Before the mares foal, we put down about 3" of fresh, clean sawdust/shavings (to use to absorb fluids) and then we put down a nice thick layer of straw. We make sure the straw layer is thick enough that there is plenty of fluff for the foal to stay warm and comfy on, and that it can't get to the sawdust too easily (for the respiratory reasons) For the first couple of days, we add more straw as we muck out the bad stuff. Then, after a couple of days, we start to add the sawdust/shavings instead of the straw. After about a week and half or so we again completely strip out the stall and just put the sawdust/shavings down.

In places where straw is really expensive or people can't find good straw, I have heard of using high quality grass hay...again you have to make sure it is clean and non dusty. Some use it with mares that tend to eat the straw, too...

Good luck!

Kristine