Importance of Manure Management in Horse Stables

Tamblyn Borton is a Burlington, Kentucky equine farm consultant who provides client-centered insight into diverse facets of horse ownership. Among Tamblyn Borton’s areas of in-depth knowledge are land development, legal issues, and husbandry. She also provides consultation on one essential aspect of horse raising — manure management.

Taking care of manure expeditiously is a must in any equine boarding situation, as one stall with a full time occupant will produce around 12 tons of soiled bedding and manure each year. Keep in mind that the removed bedding, whether it is straw, shavings, or sawdust, will often weigh twice as much as the manure itself.

For horse stables fortunate enough to sit on arable land, this manure has a distinct benefit. It provides a valuable fertilizer that can help maintain pastures or be used in farming and gardening. While nutrient values of horse manure varies widely, it is typically a significant source of nitrogen, potash, and phosphorous.

One thing to be aware of is that, without sufficient vegetative cover in which to disperse the manure, it may contaminate water sources on the property. This can in turn impact local wildlife, a serious issue and one reason why farms should create nutrient management plans. Such plans map out the manure production of the property, as well as soil fertility and optimal rates for manure removal and application.