1. True or false: Fun fact–mares tend to pee in the middle of a stall, while geldings and stallions often go alongside a wall.
T / F
2. Which group of implements will make stall-mucking as efficient as possible?
A) Pitchfork, shavings fork, broad shovel.
B) Shavings fork, rake, broad shovel.
C) Pitchfork, hoe, broad shovel.
3. True or false: You should position the mucking wheelbarrow or cart so that it’s just inside the stall door.
T / F
4. What should you wear when you muck stalls?
A) Your riding gear—it’s a timesaver.
B) A raincoat to keep the muck off you.
C) “Barn clothes,” rubber boots, gloves.
HOW’D YOU DO? (Answers below.)
1. F is correct. The behavior is highly individual, of course, but it’s more often the boys that tend to pee in the middle of a stall, whereas the girls often go alongside the wall. Wherever it’s deposited, use a broad shovel to dig out all wet bedding and to scrape the bottom of urine spots as clean as possible.
2. A is correct. Using a five-pronged pitchfork, lift all manure piles into the barrow or cart. Sift for smaller stuff using the multi-pronged shavings fork. Finally, use the broad shovel to dig out all wet bedding and to scrape the bottom of urine spots.
3. F is correct. You should instead keep the barrow/cart just outside the stall door and angle it so it’s pointing in the direction you’ll want to head after filling it.
4. C is correct. The proper mucking attire, of course, consists of grubby barn clothes, rubber boots (no cracks), and warm gloves; a scruffy beanie is optional.
[LEARN MORE! Correct frequency of stall mucking and types of bedding to use.]
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