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!
Remove the hay, water bucket and manger to avoid contamination and keep the stall clean. Removing the horse is also a good idea.
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.
Toss the shavings to the sides of the stall next. Remove any droppings that fall out of them as you do so.
Scoop up the wet shavings with the shavings fork.
Sweep the floor and shovel up any remaining manure.
Leave the floor to dry and air out for a while. Then you can pull back the shavings to lay the bed. Bank up the shavings against the walls.
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.
Use the four-pronged pitchfork to loosen them and dump them into the stall.
Spread the shavings around to make a comfortable stall.
Replace the water and feed bowls. If you couldn’t remove the water bowl because it was fixed to the wall, change the water.
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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