Q. How essential is stall bedding for a senior horse?

Becky May, Spokane, Wash.

A. This really depends on the horse’s condition and housing provided. How much time he is spending down, what’s his weight like, and what kind of ground is he lying on (concrete stall, pasture, packed dirt, etc.)? Generally speaking, I don’t alter bedding because a horse is old, but if a horse is thin and joint sore I would try to make sure he has a good cushion to lie on so as not to get pressure ulcers on bony points, such as the hips.