Horses are usually not kept in pack pens as the animals require a significant amount of space, therefore, whole newsprint would not be a feasible alternative use. However, for tie or box stalls, chopped paper may be an option. Another disadvantage to whole newsprint for bedding in pens is that a solid base is not formed compared to straw, corn cobs or cornstalks. To create this base, fibrous bedding can be mixed with the newsprint bedding. Advantages There are advantages to using whole newsprint.
Newsprint is readily available if it can be collected in' a central place.
Very little processing needs to be done, because chopping and baling is not necessary. However, the colored slick sheets should be separated from the newsprint. To use sheets of newsprint, the recommended mix is two-thirds newsprint and one third straw, corn cobs or corn stalks. This mixture provides the benefits of both products. The straw, corn cobs or corn stalks provides the fibrous material for the base so the paper will appropriately pack, and the newsprint provides the absorption and insulation.