 100% virgin wood, 100% dust-extracted, moisture below 8%, thermally sanitized.

Stables, breeding farms and resellers are supplied directly by Holz Span, with planned supply available all year round across Europe. To get started, simply request a quote from the contact page.

The shavings are packed in heat-sealed, stackable bales arranged on pallets. In addition to the heat-sealing of the individual bale, every pallet has a full cover that makes it waterproof against rain and UV rays: this allows outdoor storage, keeping the product dry and hygienic until use.

Holz Span delivers across Europe. Logistics are organised for planned supply and to guarantee continuous availability all year round, without the interruptions typical of seasonal local supply.

For a full load, delivery usually takes about 5 working days from the order. Times may vary depending on area and volume, but availability is guaranteed 12 months a year: no stock shortages during winter demand peaks.

Yes, 12 months a year. It is the advantage that sets Holz Span apart: while many local supplies are seasonal and subject to stock shortages, here availability is continuous. Stables and resellers can therefore plan their restocking without ever running out of product.

Yes. Each Holz Span reseller is assigned a dedicated sales area: enquiries coming from that area are directed to the relevant reseller, protecting their business.

Three elements: continuity (supply guaranteed 12 months a year, not seasonal), consistent quality (pure spruce, 100% dedusted, the same process in every batch) and service (a dedicated contact, clear terms and a network of resellers with protected areas). Not just any shaving, but a supply you can plan around.

Yes, both options are possible, even for a single pallet: home delivery or collection. To arrange the option best suited to your area, request a quote from the contact page.

Stables and breeding farms are supplied directly by Holz Span, with dedicated consultation on volumes, delivery terms and continuity of supply. To get started, request a quote from the contact page.

Fill in the application form in the "Become a reseller" section. Holz Span evaluates each request individually, and a contact will get back to you to define the sales area, terms and form of collaboration.