From: Stephanie
My name is Stephanie and I am in 4-H. This year someone donated limestone dust to our Equine Committee in order to fill the stalls so that the ground is even. One of the advisors mentioned that horses could get limestone poisoning from standing on limestone. Also, the limestone is not like dust. It is hard and is clumped together in little bunches that are impossible to break apart. This limestone 'dust' has already been put in the stalls. Our county fair lasts for one week and the horses remain for the entire fair. Could you please give me more information about limestone poisoning and should I remove the 'dust' from the stall my horse will be occupying before moving in? Thank you very much for your time. If possible I would like an answer before July 23 so that I have time to remove the limestone. Sincerely, Stephanie
Hi Stephanie! Crushed limestone is often used as a flooring base for stalls and as a base for riding arenas. It shouldn't cause any problems. If you're worried about your horse standing on what is basically rather like gravel, you can always put some extra bedding in the stall! An extra bale or two of shavings will make him more comfortable and help you worry less.
Have fun at the fair!
Jessica
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