How to Muck out a Horse Stall

Mucking stalls is a dirty job but someone's got to do it!
Getting into a routine makes it simple and speedy.

Difficulty Level: Easy
Time Required: 20 mins

Here's How:

1. Gather your tools - wheelbarrow, shavings fork
or other implement to remove droppings and wet bedding.

2. Begin by using the shavings fork to remove
dropping piles from the top of the bed.
Place the droppings in the wheelbarrow.

3. Starting in the corner farthest from the door,
fork through the bedding, removing buried droppings.

4. As you clean, bank the clean,
dry bedding against the walls for later use.

5. Scrape back the bedding from on top of wet spots
and remove the wet bedding and place it in the wheelbarrow.

6. Continue removing droppings and wet bedding until
all that's left is clean dry bedding piled around the edges.

7. At least once a week, leave the bed "up" for a few hours,
so that the floor can dry out.

8. When you're ready to lay the bed,
start at the back of the stall
and fork the bedding away from the wall to cover the floor.

9. If you had to remove a lot of wet bedding,
add some more so that the bed is about 5 - 6 inches thick.
The deeper the bed, the more absorbant it is.

10. Fluff the bedding as you lay it to aerate it
and provide a thick cushioned bed for your horse.

11. Some people like to "bank" the bed,
leaving a thick edging of bedding which can block drafts,
and can be used to pull into the middle next time the stall is cleaned.

Tips:

1. Remove the horse from the stall before commencing.
Stall cleaning raises a lot of dust
which can irritate your horse's respiratory system.

2. Start in the corner farthest from the door
and work towards the door, making sure nothing gets missed.

3. Stalls should be cleaned at least once a day.
Some horses necessitate more frequent cleanings.


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