Readers Share Personal Tales and Insights on Horse Manure Collection
The etiquette and practicalities of horse manure collection have sparked a lively debate among Guardian readers, with many sharing nostalgic memories and scientific perspectives on this organic matter.
Nostalgic Memories of "Road Apples"
Kay Burkinshaw from Stannington, Sheffield, recalls fond childhood memories of her father in the 1960s. "Spotting a pile of horse manure my father would give a joyous shout of 'Road apples!', pull to a halt and jump out to gather the treasure," she writes. He kept a small shovel and sack in the boot of their Vauxhall Viva specifically for such occasions. His garden thrived on this bounty, and Burkinshaw notes she has always remembered the pleasant smell of horse dung as a result.
Public Health Comparisons with Dog Waste
Terry O'Hara from Maghull, Merseyside, a former sergeant in the mounted police department, highlights that dog poo poses a greater public health risk than horse muck. "There is in fact decent evidence that dog poo poses rather more of a public health risk than horse muck – in terms of pathogens, parasites, diet, and how long the stuff remains infectious," he explains. O'Hara once defended this position during an entire Radio Merseyside phone-in programme in the 1990s, dedicated to complaints about police horses leaving manure in the city centre. He humorously notes that colleagues were unsurprised he managed to spend an hour on air discussing the topic.
Environmental and Garden Benefits
Alex Gallagher from Cranbrook, Kent, adds a practical perspective based on personal experience with both dogs and ponies. "Dog poo is a more toxic and smelly substance that legally requires removal from public places, while horse poo is basically vegetable matter and friendly bacteria, and goes beautifully on compost heaps," Gallagher states. He emphasises that horse manure biodegrades quickly, making it an eco-friendly option for gardeners.
Ongoing Debate and Community Response
This discussion follows previous letters about the etiquette of picking up horse manure and its surprising properties. Readers continue to engage with the topic, reflecting broader concerns about urban cleanliness, public health, and sustainable gardening practices. The Guardian encourages further opinions, inviting readers to submit letters for potential publication in the letters section.
