Why More Horse Owners Are Turning Away from Hemp Bedding – and Choosing Flax Instead

In recent years, hemp bedding has been marketed as a natural and eco-friendly alternative in horse stables. But in France, several stables and veterinarians have raised red flags: hemp bedding may actually be unsuitable for horses. Horse owners report everything from digestive issues to concerns about doping risks—leading to a sharp decline in the use of hemp bedding in many parts of the country.

Horses tend to eat hemp bedding – risking colic and more

Unlike flax bedding, which has a naturally bitter taste that horses dislike, hemp bedding can smell and taste appealing to some horses. This makes them more likely to eat it—with serious consequences. Reports from France indicate an increase in cases of colic, impaction, and other gastrointestinal issues caused by ingestion of the bedding.

“In France they stopped this hemp bedding for horses… it is dangerous as horses, most of the time eat this bedding and it is very bad for horses.”
— Louisa G., equine bedding supplier, France (2025)

A blog post on Teen Rider, a site aimed at young horse lovers, also warns against using hemp bedding if a horse has access to it:

“If your horse eats their bedding, hemp is not the best choice as it can cause digestive problems.”
— Teen Rider Horse Care Blog source

Risk of banned substances – CBD exposure through bedding

Another reason French horse owners have turned away from hemp is the potential for exposure to cannabinoids. While industrial hemp contains only trace amounts of THC, it can still include detectable levels of CBD and CBDA—which may cause positive results in drug testing. A 2024 scientific study showed measurable amounts of CBD in horse urine after exposure to hemp bedding. Researchers recommended a withdrawal period of at least 48 hours before competitions.

“Cannabidiol (CBD) and Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) were detectable in equine urine after exposure to hemp bedding.”
— Drug Testing and Analysis, 2024 source

Flax bedding – a safe, proven choice

In contrast, flax bedding has been used for decades in Sweden, Germany, the Netherlands, and France. Flax-based bedding is naturally unappetizing to horses, dust-free, and highly absorbent. It breaks down quickly into fine manure, making it both hygienic and cost-efficient.

The fact that flax bedding is safer for horses—and at the same time more sustainable—is something more and more horse owners are waking up to.

Want to learn more about why flax is the smart choice for your horse and your stable? Contact us or read more here.