These days, there is a type of bedding to suit every horse. Whether your horse is particularly wet, sensitive to dust or needs a deep bed, there’s an option available that is designed to maximise their comfortable in their stable.

When choosing the best horse bedding to use, not only do you need to think about what will keep your stabled horse happy and healthy, but you also need to consider your needs as an owner. Are you prioritising budget, mucking-out speed, absorbency, low dust levels or sustainability? If you need a bedding that’s free of prohibited substances, look out for the BETA NOPS accredited bedding logo.

If you’re thinking about changing your horse’s bedding material, here are the pros and cons of each type of bedding to help you decide.

Types of horse bedding

• Straw
• Chopped straw
• Straw pellets
• Wood shavings
• Wood pellets
• Shredded wood fibre
• Hemp
• Paper/cardboard
• Rubber matting

1. Straw

This is the most traditional horse bedding available and all equestrians are likely to have mucked out a straw bed in their time.

Advantages:

• Cheap
• Breaks down well
• Easy to get hold of
• Can create a thick, comfortable bed

Disadvantages:

• Bulky and messy to store
• Builds large muck heap
• Horses can eat straw
• Can vary in quality
• Not very absorbent

Types of straw

There are also different types of straw to consider. Wheat straw is readily available and can be used to make a warm, comfortable bed, but it tends to be dustier than other types, so not suitable for horses with respiratory problems.

Barley straw is often cheapest, but can be uncomfortable and may cause skin irritations, so is not always suitable for horses. Oat straw is the most palatable, which is a disadvantage if your horse is prone to eating his bed. It is more absorbent, however, although this makes it heavier to muck out.

2. Chopped straw

Treated straw products sometimes contain other bedding materials, and essential oils can be added to improve odour.

Advantages:

• Dust-extracted
• Treated to be non-palatable
• Wrapped bales are clean, plus easy to handle and store
• Not as bulky as straw, so produces a smaller muck heap
• More consistent quality than conventional straw

Disadvantages:

• More expensive than straw, although cost can be reduced with bulk deliveries
• Sold through selected stockists so you may not have a choice of brands locally

3. Straw pellets

To create straw pellets, fresh straw is dried to high temperature, dust-extracted and then compacted into shape.

Advantages:

• Dust-extracted
• Highly absorbent
• Eco friendly
• Bags are easy to handle and store

Disadvantages:

• You may need to add water when the bedding is put down, which adds time
• Not as absorbent as wood pellets

4. Wood shavings

Purpose-produced shavings are a popular type of bedding, but the quality can vary enormously — particularly in relation to dust content. It is important that you only buy shavings that have been specifically produced as animal bedding.

Advantages:

• Non-palatable
• Widely available
• Wrapped bales are clean, plus easy to handle and store

Disadvantages:

• Can be difficult to dispose of – shavings take much longer to rot down
• Needs constant removal of droppings and care has to be taken to ensure the bed does not become wet, causing a build up of ammonia
• Cheaper brands can contain high dust levels
• Price can fluctuate

5. Wood pellets

Wood pellet bedding is made from heat-treated and compacted sawdust. You need to add water, which makes them fluff up and increases their absorbency.

Advantages:

• Usually eco-friendly
• High absorbency
• Dust-extracted
• Composts quicker than shavings or straw
• Quick to muck out
• Low waste
• Supplied in bags rather than bales, so may be easier to manoeuvre and transport
• Processing can help to kill moulds, spores and bacteria

Disadvantages:

• Can be slippery while still in pellet form
• Expensive to build initial bed
• Heavy to muck out once absorbed urine

6. Shredded wood fibre

This is made from recycled wood and results in a slightly smaller and denser product that traditional shavings.

Advantages:

• Eco-friendly
• Low dust levels
• Less likely to be displaced
• Consistent quality
• Low waste
• Doesn’t cling to manes and tails
• Can be cheaper than premium wood shavings

Disadvantages:

• Not absorbent, but this means it is free-draining and less bedding is used overall (so an advantage to some)

7. Hemp

Whereas straw bedding uses the whole stalk of the plant, hemp bedding is made from the softer centre, which is a by-product of textile and rope manufacturing.

Advantages:

• Highly absorbent
• Dust-extracted
• Non-palatable
• Rapidly breaks down to make good compost
• Wrapped bales are clean and easy to handle and store

Disadvantages:

• Bales are relatively expensive and the initial cost of bedding down are off-putting
• Manufacturers claim that long-term use make it competitively economical
• Bedding is heavy when it has absorbed urine

8. Paper/Cardboard

This tends to be a mixture of newspaper, magazine and other unwanted printed matter. It is often considered to be a cheaper option, but a large number of bales may be needed to create a thick bed. It is also worth considering cardboard, which has similar advantages to paper but is heavier and so less likely to blow around the yard.

Advantages:

• Dust-extracted and non-palatable — a good choice for horses with allergies
• Produces a warm bed
• Wrapped bales are clean, plus easy to handle and store

Disadvantages:

• Can be costly
• To start a bed it can take five bales, and then one or two bales a week for a horse that is stabled at night
• Easily blown around, producing an untidy-looking yard
• Disposal can be a problem
• Care has to be taken to ensure bed does not become soggy

9. Rubber matting

While rubber matting is not strictly a bedding, it’s become a common addition to many stables. The initial cost of matting is expensive, but it should be viewed as a long-term investment as it allows owners to use less bedding material overall. This saves on ongoing costs, time on mucking out and reduces the size of the muck heap.

Rubber matting provides better grip and additional support for your horse, and so also helps to minimise the risk of injury, but you should still add a substantial layer of bedding on top of any mats to absorb urine.

To keep mats hygienic, you need to lift them regularly and thoroughly clean underneath to prevent a build up of ammonia and dirty bedding. Ideally, you should be deep cleaning your stable monthly.

• For unlimited access to advice on how best to care for your horse, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in…

If you can get your hands on one of the best wheelbarrows for horses, you’re on to a winner – especially if your horse is stabled and you’re mucking out every day or you’ve got a lot of poo picking to keep on top of.

Wheelbarrows are an essential piece of equipment for every stable yard – and a temperamental barrow can make yard work a real chore, while the best wheelbarrows make transporting muck, forage and yard equipment an absolute breeze. And when you’ve found the right wheelbarrow, we’ve also found the best shavings forks and best yard brooms to help you get set for all your mucking out needs.

Best wheelbarrows for horses

Plastic vs metal wheelbarrows

Wheelbarrows have steel or plastic/polyethylene tubs. Steel tubs handle heavier loads but are heavier and harder to maneuver. Plastic tubs are lighter but you’ll want to be careful not to overload them.

Is a one or two wheeled wheelbarrow better?

