Most stables are best mucked out thoroughly every day. Remove the soiled bedding (droppings and wet patches) and put the remaining clean bedding up to the sides of the stable. Sweep the floor thoroughly. This clean banked bedding can now be used to make the base for the new bed. Add new fresh bedding as required.

Semi-deep litter horse bedding

Shavings, paper, hemp and similar beddings can be managed on a semi-deep litter system. Remove droppings and wet patches daily, level the bed, lift and muck out thoroughly once or twice a week. 

Deep litter

Deep litter bedding is a labour saving method; however the box must be large and airy. It involves removing the droppings and really wet patches daily and putting fresh bedding on top of the old. The stable is mucked out thoroughly at least every 6 to 8 weeks.

Precautions

‘Bank’ the bedding around the walls of the stable to reduce the risk of the horse becoming cast (wedged against the wall and unable to get up) and injuring himself

Try to take the horse out of the box while you muck out.  If this is impossible tie him up so that he cannot get out or injure himself.

Rubber matting can be of great help in keeping your costs down.  Droppings should be removed frequently and if an absorbent area of bedding is used, this should be removed regularly.

Maintenance

Whatever the bedding material and system you use skip out (remove droppings) as often as possible.

At the end of winter, or more often if possible, pressure wash and disinfect the stable thoroughly.

Here at Brian Lears we provide excellent quality Horse Shavings at unbeatable prices.  We can arrange delivery or collection of your chosen horse bedding.  Please contact us to place an order.