Cleaning out stable before winter?

[Julie Ole Girl]

My two share a big stable at our home. (15.3 and a mini). They love coming in at night during winter but have been living out all summer. I have not cleared it out as on very hot days I've brought them in for a few hours. However I have cleaned and washed all the walls and dusted and it doesn't smell at all. It took me ages to build up a cosy deep bed of straw and shavings and the odd occasion now in early Autumn when I bring them in (i.e. early morning hunting) they seem perfectly happy. OH is insisting I take it all out and disinfect and start again. I'm so reluctant as its so comfy, and a hell of a lot of work and expense. It will only be their second winter with me (always done livery before), hence my lack of knowledge.

 

[Flowerofthefen]

If its clean and your happy with it I'd leave it!

 

[Gloi]

If OH wants all the bedding out I'm sure he knows where the barrow is.

 

[Spot_On03]

I wouldn't bother personally, I'd leave it till spring now to clear.

 

[Julie Ole Girl]

Ooh goody so far, thanks all. Its a good few inches deep and I don't have rubber mats, except on the concrete space at the front. It's a huge stable. I'll put lots of fresh stuff in top.

 

[Julie Ole Girl]

.

And I also put anti ammonia powder down.

 

[ycbm]

OH is insisting I take it all out and disinfect and start again.

Why? ??‍?‍

PS my stables haven't been disinfected for 30 years. The barn they live in overnight now has had the same surface with them peeing in it for approaching 20 years.
.

 

[meleeka]

Is it deep littered? If so I’d probably dig out and replace the edges as that’s where you are likely to get mould growing.

 

[Julie Ole Girl]

Why? ??‍?‍

PS my stables haven't been disinfected for 30 years. The barn they live in overnight now has had the same surface with them peeing in it for approaching 20 years.
.

I like this more fuel for my battle thank you!

 

[Julie Ole Girl]

Is it deep littered? If so I’d probably dig out and replace the edges as that’s where you are likely to get mould growing.

Yes I've done the edges already. Thanks

 

[Lucky Snowball]

My deep beds have never been dug out. About 26 years of shavings on soil. About 18" deep and admired by lots of vets.

 

[Julie Ole Girl]

My deep beds have never been dug out. About 26 years of shavings on soil. About 18" deep and admired by lots of vets.

That sounds very comfy for them. I've not changed my own mattress for nearly 20 years, who cares? lol