The entire production process is computerized which allows us to keep stringent control over the consistency and quality of our bedding. It also streamlines the process of producing flakes, keeping costs to a minimum.

The benefit of premium bedding and value for money, is then passed onto you the customer.

Raymond Boyd owner of Boyd bedding describes the thinking behind the organisation.

Boyd Bedding Factory in Newtownstewart, Northern Ireland

Our timber initially undergoes a process unique and key to bluefrog. The timber is debarked to ensure the cleanest bedding possible. Once debarked, the timber is then planed to a specific and optimum sized flake.

We have extensively consulted our customers, and have backed up their feedback with field tests ( well stable actually), to establish the best size of flake for the ultimate in stability underfoot, absorption, and retention of product during process, packaging and storage. Mucking out and disposal was also taken into account when deciding the perfect size of flake.

The flakes are then dried in a large furnace. The high temperatures used, sterilize the flakes naturally, leaving the bedding both absorbent and clean. The heat used in the drying process ensures there are no fungi, spores, or bacteria present in the bedding. We continuously monitor our bedding independently with microtoxicity tests carried out to ensure the natural sterility of our product.

The nature of Bluefrog large flakes allows us to thoroughly remove all small particles. This stage in the process is the most significant for horses’ health. Horses are very sensitive to dust and it is very important to keep dust to a minimum. Once sensitised horses can go on to develop allergies which will impair their competitive performance. Bluefrog allows you to minimise the impact of the environment on your horse.

Once dried and dust extracted the flakes are baled and palletised, without being handled by hand. This streamline aspect of the process keeps our efficiency of supply up and costs down.

Bluefrog Bedding is created from virgin timber, it is not made from recycled waste product. Yet when you choose bluefrog you are helping plant more trees, as all our timber comes from government managed Coillte forests.

Having control over our raw material gives us two main advantages. Firstly our product has no risk of contamination from the processing used on waste timber, or spores which can be present in organic or non-sterile bedding.

The other advantage is that we don’t suffer from seasonal scarcity that occurs with a process that relies on waste products from other production processes. By specifically manufacturing bluefrog we can keep control over quality and price, giving you the customer the peace of mind that you are using the best bedding available at the best price!

The effect of dust on horses health is well recognised. Simply put, a healthy horse, will perform better. For a horse to compete at it’s athletic best, it must breath properly. Under average stable conditions, in a single breath, a horse can inhale up to 12 million particles of dust, into his lungs. More and more horses are becoming sensitised to dust and many go on to develop allergies.

Using dust free shavings will significantly reduce the respiratory challenge from the horses’ environment.

For years horse owners have exercised great care over the quality of feed and forage used for their horses. With particular value placed on low dust and spore content. They could not exact the same level of stringency over bedding, finding what was available was mainly waste products, high in dust levels and low in consistency or quality.

At last there is a bedding that can minimise the environmental impact on the horses respiratory system. Bluefrog's large absorbent flakes are completely dust free. The strength of the drying process heat sterilises the flakes making them the cleanest most absorbent bedding available.