The pleasures of owning and riding horses come with all the responsibilities of looking after them. Proper horse stall cleaning is fundamental for the health and comfort of your horse. Regular stall cleaning prevents the buildup of harmful bacteria and promotes a healthy environment for your horse. Following are some helpful tips for cleaning horse stalls.

Pole Stable Cleaning Equipment

Having the right tools is the first step to efficient stall cleaning. Here are some must-haves:

  1. Manure Fork: Necessary for removing soiled bedding and manure. Different from a pitchfork, manure forks have closely-spaced tines and some have a bucket design which is ideal for easy sifting.
  2. Shovel: Useful for scraping matter off stall floors.
  3. Wheelbarrow: Makes transporting soiled bedding out of the stall easier.
  4. Broom: Handy for sweeping door frames and runs.
  5. Work Gloves: Protect your hands from dirt and germs.
  6. Stall Disinfectant: Useful for deep cleaning, this keeps the stall free from harmful bacteria and parasites. Choose one that is equine safe.

How to Clean a Horse Stall

If your horse lives in a stall for any part of the day, cleanliness is important. Unclean stalls attract pests and can encourage hoof problems such as thrush. Breathing ammonia from urine-saturated bedding can also be harmful to your horses’ lungs. 

Cleaning a horse stall involves several steps to ensure it is thoroughly done. For a clean, comfortable stall, follow these steps:

  1. Remove the Horse: Start by removing your horse to ensure its safety and make the cleaning process easier.
  2. Clear Out Manure and Soiled Bedding: Use the manure fork to remove excrement and wet bedding and place in the wheelbarrow for disposal.
  3. Sweep the Floor: Sweep bedding away from stall doorway to minimize horses dragging shavings or straw into the aisle.
  4. Disinfect the Stall: Spray stall disinfectant on the floor and walls. Let it sit for the recommended time before scrubbing and rinsing it off. This helps kill bacteria and parasites.
  5. Add Fresh Bedding: Once the stall is dry and disinfected, spread a layer of fresh bedding. Bank extra bedding against the walls to draw from for the next cleaning.

Horse Stall Cleaning Hacks

Implementing these cleaning tips can make stall cleaning for your horse pole barn more efficient. 

  1. Use Stall Mats: Stall mats can make cleaning easier by reducing the amount of bedding needed and providing a flatter surface from which to clear waste.
  2. Bedding Choice: Choose the right type of bedding for your horse. Straw and wood shavings are common choices, but if your horse doesn’t spend a lot of time in their stall, pelleted bedding is a good, cost-effective option.
  3. Organize Your Tools: Keep your cleaning tools easily accessible. This saves time and effort during the cleaning process.
  4. Deep Clean Regularly: Schedule deep cleanings and disinfecting regularly, in addition to daily spot cleaning. This helps maintain a higher level of hygiene and promotes optimum horse health. 

How Long Does it Take to Clean a Horse Stall?

The time it takes to clean a horse stall varies based on the stall size, the amount of soiled bedding and the thoroughness of the cleaning. On average, an intensive cleaning can take anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes per stall. Daily spot cleaning can be done in about 10 to 15 minutes. Using the suggestions mentioned above can help reduce the time needed for each cleaning session.

By maintaining a regular cleaning schedule and using efficient techniques, you can ensure that your horse’s stall remains a healthy and comfortable space. Keeping a clean stall is a key aspect of responsible horse care, contributing to your horse’s overall well-being. Reach out to us at Peak Pole Barns and Manufacturing for more information on horse stall cleaning, or to learn about our horse pole barns.