How to Muck Out a Stall

Last Updated: June 29, 2021

A stall (Canada), loose-box (UK) or stable is indoor housing for a horse or pony. They can be from 10 feet (3.0 m) square for a small pony to more than 12ftx14ft for a large horse. Mucking out means removing soiled bedding and is a very important part of daily stable management, as it keeps the stable smelling good and the horse healthy. There are many different types of bedding and ways of managing a bed. This article dealing with fully mucking out a shavings bed. So pick up your tools and clean that stall!

Steps

1
Remove the hay, water bucket and manger to avoid contamination and keep the stall clean. Removing the horse is also a good idea.
2
Remove all the bigger, more obvious droppings on the surface with the shavings fork or rubber glove. Sift the shavings through the pitchfork so all that remains is manure(droppings). Then, deposit the manure in the wheelbarrow.^{[1]
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3
Toss the shavings to the sides of the stall next. Remove any droppings that fall out of them as you do so.
4
Scoop up the wet shavings with the shavings fork.^{[2]
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5
Sweep the floor and shovel up any remaining manure.^{[3]
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6
Leave the floor to dry and air out for a while.^{[4]
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Research source} Then you can pull back the shavings to lay the bed. Bank up the shavings against the walls.
7
Add new shavings, if necessary. To open the bale, cut the tape with scissors or a special safety barn knife that has a recessed blade.
8
Use the four-pronged pitchfork to loosen them and dump them into the stall.^{[5]
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9
Spread the shavings around to make a comfortable stall.^{[6]
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10
Replace the water and feed bowls.^{[7]
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Research source} If you couldn’t remove the water bowl because it was fixed to the wall, change the water.
11
Sweep the yard if necessary and put the tools back neatly. This is especially important if you are boarding your horse.

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Community Q&A

Question

Where do you put the horse droppings after you've mucked the stall?

Community Answer

It depends on the stable. Most stables have a designated muck pile that's away from the horses' living and feeding areas.
Question

Could I put my horse in a paddock while I muck out?

Community Answer

Yes. You can turn your horse out or put him on cross ties.
Question

Where should I put my horse when I'm mucking out the stall?

Community Answer

Tie it up with a quick release knot to an iron hook by the hay net or put it in the field.
Question

What happens if your horse stays inside the stable?

Community Answer

If a horse stays in their stall for a lot of time, they will develop arthritis. The horse won't be able to move around and their muscles will start to deteriorate, the horse will lose their muscles and become weak.
Question

What do I do with the muck pile?

Community Answer

It depends on where you're located. You could load it into a spreader and spread the manure over the fields where you or the neighbors (if they permit you) want to grow their crops.
Question

How long does it take to care for a horse daily?

Community Answer

It depends on the day, but probably about four hours each day for horse care, barn chores, and riding.
Question

Why do we muck out the stables?

meep meep

Community Answer

To make sure that the horse is in a happy and clean environment. You want to make sure there isn’t too much poop in their stall.
Question

I want to work at a stable, but I know nothing about working in them, I feel like I won't fit in. What should I do?

Equestriangoose

Top Answerer

Most horse people are very kind and accepting, or too busy to even notice you don't know what you are doing! Call a couple of stables near you to see if they would be willing to teach an inexperienced person. Don't feel too down if they decline, despite their size, horses are delicate creatures that need top level care. However, even someone who has no clue about horses can paint fences, fill and scrub water buckets, sweep the barn, feed the barn cats, and groom/level the arena or mow the field (if you have tractor experience). Be aware that barn life isn't easy. Hay can be heavy, wheelbarrows get flat tires, sawdust gets in your boots, barns are cold, and the grey one will roll in the mud.

Warnings

For health, safety and convenience to yourself and your horse it is highly recommended that you remove the horse before mucking out, especially if the horses suffered from breathing problems.

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Helpful 18 Not Helpful 2
Mucking out is physically demanding and can put a strain on your back. Wear rubber gloves to help protect your hands.

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Helpful 19 Not Helpful 3
Traditionally bedding is banked (heaped against the walls) to help stop the horse becoming cast (trapped against the wall). This is very difficult and not very effective with shavings. Wall mats or anti cast strips can help the horse find traction if he become cast.

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Helpful 17 Not Helpful 3
Disturbing a bed fills the air with dust and mold spores. Allergy and asthma sufferers should wear a dust mask and overalls.

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Helpful 13 Not Helpful 2
If the horse is tied in the stall while you are mucking it out, he should have excellent stable manners. Make sure you don't accidentally hit or tap him with the pitchfork because if he spooks or kicks in the small space, both of you risk injury - plus, it would hurt.

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