Mucking out stables is a daily job if your equines are not turned out. My Shetland ponies and miniature Mediterranean donkeys are stabled during the winter months and then turned out, weather dependent, for most of the summer.

Some people prefer to ‘spot clean’ their stables, which means removing faeces and patches wet by urine and adding more bedding on top. They then do a thorough clean periodically. Personally, I prefer to do a thorough clean at least once a week, with spot cleaning done a couple of times a day. It is all a matter of choice, and of course, it will depend on the number and size of the equines you keep and the time you have available. Although I end up mucking out often, tackling the job regularly is much easier than having a mammoth job when the bedding is deep and compacted. Cleaning on a weekly basis also allows you to disinfect areas that are often soiled and reduces the risk of infection and disease.

One job that I make sure I do at least twice a year, usually at the start of summer, and again before winter sets in, is a thorough cleaning of the stable mats and a complete overhaul of the stables themselves. These jobs can only be done when the stables are not in use, so I chose times when the weather is good and the ponies and donkeys can be outside. Good weather also helps the stables and mats dry out after cleaning. I check for routine maintenance and tackle jobs like thorough cleaning and disinfecting.

Stable mats can be extremely heavy. I have bought high-quality mats for a number of reasons. They are long-lasting and hard-wearing, but, more importantly, their weight prevents the donkeys and ponies from picking them up and chewing them. I have bought cheaper alternatives in the past, but I found these to be a waste of money as the donkeys love to pick them up, throw them around and have a good chew! Of course, disassembling heavy mats is much more challenging, as it requires two people to lift them out of the stable.

Urine will inevitably seep through mat joints over time, so a complete overhaul of the stables is essential periodically. I start by removing all the mats from the stable and setting them out on the concrete turnout area. I can then thoroughly sweep and disinfect the stable floor. I always choose a time when the forecast is dry so that I can use ample water and disinfectant and allow the stables to dry naturally. I then turn my attention to the mats. Firstly, I hose them down and, once all the debris and urine are removed on both sides, I thoroughly disinfect them.

Washing down stable mats

Stable mats drying in the sun

Again, these are left to dry naturally. Other maintenance jobs are then done, such as eliminating cobwebs, washing windows, cleaning feed and water buckets and checking latches and bolts for wear and tear. I also find this is a good time to check for damage to stable doors due to equines chewing the wood surrounds and I apply an anti-cribbing product where necessary to deter this unwanted behaviour.

Once the stables and mats are completely dry, I replace everything, leaving them void of bedding until they are due to be used again.

Although this is an arduous job, I always feel a massive sense of achievement when the task is done and the stables are gleaming.


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