One-wheeled wheelbarrows offer superior manoeuvrability for tight spaces, ideal if you have good balance. Two-wheeled models are more stable and keep the tub level but require more room to turn.

What’s the difference between a pneumatic and a puncture-proof tyre?

Pneumatic tyres, filled with air, offer a smoother ride, especially on uneven terrain, and their adjustable pressure helps with heavy loads. Puncture-proof tyres are solid, usually polyurethane, and are best for smooth surfaces.

• For unlimited access to expert advice on how best to care for your horse, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You might also like:

Get swept up in our pick of the best yard brooms

16 time-saving horse care tips to speed things up around the yard this winter

Here are a few time saving horse care tips to make life at the yard run that little bit more

Electric fencing for horses – everything you need for a temporary setup or strip-grazing

How to keep stabled horses happy and healthy

Horsey chores we all love to hate: which would you choose?

Would you rather muck out 15 stables or sweep the yard 60 times? Bath five horses or plait seven manes?

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

For months, you’ve been planning on reorganising your feed room, getting your rugs cleaned and having a mass tack room clear-out — but there never seems to be enough hours in the day. Now that shorter daylight hours are upon us, it’s enough of a struggle keeping on top of the daily jobs you need to do to keep your horse ticking over. Well, here are our favourite time-saving horse care tips to make life at the yard run that little bit more smoothly…

16 time-saving horse care tips to try this winter

1. Sharing jobs

Sharing jobs with a friend will greatly reduce the time you need to spend at the yard. For example, you could do the morning feed and turn out both your horses, in return for her bringing in and doing the evening feed. You can even arrange things so you get to have the odd weekend lie-in…

2. Keep your horse out

It’s not for everyone or every horse, or an option at every livery yard, but grass-kept horses save bags of time in mucking out, bringing in and turning out.

3. Plait and bag tails

Dirty, stained tails are a nightmare in winter, especially if you’re planning to keep competing through the darker months. Don’t leave it to chance – wash your horse’s tail, plait it and stick it in a tail bag. They’re secure and are designed to withstand turnout. Or if a tail bag isn’t your bag, load it up with the best mane and tail detangler to help stop mud and dirt from sticking to it and to save time grooming.

4. Make up all haynets in advance

Do this at the weekend, perhaps, when you’re not quite so time-starved. It’s much quicker to blitz it than to try and do one at a time when you’re already in a rush. Make the job quicker and easier with a haynet filler like this one.

5. Do the same with feeds…

Make each one up in a closed plastic container, such as an old ice-cream or supplement tub, so it can quickly be tipped into a bucket and fed as required. This does however require a fair few tubs and some storage space, but even doing three days’ worth in one go will prove a time-saver. If you’re stuck for space, freezer bags are also an option. Just store them in a secure container so rodents can’t get to them.

6. … and with your feeds!

Search for recipes ideal for batch cooking – websites like BBC Good Food are a great place to start – and portion out meals to freeze for another day. It’ll be such a relief to have a defrosted meal waiting for you to nuke after you inevitably get in after 8pm. Plus, if you’re budget-conscious, you won’t be forced to pick up convenience food on your way home. Although it’s nice to have a treat!

7. Get a long hose to fill water buckets

Don’t risk putting your back out lugging heavy water buckets across the yard – invest in a long hose with a gun that can be shut off so you can fill your water bucket in your stable instead. Safer and quicker.

8. Keep a change of clothes and boots in your car/at the yard…

If you need to rush straight from work to the yard, or vice versa, it’s worth keeping a spare set of clothes to change in to, so your work stuff doesn’t smell of horse. Always keep boots at the yard, too.

9. … and invest in some overclothes

Warm, waterproof layers that can fit over your work clothes or just your riding gear are a great shout. Overalls, ski trousers or long robe-like coats like these do the trick perfectly. They can be used time and time again – who cares if they get dirty – and it’ll help save you endless washing at home, too.

10. Get a sharer

If your horse could benefit from more exercise than you’re able to give him, or you’re just really time-short, a sharer could be the answer. They get to ride your horse in return for doing chores such as mucking out, turning out and poo-picking, and/or making a financial contribution. Everyone’s a winner. Find out how to make sharing your horse work.

11. Invest in decent grooming equipment

There’s loads of cheap ‘n’ cheerful grooming equipment available – the problem is that a lot of it isn’t very efficient at getting the job done, just as a cheap plastic comb isn’t as efficient at untangling human hair as a proper salon-style brush. Spend a bit more on decent brushes – your diary and horse will thank you.

While you’re at it, make sure you’re using the best horse shampoo and stain remover for you, too. There’s no point throwing good money after bad with an ineffective product.

Another time-saving horse-washing solution is investing in a hot horse shower – no more trudging back and forth to the house or yard kitchen for endless buckets of warm water. Some of your fellow liveries might be up for pitching in to help with the initial cost, too.

12. Get rubber matting for your stable

Most stables are matted nowadays, but if you don’t have rubber matting it has so many benefits. It requires some investment up front, as rubber mats are fairly expensive, but they mean you’ll need a smaller bed for your horse in the stable, saving time (and money) on mucking out.

13. Try a deep-litter bed

It’s not for everyone, but lots of owners find this to be one of the best time-saving horse care tips for busy weekdays. Deep littering works best with particular types of bedding (shavings, hemp, flax, shredded wood fibre or pellets) and entails laying a deeper bed than usual. During the week, you skip out all droppings and leave the wet to seep away to the bottom of the bed. Once a week or so, the wet is removed, and the bed topped up with fresh bedding.

14. Tack wipes

These are a cheat’s way of getting tack looking cleaner without spending ages polishing away. A quick once-over after a ride, job done. They’re no substitute for a proper deep tack clean, but mean you don’t need to do those so often.

15. Switch one ride per week for groundwork

Even 15 minutes of walking over raised poles will help maintain your horse’s fitness and muscle tone and it can be great for bonding. Unsure where to start? Here’s our how-to on groundwork for horses.

16. Ditch the stable rug

Again, not for everyone and it’s always good to practise good rug hygiene, which includes regular removal of rugs for checking the horse over and grooming. But, twice-daily rug changes are a chore and reducing that part of your daily routine will have you clawing back time. Plus, turnouts that are wet and muddy on the outside will be dry come morning!

Do you have any time-saving horse care tips you’d like to share with fellow H&H readers? Please email us at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and county, for the chance for your tips to appear in a forthcoming issue of the magazine

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout London International and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

Deep litter bedding for horses: pros and cons

13 household items that make our horsey lives easier

Looking for money saving tips for your grooming kit? These household items should do the job

How make sharing a horse work, plus important things to be aware of…

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

There is such a variety of bedding materials on the market to choose from, but the best horse bedding is quite individual to you and your horse. Depending on what you need to prioritise, the best bedding for you is likely to be something different from your horse’s stable-mate.

