A Guide on Mucking Out Horses with Cardboard Bedding
Mucking out horse stables is one of the most essential daily tasks for every horse owner. With Spring coming around the corner, you might also want to think about giving the stables a solid spring clean to freshen everything up thoroughly after winter. Whilst seasoned horse owners will know the ins and outs of mucking out horses, the type of bedding you use can make a big difference in how you muck out the stable.
With S4Bed cardboard bedding, its excellent absorbency and low dust properties, not only make it healthier for your horse to live in but easier for you to muck out too! Decreasing the amount of time it takes you to go about this daily chore.
If you’re new to working with cardboard bedding or just looking for tips to make mucking out horses more efficient, this guide will walk you through the process step by step.
Why Cardboard Bedding?
Before diving into the mucking out process, it’s worth understanding why you might choose cardboard bedding for your horse.
Highly Absorbent
Cardboard bedding efficiently soaks up urine, keeping the stable drier for longer.
Low Dust
Ideal for horses with respiratory concerns, as cardboard bedding produces far less dust compared to straw or shavings.
Eco-Friendly
Made from recycled materials and biodegradable, it’s a sustainable choice.
That said, cardboard bedding requires a slightly different approach when mucking out horses compared to traditional materials like straw or shavings.
What You’ll Need
Alongside your regular tools, such as a wheelbarrow, shovel and broom. We recommend using a shavings fork with small prongs, as this works best for sifting through cardboard bedding. It’s also always a good idea to wear gloves and sturdy boots to keep yourself safe whilst working.
Step-by-Step Guide to Mucking out Horse Stables with Cardboard Bedding
Remove Manure
Using your manure fork, scoop up all visible piles of manure. Cardboard bedding is relatively easy to sift through; it behaves similarly to shavings, so gently shake the fork to separate clean bedding from waste. This step helps you conserve as much clean bedding as possible.
Identify and Remove Wet or Soiled Bedding
Cardboard bedding is highly absorbent, so urine patches tend to clump together in distinct areas. Use your fork or shovel to dig out these wet patches entirely. Leaving them in the stable can lead to odours, ammonia buildup and discomfort for your horse.
Save Clean Bedding
As you work, separate clean bedding and push it to the sides of the stable. This step minimises waste, as you’ll reuse this bedding when you’re finished.
If you’re looking to carry out a proper spring clean, we recommend completely removing all bedding from the stable and even sweeping out the corners. This can help you locate any hidden soiled areas that are not as easy to access and help freshen up the stable as even clean old bedding can absorb smells and moisture in the air making it musty.
Inspect and Disinfect the Stall Floor
Once all manure and soiled bedding are removed, inspect the stable floor for uneven areas or moisture. If the floor is damp, allow it to air dry or use a disinfectant such as Virkon S to disinfect the stable and neutralise odours.
Add Fresh Bedding
Spread fresh cardboard bedding evenly across the stable, ensuring you focus on areas where wet spots were removed. You don’t need to overdo it – cardboard bedding fluffs up nicely and provides plenty of cushioning with just a moderate amount.
Best Practices for Cardboard Bedding Maintenance
Daily Cleaning: Cardboard bedding stays fresher longer with regular cleaning. Remove manure and wet spots daily to maintain a healthy environment.
Skipping out: On skipping days, focus on removing just the soiled areas, as cardboard bedding doesn’t require a complete overhaul as often as other types so it works well for deep littering.
Proper Storage: Store unused bedding in a dry area to prevent it from becoming damp or mouldy once opened.
Compost the Waste: Cardboard bedding breaks down easily and is perfect for composting, making it an eco-friendly way to dispose of waste it also does a good job of controlling weeds on the muck heap.
Why Use Cardboard Bedding
Cardboard bedding is not only an environmentally friendly option, but it also simplifies mucking out horses. Its absorbent nature means fewer wet patches to remove, and its low-dust properties create a healthier environment for both you and your horse. With proper maintenance, stables with cardboard bedding can stay cleaner and fresher for longer, providing a comfortable space for your horse.
Get in touch with S4Bed today to discover the benefits of using cardboard bedding for your horse. It not only makes it easier to muck out your horse but also has a number of health benefits. Making your horse happier and healthier.
