If you’ve ever reached into a bag of shavings and noticed how remarkably clean, consistent and dust-free it feels, there’s a good chance the brand is Klassen Shavings. Founded in 1963 near Vancouver, British Columbia, Klassen has grown from a one-truck hauling operation into one of North America’s most trusted names in horse and animal bedding.
Roots in the Mill Country
Klassen was founded by Neil Klassen, who came from a farming background and spotted an opportunity to serve the region’s lumber mills. What began as hauling evolved naturally into shavings and animal bedding as agricultural needs in the area grew.
Today, Klassen operates production facilities in Canada and the U.S., with products used in major equine shows and public and private stables throughout North America. They’re also known for working with forestry leftovers — transforming wood residuals that would otherwise be left or burned into useful, sustainable products. Like making mulch of a tree stump.
“It’s from forest to the stall,” explains Kate Colman, marketing director for the family-owned enterprise and a granddaughter of its founder.
The K-Show Line: Built for Equestrian Performance & Comfort
Klassen’s equine bedding falls under their K-Show product line, designed specifically for comfort, cleanliness, and show-day performance. Dust control is central to everything they make.
“When we’re in a big show or large barn, our dust-free, kiln-dried products are a great option for the health of the animal and cleanliness, which is why they’re loved so much,” says Kate.
The K-Show lineup includes several options tailored to different needs and preferences.
ShowFlake — Klassen’s top-tier product. Bright white pine with a medium flake size, maximum loft, and exceptional absorbency. It’s known for its clean, attractive appearance in the stall and superior softness for horses with skin sensitivities.
ShowBlend Softwood — A triple-dust screened softwood shaving blend that is soft, absorbent and versatile. Available in multiple sizes (9 and 11 cubic feet usable volumes), it’s the go-to for equestrian centers and show facilities that need reliable, affordable performance.
ShowFresh — A fresh Douglas fir shaving with a large flake size and a clean, natural scent.
ShowMate – An absorbent and soft flake that’s an excellent complement to ShowBlend and ShowFlake.
ShowBlend Mini and Small Flake — Small and fine flake options that maximize absorbency and minimize waste at cleaning time. Kate’s personal tip: “A smaller flake is way easier when you’re mucking out stalls. You have way less waste.”
Always Available & Size Matters!
Availability has historically been a frustration for horse owners sourcing quality bedding. Klassen has invested heavily in new baling facilities in recent years, dramatically expanding their capacity and ensuring a steady, national supply.
“We consistently sold out before, and that was such a challenge,” Kate acknowledges. “The last few years, we’ve increased capacity so much that we’re able to service a wider range — nationally as well — with a more consistent supply.”
One practical tip Kate offers every customer: check the cubic footage on the bag, not just the price or the physical size of the bag. Klassen Shavings bags are tightly compressed, meaning the usable volume might differ from another company.
“The shavings bag beside it might have less cubic feet, even if it’s a larger size bag and a similar price. Take a look at what the usable volume actually is,” she says.
At Galway Downs
Klassen and Galway Downs have worked together for many years. Galway Downs represents exactly the kind of community Klassen was built to serve — one that’s growing and investing in its horses and riders at a time when many California equestrian centers have closed their gates.
“I think they’re creating such a great community and culture, and really serving a great need,” Kate says.
Klassen shavings are available at Galway Downs during show weekends and through feed stores and dealers across the country. Learn more at klassenwoodco.com.