In contrast to the old days of the choices being straw or shavings, there is now a wide range of wood-, paper- and plant-based types of bedding. Some are scented, while others boast sustainable qualities – the choices are endless. The science behind horse bedding has come on over recent years and no matter where you’re based, it’s possible to find a solution. If you are looking for a bedding that’s free of prohibited substances look out for BETA NOPS accredited bedding.

What’s on the market?

NB: Although the RRP listed is for a single bag, actual price will vary with location and size of purchase.

Blue Ribbon Premium Wood Pellets

Material: Wood pellets

Bale size: 15kg

Bales to fill 12x12ft stable: 9

RRP: From £7.99

This sustainable bedding from Blue Ribbon is made in the foothills of Snowdonia from FSC-certified timber. It is described as easy to use, super-absorbent, with a fresh pine smell and is naturally antibacterial.

Caviera Raviera Lavender

Material: Rape straw

Bale size: 20kg

Bales to fill 12x12ft stable: 2–3

RRP: From £9

This chopped, dust extracted, premium rape straw bedding from Caviera has added essential lavender oil, which smells great but also has a harmless bittering agent to discourage bed eating. It is described as highly absorbent, quick to muck out and fast rotting.

AW Jenkinson Natural Flake Shavings

Material: Shavings

Bale size: 17kg

Bales to fill 12x12ft stable: 4-6

RRP: From £7.50

Described as premium quality. These dust extracted shavings are highly absorbent. The large softwood flakes help create a comfortable, cushioning bed for your horse.

Easibed Wood Fibre

Material: Wood fibre

Bale size: 20kg

Bales to fill 12x12ft stable: 8

RRP: From £8

Easibed is a dust-free, supportive bedding made from clean recycled wood that provides a comfortable and free-draining bed for your horse. It is described as economical as you can use less than you would with traditional beddings such as shavings and straw, which saves time, too.

Sorbeo Wood Pellets

Material: Wood pellets

Bale size: 18kg

Bales to fill 12x12ft stable: 5–6

RRP: From £7.07

This sustainable bedding from Sorbeo is made in the UK from locally-sourced timber. It is described as super-absorbent, cost effective and easy to use. Sorbeo also operates a bag recycling scheme.

Nedz Bed Eco

Material: Wheat and rape straw

Bale size: 20kg

Bales to fill 12x12ft stable: 4–5

RRP: From £8.50

This highly absorbent, low-dust blend of wheat and rape straw is treated with a pine scent. It rivals shavings for absorbency and creates a comfortable bedding. It’s biodegradable.

Strawmax Straw Pellets

Material: Straw pellets

Bale size: 15kg

Bales to fill 12x12ft stable: 6–8

RRP: From £6.50

This straw pellet bedding from Bedmax is described as dust-extracted, economical, easy to use and highly absorbent. It is odour-supressing bedding and easy to compost. Made from 100% traceable British straw. BETA NOPS accredited.

Green Mile Equine Performance Bedding

Material: Cardboard

Bale size: 18kg

Bales to fill 12x12ft stable: 3–4

RRP: From £7.50

This virgin corrugated cardboard bedding from Green Mile supports a healthy respiratory system. It is dust-extracted and can hold 10 times its weight in liquid, meaning it’s highly absorbent.

Aquamax

Material: Wood pellets

Bale size: 18.1kg

Bales to fill 12x12ft stable: 8

RRP: From £9.95

Made from pure pinewood fibre. These dust-extracted pellets are sourced from sustainable forests. Described as highly absorbent and biodegradable. With natural antiseptic properties and helps to eliminate ammonia.

Bed-Down Excel

Material: Straw and shavings

Bale size: 10kg or 20kg

Bales to fill 12x12ft stable: 5-6

RRP: From £7.50

Made from chopped wheat straw and shavings.Described as dust-extracted and biodegradable. Free draining it absorbs the wet into a small area. With a fresh lemon fragrance which is naturally unpalatable to discourage bed eating and helps to repel flies.

What is the best bedding for a wet horse?

For horses who are messy and require a lot of fresh bedding, you should look for a more affordable, high-absorbency bedding, such as pellets or hemp, to help keep down costs as well as soak up urine effectively.

How can I save money on horse bedding?

You need to shop smart. Ask friends on the yard and see if they want to split an order with you as most companies will offer a bulk-buy discount. You could also try planning ahead and stocking up for your winter bedding in the summer to avoid the seasonal price increases.

You may also be interested in…

Thinking about swapping your straw or shavings for wood pellets? Here's what you need to consider first...

Rushing from the yard to the office in the morning is often typical for horse owners. Here are some great

There are lots of things about owning and riding horses which bring great joy. Unfortunately, there are other tasks that do not. Here are H&H’s 10 least favourite horse jobs...

1. Sheath cleaning

While some owners think it’s better to leave nature to manage their horse’s intimate hygiene requirements, others find their geldings need regular assistance in this area. If you are in the latter group, it’s time to don your rubber gloves and have a bucket of warm water at the ready. A hard hat and a healthy dose of caution may be advised — your horse may dislike having it done as much as you dislike doing it! If you really don’t fancy it, you could call the Bean Queen or another professional sheath cleaner instead!

2. Poo picking, particularly in the pouring rain

Everyone knows that poo picking is important; it prevents sour patches in your grazing and helps control internal parasites in your horse. However, until some kind soul develops a fool-proof way of training horses to use a “poo corner”, what gets dropped must be picked up again — even if it rains, Biblical-style, for 40 days and 40 nights. Cagoules might not be cool, but they’re essential kit for this job.

3. Dealing with filthy, wet rugs

One of the very best things about the change in seasons must be saying goodbye to filth-caked, sodden turnout rugs. Who needs the gym when you’ve dragged off a rug weighing twice what it did that morning, before wrestling it onto an overhead rail in a vain attempt to dry it overnight? To be honest, if the horse is dry and cosy underneath said rug, we’d be inclined to leave it on and let the horse’s body temperature help it dry naturally.

4. Filling haynets

Ah, they look so innocent, those little mesh creations. Odd, then, that they somehow develop a life of their own when you’re trying to pack hay in — twisting up and cleverly hiding the drawstring beneath a tangled mass of hay. Internet forums are full of advice on ways to make this job quicker and easier, but filling haynets remains on the “I’d really rather not” list for many.

5. Mucking out

Although for some it’s an daily opportunity to allow your mind to wander and work out how to resolve a problem that’s been troubling you, for others mucking out is an obvious contender when it comes to least favourite jobs. Whether it’s mucky mares, box-walkers who stir things into an unholy poo porridge or bed trashers who wreck banks with reckless abandon, even if the time and repetition serves to gives your brain some peace, mucking out can always be trusted to leave you smelling like you slept on the muck heap.

