The noble art of shoveling manure.

In equestrian life there is a task as humble as it is essential: shoveling horse manure.

Horses defecate around 23 kg of manure per day, and they leave it all day long. This means that caring for and riding horses is equivalent to cleaning up feces; you simply can't do one without the other. Perhaps the close relationship between the noble art of shoveling horse manure and the joy of riding contributes to its therapeutic effect.

A daily, silent, and constant task that often goes unnoticed compared to the majesty of riding or the brilliance of a competition, but which constitutes the very foundation of equine well-being and becomes an exercise in responsibility, connection, and respect for the animal and its environment.

When our hands are busy, our minds tend to relax and focus. This phenomenon is based on the intricate relationship between our hands and our brain. Performing activities that require manual dexterity, such as collecting horse manure, gives the mind a chance to rest, improving mood and reducing stress.

We, the groomers, shovel in hand, practice an ancient ritual. Every movement requires attention to detail, observation of the state of the feces—a valuable source of information about the horse's health—and dedication to order and hygiene.

Shoveling manure requires concentration. The mind quiets and focuses on the present: observing, sorting, collecting, transporting. It's an exercise in mindfulness in motion, where routine is transformed into a moment of active calm. It's a true form of meditation; each shovel becomes a conscious breath, a moment of direct connection with nature and with the horse itself.

Shoveling manure isn't just about cleaning stables. It's an act of caring, a moment in which humans connect with their horses in the most basic way: their living environment. A clean stable prevents disease, improves breathing, prevents hoof infections, and creates a space where the animal feels comfortable and calm.

The work isn't limited to the stall. In paddocks and pastures, collecting manure is equally essential. Keeping pastures clean not only promotes horse health by reducing the presence of parasites, but also preserves forage quality and beautifies the environment.

The meadow is peaceful, and as we collect and rake manure, working outdoors, we hear the birds singing, the horses whinnying, and the sounds of nature. The daily act of walking the field with a shovel and wheelbarrow is part of the silent routine that sustains the well-being of the herd and is therapeutic for us.

The task of raking manure into a pile, then scooping it up and dumping it into a wheelbarrow and depositing it elsewhere isn't really difficult. Horse manure is easy to handle. It's light, doesn't stick to the shovel, is easy to scoop, and doesn't smell bad.

Far from being a futile effort, shoveling manure is a complete workout: it strengthens legs, arms, and back, activates circulation, and builds endurance. It's a natural, outdoor gym, where every movement has a clear purpose: to improve the life of the horse and the environment.

At the same time, the task encourages daily discipline and conveys a message of humility: those who care for horses understand that the greatness of these animals demands constant, unadulterated work.

Horse manure, far from being waste, is also a valuable resource; it's a local product, a true "km 0" product. Composted with patience and skill, it becomes a high-quality fertilizer, "black gold." It's ideal for enriching the very meadows where horses graze and for nourishing family orchards or gardens.

Thus, shoveling is part of a cycle of sustainable use where nothing is lost, everything is transformed. The cycle closes naturally and sustainably: what the horse returns to the earth returns in the form of fresh grass and healthy food.

Shoveling manure is neither a punishment nor a minor task. Everyone should shovel manure at least once in their life. It helps you become a better person. It's a practice that combines discipline, respect for animals, care for the landscape, and sustainability. Those who do it not only clean, but also cultivate patience, humility, and a sense of community with nature.

Shoveling manure is an excellent exercise for strengthening character. If you can shovel horse manure all day, it proves that no obstacle in life is too great to overcome.

Ultimately, the noble art of shoveling manure is a reminder that the greatness of the horse, horsemanship, and equestrian life are not sustained by riding alone, but by daily dedication to simple, honest, and necessary tasks. Behind every shovel and wheelbarrow lies dedication, awareness, and gratitude, and this is where a true relationship with the horse begins: one cemented in respect, care, and dedication to an animal that offers us companionship, strength, and nobility.