Question
Hi,
could any one tell me when horse manure is at its  best to use: when it no longer smells but retains some of its shape (6 months or so) or when it is very old (over 3years) I have access to either and I want to use it on my veg plot.
Regards,
Monica Carter.

Answer
The older cured Manure is best to use in all situations.  Horse Manure is widely considered one of the richest Manures, packed with Phosphorus and Nitrogen, a terrific source of Organic Matter.  One Ton of Horse Manure holds the same nutrients as 100 lbs of 14-5-11 fertilizer.  Make sure that if the Manure was collected from stalls with straw bedding, it was not glazed or treated with wax.  You want it to break down readily.

I would bear in mind, incidentally, that Manure can also be high in Salts and perhaps too high for your Soil in Phosphorus.  A Soil Test will tell you whether this is the wrong Soil Amendment for you.

Your followup(s) invited.  Thanks for writing.

L.I.G.