6. Sweeping up

While we’re on the subject of mucking out, sweeping up is another chore which rates low on the enjoyment scale (even if you love the look of immaculately-swept concrete). Particularly when a gale is blowing and all types of bedding take on a life of their own, sweeping up is no fun at all.

7. Tack cleaning

This one is a bit of a Marmite job — while some take real pride in keeping their leatherwork gleaming and supple, for others tack cleaning is only rendered bearable by copious cups of coffee (other beverages are available…) and one eye on the TV. Just don’t forget to cover the kitchen table and floor in newspaper to avoid complaints about saddle soap patches from non-horsey members of the family.

8. Treating thrush

If there’s one thing you really don’t want to get on your hands, it’s the pungent and long-lasting stink of thrush from your horse’s hooves. Ideally it wouldn’t get to that stage, but if you have been caught out, once the farrier has pared back the horn to healthy tissue, it’s down to you to treat the problem — which can mean iodine washes and hands that look like you smoke at least 40 a day. Probably the only thing worse is having to deal with pus in the foot – poultice and vet wrap here we come!

9. Lifting stinking rubber mats

If your hands hadn’t already suffered enough dealing with most of the above, pulling out stinking rubber mats will render them beyond the help of all but the most skilled manicurist. Heavy and unwieldy, rubber mats are the devil’s work in bedding form — the only upside is you usually need two of you to drag them out, so at least you’re not the only one who’s going to smell like a blocked drain! We recommend donning a thick pair of waterproof gloves before you begin.

10. Doing studs

We all have the best of intentions when it comes to stud holes, popping in those neat little foam plugs the moment the farrier has finished. Which is why it is all the more mysterious that, once at the show and dealing with a horse hopping about with excitement, the stud holes appear to have filled themselves with a concrete-like material that no amount of digging will shift. Top tip, make sure you clean them out the night before when you’re at home and not up against a deadline.

You might also be interested in:

Farting in dressage tests — and 5 more ways your horse is sure to embarrass you

14 things your horse does when you’re running late

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Mucking out can be hard work and anyone who does so regularly, whether it’s one a day or 10, will know that having one of the best shavings forks to hand will make a significant difference. Despite the name, shavings forks can be used on a range of bedding types, including hemp, paper and pellet-type beddings. And having an efficient and easy-to-handle fork will not only save you time, but it’ll prevent the aches that would come with a more unwieldly option, too.

The main differences between different shavings fork are the materials, which affects the weight, and the shape of the head that does the bulk of the work. In general, the lighter the fork the easier it is to work with and the less additional strain it puts on your body – the lightest shavings forks tend to be made of plastic and aluminium. Some users prefer fork with a metal head and tines as they can be more robust and cut through wet bedding more easily. If you have rubber matting in your stable it’s worth considering a fork with rounded tines to prevent damage to the matting during use.

Some forks are available in a wide range of colours and if you’re on a livery yard on which everyone has their own tools, being able to choose a different colour to others can be really useful.

Once you’ve found the best shavings fork, you can pair it with one of the best wheelbarrows and best outdoor brooms to make all daily tasks as easy as possible.

We’ve rounded up a selection of shavings forks with a range of different designs to help you find one that will work for you.

Best shavings forks for mucking out

Fyna-Lite XL Shavings Fork

Colours: Navy | Sizes: 89cm (D handle) or 112cm (straight handle) | RRP: From £32 |

This weatherproof fork is specifically designed for shavings, with an optional unique shaker cage for reducing bedding waste. You can also choose between a long handle or D-grip handle.

In the UK? View now at equus.co.uk

KM Elite Ultimate Shavings Fork

Colours: 10 options | Sizes: 115cm | RRP: £29.99 |

KM Elite describe this fork as “lightweight and ultra durable”. It has an aluminium shaft with strong but flexible heads and is efficient for shavings and pellet beddings. This fork is also available with a telescopic handle if you wish to be able to alter the length to fit you or for storage.

In the UK? View now at equus.co.uk or ebay.co.uk

Shires Ezi-Kit Premium Lightweight Fork

Colours: 7 options | Sizes: 137cm | RRP: £23.99 |

This shavings fork is made from tough, durable plastic, a lightweight aluminium stem and a useful handle – all designed to keep the weight down.

In the UK? View now at gooutdoors.co.uk, millets.co.uk or blacks.co.uk

Harold Moore Shavings Fork

Colours: Purple, black, blue, green or pink | Sizes: 101cm | RRP: £50 |

Shaped like a shovel, this fork has a reinforced shaft and large fork head that should make moving material around easier than ever. The round-edged polypropylene tines reduce the risk of damaging floors and rubber matting.

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, equus.co.uk or viovet.co.uk

Fyna-Lite Multi Mucka Stable Fork

Colours: Silver/purple or red/navy | Sizes: 100cm or 120cm | RRP: £45 |

This sturdy metal fork has sharpened, pointed prongs that are designed to lift and move bedding with ease. It’s suitable for use on shavings, straw, chopped straw, flax, and other similar bedding materials. You can choose between a long handle (both colours) or a D-shaped or T-shaped handle (in red/navy).

In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or equus.co.uk

Red Gorilla Medium Fork

Colours: Blue, light blue, green, purple, pink, red or black | Sizes: 118cm | RRP: £29.95 |

This light bedding fork weighs just 800g. It has an aluminium handle and extra-strong tines.

In the UK? View now at gooutdoors.co.uk or ebay.co.uk

Falsterbo Shavings Fork

Colours: Navy, green, grey, purple, pink or red | Sizes: 115cm | RRP: £29.95 |

This ergonomically designed fork has a wide scoop area (40cm width) to help speed up mucking out. The hardwearing prongs allow for flexibility to prevent breakage and are set 1.5cm apart. Also available in a telescopic version (75–155cm).

In the UK? View now at ebay.co.uk

Fyna-Lite Pellet Master Fork

Colours: Blue | Sizes: 100cm or 120cm | RRP: From £40 |

Designed to be used on pellet bedding, this fork design traps debris but allows bedding to fall between tines to minimise bedding wastage, while the rounded tines prevent damage to rubber matting.

In the UK? View now at equus.co.uk

Herbies Swedish Fork

Colours: Black | Sizes: One size | RRP: £67.50 |

This lightweight (900g) fork was developed in collaboration with a physiotherapist. The handle, head and shaft are all ergonomically designed to increase comfort and reduce the load on your wrist and shoulders, and the handle is designed to offer four different grip options, which increases comfort and minimises injuries. The large head in a bucket shape helps to speed up mucking out time and minimise bedding wastage.

