This is a different way of mucking out and as people have only been given the option of using a longer handled rake, it can take a little time to get used to using a smaller handled rake.
The following simple tips will ensure that you get the best out of your Speedskip and protect your back and joints at the same time:
1. Stand at the front end of the skip and lean on the long handle on the scoop to balance yourself. This will support and isolate your back and reduce the potential for back strain. Do not stand at the back of the scoop and reach over – this will strain your back.
2. Use the rake in your other hand to gather the manure into the scoop. The rake has been designed to be the correct length to get the necessary pressure needed to remove the manure minimising the strain on your wrist, elbow, shoulder and back.
As the rake tines have been made with specially carbon sprung steel it is very strong as well as being flexible. This can give the feeling that the rake is an extension of your hand enabling you to be very particular at removing only the manure, leaving the bedding or arena surface in tact. By being so specific at removing only the manure you can stop good bedding and the arena surface ending up on the muck heap. Also, as the tines are flexible they will not injure a horse if they are accidentally stood on.
The rake has been researched and extensively field tested (sorry about the pun!), trialling the handle at various lengths. The field tests showed that the longer the rake handle became, the more strength was needed to remove the manure, putting considerable strain on wrists, elbows, shoulders and the back. If you liken it to playing tennis with a long-handled tennis racquet, the amount of strength needed to volley the ball back over the net would have to be tremendous.
In a short space of time you will become very quick at mucking out saving you lots of time, reducing bedding wastage, and saving your energy.
