Cost rationalisation is leading larger stables in particular to use mattresses. The term mattress housing is used when the entire stall is mucked out by machine only once a week or every fortnight, and in the meantime old straw, new straw and horse manure accumulate like a mattress.

 

 

The accumulation of dirty straw or litter causes ammonia gases to build up, which the horse inhales in its box. The constant inhalation of ammonia almost inevitably leads to severe respiratory problems. More and more horses are suffering from chronic bronchitis due to damage to the respiratory tract caused by inhaling their own urine.

 

 

If a horse spends more than half the day in its stall, it should be cleaned twice a day. Only the soiled straw needs to be removed. 

The boxes of horses that spend a lot of time in the box, but also enjoy a lot of time in the fresh air, should still be mucked out once a day so that the horse does not inhale the harmful vapours overnight.

 

In addition to damage to the respiratory tract, a box wet with urine will cause hoof rot in the long term. The horn of the hooves becomes soft and rotten and begins to fall off.