You might also like:

Get swept up in our pick of the best yard brooms

7 ‘wheelie good’ barrows for horse owners that won’t let you down

What’s the best bedding for you and your horse?

How to spring clean your stable, with tips from a vet hospital supervisor and five-star eventing groom

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Horse poo will power 100% of the electricity needed at a major international dressage and showjumping competition later this month in a world first.

Helsinki International Horse Show (18-22 October), which hosts a World Cup qualifier CSI5* plus a CDI3*, has revealed it will be running entirely on manure.

Around 140MWh is needed, which requires the annual manure output for 14 horses.

The electricity will be provided by Fortum’s Järvenpää power plant and its origin will be verified by Fingrid’s “guarantee of origin” system.

“It’s great to participate in electrifying the pilot event of the Fortum HorsePower concept with horse manure,” said event director Tom Gordin.

“Overall, the concept is fascinating and creates tremendous opportunities for the entire horse sector in Europe.”

Fortum HorsePower is a bedding and manure management service.

It delivers fresh bedding to yards and collects muck to be used to create electricity.

The company covers much of southwestern and western Finland and branched out into Sweden this autumn.

Bosses state that there are already close to 3,000 horses “leaving green hoofprints” and producing energy.

Article continues below…

You might also be interested in:

Wrapping paper made out of horse poo on the market

Ponypoopaper, developed by Sue Eberle, is made using

Why horse poo could be the answer for engineers

Who would have thought a well-built muck heap

Sign up to H&H e-newsletter and get one month FREE access to H&H VIP

Readers who sign up to the Horse &

It is believed that this is the first time in the world that the electricity for a major horse show will be produced entirely with horse manure.

“I am really proud that electricity produced with horse manure can be used for an event that is important to equestrian fans and the horse sector,” said HorsePower’s vice president Anssi Paalanen.

“It is great that Finland’s biggest and best-known horse show is a forerunner in energy and environmental issues.”

The company is providing wood-based bedding for the 250-plus horses who will be housed in temporary stables at the show, held at Helsinki Ice Hall.

The muck — estimated to be around 135 tonnes over the course of the show — will be taken to the power plant to generate electricity.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

When the H&H team saw this impeccably neat bed (pictured, above), we were seriously impressed and decided to ask our talented readers for pictures of their impressive horsey feats. From amazing plaits to marvellous muck heaps, this perfectionist bunch is taking equestrian standards to another level…

1. Perfect plaits

Pauldary’s Choccywoccydoodah sports flawless plaits while competing at Hickstead Dressage with Nicola Jarvis.

2. Tidy tackroom

Sammy Luff keeps her tack room gleaming and totally matchy matchy, with blue bit guards, bridle hooks, headcollars and covers.

3. Mighty muck heap

Emily Dimmond shared this picture of a mighty muck heap.

“This was the muck heap when I was an equestrian student at Duchy College,” she told H&H. “It always looked like this and anyone who was on muck heap duty took great pride in their ridiculously neat muck heap.”

4. A place for everything

Technically not a reader submission, but we’re totally in awe of producer Jo Bates’ incredibly tidy tack room — just look at those nicely folded rugs. Of course our horsey gear is kept like this too…

5. Spotless shavings

Kate Coates posted this spotless bed. “Shame my horse trashed it within five seconds of being in,” she said.

6. Magnificent mane

Aleisha Hillier-Davies may be a relatively novice plaiter, but we’re impressed by her skills. “I’ve not been plaiting for long — eight months — but I’ve been trying my best,” she said.

Continued below…

8 grooming essentials to make your horse gleam in the ring this summer

Find out what pony producer Katy Carter and

7. Beautiful bridles

Sean Vard shows off his spotless bridles and bits.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A quick straw poll of the H&H staff revealed that the items below are essential for keeping their horsey lives running smoothly. Do you agree? What would you add to the list?

1. Fleece rug. The GP of rugs, useful for everything from an extra layer in winter to travelling to cooling down after exercise.

2. Overreach boots. Especially ones that survive turnout…

3. Baby oil. For cheap show shine.

4. Magic brush. Gets mud and grime off that other brushes can’t touch.

5. Riding gloves. Nobody wants chapped hands.

6. Suncream/lip balm. Sore lips and skin from riding oblivious in the sun – ouch!

7. Beanie hat. Here’s a secret – if you have long(ish) hair, pile your hair into the hat when mucking out, to save having to wash it when rushing straight off.

8. Dubarrys in the winter, Ariat short paddock boots in summer. Good boots can be life-changing.

9. Plasters. An essential part of any first aid kit.

10. Stud cleaning tap. One that doesn’t break, anyway….

11. Duct tape. For all your hoof-bandaging needs.

12. Wrist warmers/fingerless gloves. Nothing more annoying than having to take gloves off (inevitably losing one) when adjusting bridles.

13. Rubbermaid foldable steps. The best foldable steps, apparently.

14. Baby wipes. Remove stains, clean bums and eyes, no sweat.

15. Ariat Bromont insulated boots. Warm and waterproof plus the zips make them incredibly easy to get on and off.

16. Pariani over reach boots. Brilliant on a hunter that pulls his shoes off and generally don’t turn inside out, even in deep mud.

17. Thermatex boots. Keeps legs warm in winter, great for horses with poor hoof growth.

18. Forward-cut Butet saddle — fantastic for somebody who has little legs and rides a bit like a jockey.

19. SEGS gloves with rubber palms. Do these still exist?

20. Future fork. Durable and perfect for skipping out.

21. Ice boots. The best way of cooling down your horse’s legs.

22. Ride on waterproof saddle cover. Because wet leather is horrible.

23. Joules fluffy fox socks. They’ll keep your feet toasty on cold days.

24. Wind-up torch. For searching for your horse in the field in the pitch black.

25. Absorbine Hoof Black. A mirror-like finish for show day.

26. Rolltrack saddle trolley. So useful for shows.

27. Un-snappable plaiting bands. ‘Nuff said.

28. Solo comb. Even a bad hairdresser can make a good job of mane-tidying.

29. Tyre feed bowl. So food can’t get thrown everywhere.

30. Dually headcollar. For the reluctant loader.

31. Thermals. For under jods in winter.

32. Deosect. Use this powerful insecticide as the ultimate fly repellant.

33. Stable rubber. To add polish.

34. A step. Every yard needs one, to stand on and plait the tricky bits.

35. Roller spurs. A wise choice if your horse is a sensitive soul.

36. Trimming clippers. A sturdy pair of these are a sound investment.

37. Plastic curry comb. Vital for those muddy days.

38. Poo-pick scoop and fork. Skipping out, sweeping the yard – can anyone function without this?

39. Tub trugs. Even the clumsiest of horses struggles to ‘kill’ them.

40. Hoof pick torch. Great for those late night field checks.

41. Fly mask. A summer must-have.

Like this? You might also enjoy reading these:

13 household items that make our horsey lives easier

15 signs you’re totally addicted to horses (and wouldn’t have it any other way)

42. Leather bucking strap. For the friskier of beasts.

43. Half rubber lined reins. They look prettier but won’t hurt your hands.

44. ‘Bendy’ stirrups. If you’ve got bad ankles, knees or hips, these can save you from agony.

