If you are new to horse ownership, you may not know how often to replace the horse bedding and how to clean their stalls properly. It's important for the comfort and health of your horses that they have fresh and clean bedding and a safe environment. To ensure this endeavor is successful, the information below explains when and how to muck out the stable.

How Often Should You Replace Horse Bedding?

The frequency of horse bedding replacement depends upon your schedule and the horse's routine and lifestyle. The longer you stable the animal, the more frequently you must muck out the stalls. For example, if you pasture the horse during daylight hours and only stable them at night, you only need to muck out the stall once a day. You should do so in the morning after the horse has spent the night in the stall. However, if the horse remains in the stall for many hours during the day, you'll need to muck it out at least twice. You can do so once in the morning and once in the evening. Failure to do this regularly can lead to various problems, including infections, foul odors, and insects. 

How Do You Muck Out a Horse Stall?

To muck out a stall, you'll need rubber boots, work gloves, a shovel, broom, and pitchfork. You will also need a sturdy wheelbarrow. First, remove the horse from the stable. Shovel the heavy, soiled horse bedding into the wheelbarrow. Then, when full, haul it to a compost pile. Be sure not to overload the cart, because wet bedding can be very heavy. Sweep up any remnants and spread fresh bedding around with the pitchfork.

The harder the stable floor is, the more bedding your horse needs. Wood or concrete floors need a foot or more of bedding. Sand or rubber flooring is easier on your horse, so they will need less of a cushion. Once every few weeks, perform a deep cleaning routine before laying down fresh bedding. Hose down the stall floor and walls and let it dry out to prevent mold growth. You should then use a safe disinfecting odor solution to eliminate any foul smells and bacteria. 

To replace your horse bedding with fresh materials, contact GI Shavings LLC in Hallandale, FL. They have been serving South and Central Florida for more than 20 years. In addition to horse bedding, their specialties include wood shavings for playgrounds and landscaping, as well as sawdust, mulch, and farm supplies. Visit their website to message them online or call (754) 300-4684 to ask about pricing and availability.