Unfortunately, many horse owners do not know how to clean a horse stall, usually because they haven't thought to ask for a demonstration. This simple farm chore isn't difficult to learn, but sloppy work can lead to hoof damage, parasites, bacterial infections and other illnesses for the horse.
Horse Stall Cleaning Habits
Most experts recommend that a horse stall be cleaned at least twice a day, though when horses are turned out for several hours in the morning or afternoon, a single cleaning may suffice. It is best to take care of the cleaning in the morning and evening so that horses never have to go too long with manure and urine in their stalls.
Preparing a Horse Stall
When a horse is first introduced to his stall, the floor should be as level as possible with a thick layer of shavings on top. Although hay has been used in the past to bed horse stalls, this is no longer a practical or economic solution. Shavings are softer and far less expensive.
Many horse owners use rubber mats to floor a horse stall in order to provide the most level surface possible. Mats are inexpensive and need to be replaced only once every five years or so. Clay or hard dirt underneath is best to maintain that surface, and the dimensions of the stall should be at least 12 feet by 10 feet.
Removing Manure and Urine
When cleaning a horse stall, the main objective is to remove all manure and urine that has accumulated since the last cleaning. A pitchfork and manure bucket are typically all that is needed, though a shovel might be required if "urine spots" have formed in a dirt-floor stall.
Use the pitchfork to sift through the shavings, picking out piles of manure and dumping them into the manure bucket. Make sure to sift out clean shavings from the pitchfork before dumping, which will decrease the number of times shavings must be replaced.
As for urine, use the pitchfork or shovel to scoop out clumps of shavings saturated with urine. For this task, sifting is not required, and it is important to move all the shavings around to make sure all urine is uncovered.
Shavings should be replaced at least once every four days, depending on the horse. Larger animals produce more manure and urine, and therefore might require changes more often. Eventually, it will become instinctive to know when shavings need to be replaced.
Cleaning a horse stall is also a great time to ensure the health and comfort of a horse. Remember to:
- Shut the stall door or put the manure bucket in the doorway to prevent the horse from escaping.
- Remove all shavings if the horse suffers from diarrhea.
- Check the stall for ants and other pests while cleaning.
Checking Feed and Water Buckets
Some horses are not as conscious of where they relieve themselves as others, and manure will wind up in feed and water buckets. Make sure the horse stall is thoroughly clean by checking these places and cleaning buckets if they are contaminated. The same goes for automatic watering devices, as they are often low enough on the wall to allow horses to evacuate in them.
Cleaning a horse stall becomes a quick and easy task as horse owners practice. Just remember that a clean horse stall makes for a happy horse.
Laura Thompson - Laura Thompson is a horseback riding instructor and freelance writer living in Houston, Texas. She is proud to be the feature writer for ...
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