45. A good leather headcollar. If you turn your horse out in a headcollar, leather is always better.

46. Mane and tail spray. For silky locks on show day.

47. Trickle Net. So he can’t scoff his entire hay ration in five minutes flat.

48. Baling twine. Useful for everything from hanging up haynets to drying rugs, yet you can never find any when you need any, such as to tie up your horse at a show.

49. Thermos flask. We’re not sure how you’re meant to survive the winter without one of these.

50. Treats! Essential – for you and your horse…

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

We are all secretly a little bit superstitious, but forget crystal balls, black cats, horoscopes and palm reading; perhaps something as simple a yard’s muckheap can say a lot about the equestrians behind it.

So here we find out what your muckheap says about you and your friends in this tongue-in-cheek analysis.

A well-structured and compact muckheap

A solid, thoughtful person. This person is considerate, helpful and likes to think ahead. They are likely to make a good friend.

A lot of muck

A loyal and loving person. This caring, friendly individual surrounds themselves with others and aims to please.

Everything spread out on the ground

Be warned – this person is potentially rather lazy. It is possible that they do little to help around the yard and can be somewhat forgetful. Maybe you should give them some muckheap building tips?

Continued below…

Horse & Hound’s really hard quiz of the year

Test yourself with our extremely challenging quiz based on what's happened in the equestrian world during 2015

Quiz: what type of horse owner are you?

Find out in our light-hearted fun quiz...

A mix of shavings and straw

Be suspicious of this person. You should approach them with caution as it’s hard to tell where their loyalties lie.

A collapsed muckheap

This person is unmotivated. They are probably suffering from a case of January blues. Perhaps they are in need of a helping hand?

A staggered muckheap

The perfectionist. This equestrian is kind hearted but also hard working and will not take any nonsense. Be sure to adhere to the rules when throwing your muck up, or you may be in trouble.

Not much muck

This person may be mistaken as frugal, but perhaps a more accurate description is well organised. One should be sure to find out if they have recently had it collected, or if they’re an avid gardener before jumping to conclusions.

An unusually shaped muckheap

This individual is fun loving and carefree. They are always up for a good time and are the life and soul of the yard.

An exuberant pile

The extrovert. This person is loud and outgoing. They love telling you what they have been up to with their horses, however they are potentially “all talk” so watch out for this.

A tall muckheap

The ambitious equestrian. This person is not afraid of new heights and is always willing to try something new. One to watch for the future.

No muckheap

Not marriage material.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Our reviewer loved this muck fork thanks to its lightweight and easy to use nature

This is a re-thought version of the traditional ‘poo-picking’ rake used in most equestrian establishments for arena dropping removal.

This one is made to be far more solid than the most common thin metal version. It is more substantial in appearance, formed of a hard plastic central section, with a metal blade on one side and small metal prongs on the other.

The handle is longer than most making it user friendly and easier on the operators back and the handle is covered in a soft grip to make it more comfortable to use.

The handle is aluminium and so corrosion proof unlike the more traditional rakes.

Verdict

A user friendly version of the traditional muck forks

Call us mad, but there are some things we all end up doing on the yard that we know we shouldn't — from wearing unsuitable shoes to mucking out in our work clothes

1. Mucking out in work clothes

It’s Monday morning and you’re running late, so instead of rushing to the yard then coming home for a quick shower and change, you decide to get ready now and go straight from the yard to work. All you have to do then is change your shoes — win! And it is, so long as you don’t mind your colleagues spending the whole day sniffing and saying, ‘What’s that smell?’ Answer: it’s your hair. It smells of horse pee. Still, you weren’t late for work and that’s what matters.

2. Leading in unsuitable shoes

In your own yard, not going near your horse in a pair of, say, Converse, is one of those rules that tends to fall by the wayside, particularly on hot, sunny days where you’re just bringing him in from the field for a quick feed and don’t fancy pulling on a pair of sweaty boots. This does mean that, at some point, you’ll be stood on by a half-ton beast while wearing a pair of Crocs. (You, not the horse. That would be weird.) It really hurts. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Continued below…

Wheelie bins eat horses — and other things you need to know before you go hacking

Sharing your hacking routes with other road users can be challenging. Here's six things you absolutely need to know before

3. Telling people you’re moving yards

There’s only one thing horsey people like to do more than ride, and that’s gossip. Should you casually mention to someone that you’ve heard that such-and-such a yard is a pretty good place, you’ll instantly be met with the response, ‘Oh no, their fencing is unsafe/their tackroom is full of saddle-eating mice/their school has a massive hole in it that leads directly to Hell.’ It doesn’t matter if the facilities are Olympic-standard, you’ll find yourself speaking to the one person who has a beef with them. If you’ve made the decision to move, keep it yourself. Do not tell anybody – repeat, anybody. Oh. You already did.

4. Leading too many horses at once

This is a tricky one. We all know that leading multiple horses by yourself may result in our limbs being torn off like something out of a Greek myth, should said horses all take off in opposite directions. Or at least being left standing watching helplessly as one or more horses return to their stables/field sans handler with their leadrope twirling dangerously around their legs. But on the other hand, many horses experience severe anxiety — OK, totally lose the plot — if left in the field on their own. This basically means that although we know we shouldn’t lead two horses or more at once, we do it anyway. And hope for the best.

5. Lungeing without gloves

Put down a pair of riding gloves, and they will instantly vanish through some wormhole. Right now, somewhere in Outer Space, millions of lost gloves are swirling around together, like a giant inter-galactic whirlpool. This is something to ponder when you’ve decked your horse out in his lungeing gear and brought him up to the school, only to discover your gloves have vanished. The solution — naturally — is to go ahead and lunge him anyway. You may lose some skin from your fingers and palms — but who needs skin anyway? Just don’t shake hands/high-five anyone for a few days. You have been warned!

