Lou Robson of Thoroughbred Dressage explains why she keeps coming back to Sundown Green to bed her yard of dressage horses.
At Thoroughbred Dressage I retrain ex-racehorses, alongside competing in dressage. My yard has 20 horses, with around 75% being former racehorses, and the rest warmbloods and other breeds. I’ve been using Sundown Green chopped straw bedding for many years, and it’s been a game-changer for my horses’ comfort and welfare.
For me, it’s crucial that my horses are bedded on straw. They need to be able to lie down, rest properly, and feel comfortable in their stables. Compared to other brands of chopped straw that I’ve tried, Sundown Green is fluffier and provides a deep, supportive bed. It looks fantastic too—when owners and clients visit for open days, I want the yard to look great, and these beds stay looking fresh for longer. I’ve noticed that the horses actually lie down more on Sundown Green than on other bedding. Seeing them resting properly is so important, as they work hard, and recovery is key to their well-being.
One of the biggest advantages of Sundown Green and straw bedding in general, is that my horses can eat their bedding, which is exactly what I want. Good gut health is everything—better digestion means better hoof quality, coat condition, and overall happiness. Horses are trickle feeders, and if they run out of hay, I want them to be able to pick at their bedding rather than stand hungry. I’d much rather put in an extra bale of Sundown Green than deal with the cost and stress of ulcers caused by empty stomachs. One of my mares, who has Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS), particularly benefits from it—she can nibble on her bedding without consuming excess calories, keeping her gut moving without gaining unwanted weight.
Economically, Sundown Green makes sense. It fluffs up beautifully when you open the bale, and four bales create a huge bed that lasts. I use less bedding over time compared to other brands, which turn yellow or brown quickly and need constant top-ups. It’s also incredibly quick to muck out, meaning fewer trips to the muck heap and less waste overall. Given that I have 20 horses to manage, saving time is essential.
For me, Sundown Green ticks all the boxes—comfort, appearance, horse welfare, and value for money. It’s a product I keep coming back to because it just works.