How to dispose of horse manure is a daily reality for horse owners: an average horse produces roughly 50 pounds of manure a day, plus soiled bedding. Rather than treating it as waste, most owners compost it, spread it on pasture, or give it away to gardeners. The keys are managing the pile so it does not pollute water, killing weed seeds and parasite eggs, and following any local rules for larger operations.
Composting
Composting reduces volume, kills many weed seeds and parasites, and produces a soil amendment gardeners value.
- Pick a site on high ground, away from wells, streams, ditches, and property lines.
- Build a pile or bins large enough to heat up, often at least about 3 to 5 feet tall and wide.
- Keep it moist like a wrung-out sponge.
- Turn the pile to add oxygen and help it reach temperatures around 130 to 150°F.
- Cover it with a tarp to shed rain and limit runoff.
- Let it cure for several months until dark and crumbly.
Shavings bedding breaks down more slowly than straw and may need extra time.
Spreading on pasture
Spreading fresh or composted manure thinly on pasture returns nutrients to the soil. Tips:
- Spread thinly with a manure spreader or harrow.
- Avoid spreading on frozen or saturated ground or before heavy rain.
- Keep buffers from streams, ponds, and wells.
- Rotate pastures so horses are not grazing freshly spread areas, which helps limit parasite reinfection.
Composted manure carries fewer parasite and weed concerns than fresh.
Give it away
Gardeners, community gardens, landscapers, and mushroom growers often want horse manure, especially composted. Post a free listing with a “bring your own truck” note, or offer bagged compost.
Removal services
Many areas have manure hauling services that drop off a dumpster or trailer and haul it to a composting facility or farm. Some landfills and yard waste sites accept manure, often at specific rates; call ahead.
Regulations
Larger operations may fall under state or local rules for manure storage and nutrient management. Even small farms should avoid letting runoff reach water. Your county conservation district or extension office can offer free guidance.
What not to do
- Do not pile manure next to a stream, ditch, or well.
- Do not dump it on vacant land or roadsides.
- Do not use fresh manure directly on vegetable gardens close to harvest; composted manure is safer.
- Do not burn it.
How to dispose of horse manure FAQ
How much manure does a horse produce?
Roughly 50 pounds a day, plus soiled bedding.
How long does horse manure take to compost?
Typically several months, depending on turning, moisture, and bedding type.
Can I put horse manure in my garden?
Composted manure is best. Fresh manure can burn plants and carry weed seeds and pathogens.
Will a landfill take horse manure?
Some landfills and yard waste sites accept it. Call ahead about rates and rules.
Who can help with a manure management plan?
Your county conservation district or cooperative extension office.
The bottom line
How to dispose of horse manure: compost it in a well-sited, covered pile, spread it thinly on pasture when conditions are right, give it away to gardeners, or hire a removal service. Protect water with buffers and covers, and ask your extension office for local guidance.
Hauling it yourself? If the load won’t fit in the truck bed, a 6×10 ft open-rail utility trailer or a 4×8 ft folding trailer (it folds upright to store in a garage) can cost less than a couple of hauler trips. Tie everything down with ratchet tie-down straps; many sites charge extra for loose or uncovered loads.
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