6. Worrying about our horses being horses

Being humans, we have a tendency to, well, humanise everything. In summer, we worry about our horses being too hot; in winter, too cold. We worry if we’re turning them out enough, or too much, and if they’re wearing enough rugs, or too many. We worry about how they’re interacting with their field mates, and if they’re enjoying their ridden work. It’s silly, really, because deep down we all know that so long as our horses get enough food, water and leisure time, that’s pretty much all their dreams come true. Sure, they have other needs in terms of regular visits from the farrier and the vet, but they certainly don’t worry about any of that stuff. All they really want to do is mooch about, being horses. So stop worrying! Go, on, stop it!

So come on. It’s time to confess. What are the things you do with your horses which you know you shouldn’t? Let us know below…

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

If we were creating our fantasy stable yard, here’s what we’d put on our wish list…

1. An all-weather surface

We’d wave goodbye to winters wading through mud in a soggy corner of the field, attempting to do some schooling, by investing in an all-weather surface as a number one priority.

Visit: www.martincollins.com

2. Solarium

A solarium to help stimulate blood circulation and improve recovery would be high up on our luxury list.

Visit: www.kylixuk.co.uk

3. CCTV

Cameras would be a game changer to avoid having to dash out to the stables every half an hour to check on an unwell horse or foaling mare.

Visit: www.equicom.co.uk

4. Electric gates

The panic of whether you have left the gate open or not would be eradicated with an electric gate (… and how nice it would be to not have to get out of the car when you get back from a long day’s competing.)

Visit: www.theelectricgateshop.co.uk

5. Plastic showjumps

Splinters would be a thing of the past with a set of showjumps from Jump 4 Joy.

Visit: www.showjumps.com

6. Mucking out machine

If there’s one chore we’d be happy to get rid of, it would be mucking out. And with the help of a Kanga Loader, that could be a reality. The machine has a bucket for collecting the muck and a rotary broom for sweeping the yard up afterwards.

Visit: www.kangaloader.com

7. Horse walker

When we’re strapped for time and don’t have the luxury of hopping on board, a horse walker would offer a helping hand.

Visit: www.claydon.com

8. Rubber matting

We’d opt for non-slip rubber matting, which could easily be hosed down and would make mucking out a whole lot easier.

Visit: www.fairfieldsales.co.uk

9. All-weather gallop

An all-weather gallop would mean not having to rely on local hacking and bridleways for fitness work — as well of course the fun of pretending you’re a champion jockey…

Visit: www.equestrianbuilders.co.uk

10. Mobile field shelter

A mobile field shelter would mean we’d never have to worry about protecting our horses from the extremities of the British weather — whether it’s swarms of flies or driving snow.

Visit: www.hancoxequestrian.co.uk

11. Boot warmers

We’d keep these boot warmers tucked away in the tackroom for the days when you’ve taken the worst of the rain.

Visit: simplefeeder.com

12. And finally…. a clock tower with an archway

Money no object, we’d like to pretend we were part of our childhood toy stable set, complete with an archway and clock tower.

Visit: www.scottsofthrapston.co.uk

Read the full feature about the 21st century stable yard in this week’s issue of Horse & Hound magazine (4 June 2015)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

In her new book 'Equestrian Pilates: schooling for the rider', Sue Gould-Wright looks at ways that Pilates can help you with tasks around the yard — from pushing wheelbarrows to mucking out

The jobs we do around the stable yard to make sure our beloved equine is warm, clean, comfortable, well fed and watered are some of the tasks most likely to wreak havoc on our bodies.

For example, hands up anyone who has picked up a bale of bedding with ease and carried it to the stable? Nobody? Well, hands up those who have managed to get their arms around a bale of bedding and waddled in the most ungainly manner to the stable, stopping occasionally to correct the inevitable ‘Aargh! I’m about to drop it’ moment? Yes, me too!

Lifting bedding or bales of hay is one of those jobs that unless you are very tall, with very long arms and very big muscles, you cannot really do correctly. I have tried to look at all possible methods and really the only safe way of handling these bulky items is to use a sack-trolley or wheelbarrow or for two people to lift them together.

If you have no option but to move them without assistance, concentrate on engaging your core and shoulder stabilisers before you proceed.

There are, however, other stable yard jobs I can help with.

Sweeping

How not to sweep: photo one

A better sweeping posture: photo two

Excuse my hideous over-acting in photo one but I was trying to mimic the main faults I see. Firstly you will see that I am using quite a lot of effort with my upper shoulder muscles and neck, my upper trapezius in particular; my shoulders are up by my ears and I am taking quite a bit of strain through my arms. I have automatically stepped forward to push off with my favoured leg – we all have one! The other thing to note is my back is rather hunched – no sign at all of the neutral curves – and I can tell you that there was no core working.

If you compare the photos you may also notice that I am taking my weight backwards in photo one but in photo two my posture is more upright, my core is engaged and I have stepped forward with my ‘unfavoured’ leg. Because we do all have one side we favour, the more we submit to the use of this side over the other the more wonky we will become. If you look at photo one you can see clearly that the pelvis is twisted.

Think about how often you sweep, muck out and push wheelbarrows (and do other non-horse-related activities like walking up stairs) then it doesn’t take long to become very one-sided. It will take time to get used to using the other leg as you will have to consciously choose it and build up the muscle memory to become proficient at using the other side of the body. I should also state the obvious, which is: once you have got used to using the other leg, remember to alternate between the two or you will end up swapping one favoured leg for another!

The other point to note in photo two is my shoulder position — I have now drawn my shoulders down. All in all, this is not only a more comfortable way to sweep but it is more efficient. Instead of using small muscle groups, like those in the arms, neck and shoulders, you can get those big, powerful back, leg and core muscles working. Notice how I am leaning more forward in photo two, using the weight of my body to sweep rather than exhausting my arms.

Mucking out

How not to muck out: photo three

A good mucking out posture: photo four

As with sweeping, the over-use of shoulders, neck and arms is very apparent in photo three. You will also see that the back position is hunched, no core muscles are working and I am again leading with my favourite leg. If you are mucking out a particularly wet and/or dirty bed you do not need me to tell you that it can be heavy work and if you are just using the smaller muscles of the arms, shoulders and neck rather than getting the larger back and core muscle groups involved, you will soon tire.

In photo four you will note the more neutral body and shoulder position. I have again changed the leading leg and have also swapped arms – a good habit to get into; the more you practise the easier it will become. Note the whole body is now involved in the activity; by taking the weight into the front foot I can take the effort away from just the shoulders and arms.

Pushing wheelbarrows

Bad wheelbarrow pushing; the barrow is being ‘carried’: photo five

Good wheelbarrow pushing; the body is being used correctly to push rather than carry the barrow: photo six

Oh, this is my favourite thing to nag clients about. I am so conscious of it I had real trouble doing the bad pose for photo five. What am I talking about? Those of you who ‘carry’ your wheelbarrow rather than push it – you know who you are! You insist on lifting the handles so high that the benefits of having a wheelbarrow are lost because you are using so much shoulder and arm work you might as well be carrying a large bucket – badly!

