In this guide, we’ll cover how to clean a horse stall, how often it should be done, how to muck out a stable for beginners, and the importance of ongoing maintenance and upkeep. With proper planning and consistent care, the task of stall cleaning becomes a simple part of your daily routine—and your horse will appreciate your efforts.
Keeping your horse’s stall clean is one of the most important parts of maintaining their comfort, health and overall well-being. A clean stall helps prevent hoof problems like thrush, respiratory issues from urine-soaked bedding, and the spread of bacteria and parasites, creating a gentle environment for your horse.
It also provides a safe, comfortable space where your horse can relax after training or spending time in the pasture.
Preparation and Planning: How to Muck Out a Stable for Beginners
If this is your first time cleaning out your horse’s stable, you’ll be a pro in no time. Here is a helpful checklist to get started:
- Always wear gloves to protect your hands and prevent blisters
- Remove your horse from the stall before cleaning to prevent accidents and injuries. If they’re out grazing or exercising in a pasture, this would be an ideal time to take advantage of their absence from the stable. If this is not an option, consider moving your horse to an empty stall.
- Position the wheelbarrow near the stall door, facing the manure pile for easy disposal and to prevent debris from spreading to other areas of the stable
- Gather the necessary equipment, including a shovel, scrub brush and pitchfork. You may also need a stable broom, a broad shovel, rubber boots, work gloves and a shaving fork.
- Remove water buckets, feed tubs and toys
Stalls should be mucked out at least once a day. This involves removing any built-up waste. It typically takes about 15 minutes per horse. If your schedule allows, mucking twice a day is ideal since it keeps your horse drier and cleaner. If your horse has a lot of “chrome,” especially if they show, mucking twice a day will be beneficial.
Daily Stall Cleaning: Cleaning Wet Bedding, Straw Bedding and Water Buckets
Now that you’ve gathered your materials and cleaned out the stall, it’s time to begin.
Remove wet bedding every day to prevent ammonia buildup and maintain air quality in the stall, paying close attention to the edges and corners. If the stable has straw bedding, use a pitchfork to remove manure and wet or soiled bedding.
The shavings fork comes in handy to take out shavings or sawdust bedding.
After you’ve removed the debris, the manure and soiled bedding can be placed into the wheelbarrow. Tip: If you struggle to pick up wet bedding with a pitchfork, try using a snow shovel.
Once your wheelbarrow starts to fill up, roll it over to the manure pile and empty it. It’s better to take a couple of lighter loads rather than overfill it, which can make it harder to push and more prone to tipping.
Add fresh bedding, fluffing straw or shavings with a pitchfork to create a comfortable and dry layer for your horse.
Now, it’s time to focus on the water buckets. Clean those and feed tubs regularly to prevent the growth of bacteria and dirt. Always rinse them thoroughly before refilling with clean water.
Many choose to hang a plastic bucket with a snap hook because it’s safe and easy to remove for cleaning. Dump the old water out and clean the bucket thoroughly with clean water and your scrub brush. Take care to remove any buts of hay, algae and clumps of grain.
What is the Best Disinfectant for Horse Stables?
After the stall is mucked out, it needs to be stripped of everything until the floor is bare. Next, use a shovel and broom to gather and sweep away remaining debris and organic matter. Then, use a hose to spray the stall from the top down, using a scrub brush for stubborn stains.
Once the stall is rinsed, allow it to dry completely. Phenolic disinfectants are popular choices because they’re effective against a variety of organisms. However, it’s recommended to consult with your veterinarian to ensure you’re making the best choice for your horse and lifestyle. Also, always be sure to read the disinfectant manufacturer’s label and follow all instructions.
Use the disinfectant to clean the walls and floor, scrubbing all surfaces and corners to remove as much organic matter as possible. Take care to thoroughly disinfect everything in the stall.
Rinse the stall completely when you’re done, using a low-pressure power washer if necessary, and allow it to dry before adding fresh bedding.
Final Touches and Maintenance
Now, it’s time to put everything back and let your horse enjoy its fresh space:
- Spread clean bedding evenly over the stall floor, paying attention to edges and corners, and add a layer of shavings or straw to absorb urine and prevent ammonia buildup
- Replace mats and equipment, such as water buckets and feed tubs, and ensure they are clean and free of debris and dirt
- Take the time to inspect the stall and surrounding areas, and make any necessary repairs or adjustments to prevent accidents and injuries
- Remember to dump water buckets outside or down a drain after cleaning, and scrub them with soap and a stiff brush to remove dirt and bacteria, to prevent the spread of disease and maintain a healthy environment for your horses
Why Clean Stalls Matter
A clean stall isn’t just about appearances; it’s about promoting a healthy, stress-free environment for your horse. Regular cleaning also helps identify early signs of health concerns in equines, such as changes in manure or urine output. Additionally, if the horse is normally clean and the stall is frequently messy before cleanings, this could signal stress or anxiety and prompt further investigation.
By taking the time to thoroughly and consistently clean your horse’s stall, you’re investing in your horse’s health, your stable’s longevity and your peace of mind. Not to mention, a happy horse.
Our temporary stall rentals are thoroughly cleaned and regularly disinfected to provide a safe, healthy and comfortable environment for your horse, helping them stay relaxed and perform at their best. Whether you need a short-term or long-term solution, we offer secure and convenient options to meet your needs. We’ll handle the setup and make sure each stall is spotless and ready to go, so you can focus on giving your horse the time and attention it deserves.