How to Prepare a Horse Stall

Horses that are being kept in a stall should have a clean, dry environment. There are different types of bedding used in horse stalls. Wheat straw and rubber mats are often used for bedding but can be costly whereas fresh pine shavings are usually less costly and easy to obtain from a local livestock supply store or a county co-op. It's important to clean the stall daily to remove any urine or manure.

Things You'll Need

  • Secure stall for housing the horse
  • Shovel
  • Rake
  • Pitchfork
  • Shavings
  • Rubber mats
  • Wheat straw
  • Knife
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Instructions

  1. Preparing the Horse Stall

    • 1

      Secure the stall to be sure it is safe for housing the horse. Most horse stalls are made of wood or steel materials. Make sure that no nails or any type of repairs to the stall are needed before housing the horse.

    • 2

      Determine what type of bedding that is going to be used for the stall, such as pine shavings, wheat straw or rubber mats. Pine shavings are usually sold in 50 pound bags and are very easy to use. These type of shavings absorb urine and keep stalls dry to prevent thrush in hooves.

    • 3

      Take a shovel, rake or pitchfork and remove any old bedding or manure. This is very important and must be done before putting down the new bedding.

    • 4

      Open up a 50 pound bag of pine horse stall shavings. Spread the shavings thoroughly on the floor of the stall to cover the entire area.

    • 5

      When using wheat straw, use two square bales. Take a knife and safely cut the twine. Spread the wheat straw with a pitchfork or by hand over the stall floor, making sure to cover the entire area.