As you will also see in photo five, there is often a tendency to stoop when you are pushing and not engage the core. As with the previous activities, the favoured leg is leading the task and, because this is generally a heavier activity, then it is even more important to change.

When you are pushing your wheelbarrow think about all of the cues for your good standing posture: neutral spine, neutral pelvis, engaging your core. As you bend to take hold of the handles, ensure you bend from the knees and hips rather than hunching through the small of your back, and engage the core a little more strongly as you push upright through the legs to take the weight of the barrow. Also, draw the shoulder blades down and in towards your waistband as you take the weight as this should stop you from lifting with top of the shoulders and the neck. Finally, remember which leg to step forward with first to ensure your favoured leg doesn’t do all of the work.

Carrying buckets and haynets

Bad bucket carrying: photo seven

Bad haynet carrying: photo eight

Good bucket carrying: photo nine

Good haynet carrying: photo 10

I have grouped these two tasks together as they have one common element, which is: we often carry the offending items on one side only. We either lean our body away from the item we are carrying to counterbalance the weight of the item, or we allow ourselves to tip toward the weight. (Photos seven and eight) Either way, if this is repeated day after day we will eventually become tighter and shortened to one side.

Before picking up your bucket or haynet, engage your core. As you bend to pick it up, bend the knees and keep your back as neutral as possible. Push yourself upright using the leg muscles, engaging the core more as you take the weight of the item. Once upright, holding your net or bucket, check that you haven’t allowed the tops of the shoulders to overwork. (Photos nine and 10)

With haynets I often see people holding the cord diagonally across the body, using it as an extra tool to help carry the burden. You could try what I do and tie the end of the cord halfway down the net so that you have a strap you can put over your shoulder (see photo 10). Even this is not ideal as you are still loading one side only but it is better than the alternative.

I hope that you are now starting to see that the bad and good ways to do your yard tasks are quite similar across a wide range of jobs.

Bad = over-use of shoulders, poor back posture, no core working, favouring one side.

Good = use of shoulder stabilising muscles, maintaining a neutral spine where possible, always starting a task with the conscious thought of engaging your core (especially if it is heavy work), alternating your favoured leading leg.

Other daily tasks

When looking after a horse there are so many repetitive tasks involved (grooming, picking out hooves, leading, leaning over feed bins, etc.). However, as we have already seen, the more you think about how you use your body well, the stronger and more able you will be to continue carrying out these tasks for years to come. Check that you are doing the following.

• Using your core muscles.

• Keeping your posture as neutral as the task will allow.

• Ensuring your shoulder stabilisers are working and that raised shoulders (shoulders up by your ears) are a thing of the past.

• Alternating your push-off (leading) leg.

• Working your arms equally.

• Using your wheelbarrow as a wheelbarrow.

• Making use of a big, strong giant to carry your bedding!

This is an extract from Equestrian Pilates – Schooling for the Rider by Sue Gould-Wright.

Publisher: published by J.A. Allen

Price: £15.99

Visit: www.allenbooks.co.uk

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The designers of a product that aims to make the lives of horse owners and gardeners easier, faced the “dragons” last weekend (Sunday, 30 September) when they appeared on BBC2’s Dragon’s Den.

Father and son Mike and Joe Smith appeared on the programme to pitch their Wheelbarrow Booster.

The product is fitted in seconds and quadruples the capacity of the wheelbarrow, meaning fewer trips to the muck heap.

“We had two offers – from Duncan Bannatyne and Hilary Devey – but we asked for £50,000 investment for 10% of the company,” said Joe. “They both wanted 50% and my dad wasn’t having that!

“My dad came up with the idea 15 years ago, but we only started selling it this year and wanted some more exposure. He was sick of making so many trips to the compost pile. It’s been tested by our local Riding for the Disabled Association group and they love it.”

Joe enjoyed the Dragon’s Den experience. “We couldn’t have afforded a 10-minute advert so it was great,” he said.

“I was nervous to a point but, although they looked scary as hell, they were really nice. My dad wouldn’t watch it on TV, though.”

The Wheelbarrow Booster is for sale in the H&H shop for £14.99, with a discount of £2 on normal price.

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (4 October 2012)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Stable staff are campaigning to phase out an “outdated” mucking out system that leaves them covered in manure.

The use of “muck sacks” – piling soiled bedding on to a flat sheet so it can be bundled up and carried to a muck heap – is still common in some training yards.

But George McGrath, of the National Association of Stable Staff (NASS), says it’s time to change.

“It’s an ongoing issue,” he told H&H. “Most yards do use wheelbarrows, but there are a few – usually the older ones – who see nothing wrong with taking out soiled bedding in this way.”

He estimated around 20% of trainers still use this method, but said the cost of buying wheelbarrows puts them off changing.

The use of muck sacks is not only unpleasant, but can also result in back injuries. “You throw the sack over your shoulder – and the contents seep through. Lads don’t object to mucking out – just to wearing the manure.”

Mr McGrath added that it’s not uncommon for some lads to buy their own wheelbarrows.

“We understand these are tough economic times, but this needs to be phased out.”

Lucy Katan from the British Grooms Association (BGA) said she didn’t think it was usual practice in general yards, being more common in the racing world, but the BGA fully backs the campaign.

“This is a practice from the dark ages,” she said. “So many grooms suffer from bad backs, which can be career threatening.”

NASS wants the National Trainers Federation (NTF), to do more for change this.

But Rupert Arnold from the NTF said he had consulted members earlier this year and trainers wished to make their own decision over muck sacks.

“When used properly, muck sacks are a safe and tidy way of carrying hay and used bedding,” he added.

This news story was first published in the current issue of Horse and Hound (10 November, 2011)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A new product designed to boost the capacity of a wheelbarrow by 300% has been launched.

The extra capacity means that the Wheelbarrow Booster saves time when mucking out stables – by fitting this product only one trip to a muckheap would need to be made, instead of three.

It was recently featured on Simon Mayo’s Radio 2 Drivetime show as the “innovation of the week” and also on the Alan Titchmarsh show on ITV.

The wipe clean booster is made from heavyweight tarp and can easily be fitted inside a regular wheelbarrow in 20 seconds.

Steve Stringer from the company said: “Mike Smith, who works as a landscape gardener, designed the product to help with his work.

“However when I saw it, I immediately saw the potential for the equestrian market as my daughter has two ponies.”

“It really is multipurpose and we’ve tested it rigorously on our yard.”

For more information about the Wheelbarrow Booster, which retails for £17 and is available in green and pink, visit www.wheelbarrowbooster.co.uk

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now