[shay]

Working on a fairly new plot, few raised beds and also the area for 5-6 rows of spuds. We have a regular supply of horse manure from a nearby stables of which some has been there for maybe 2-3 months.

My plan is to put manure in the beds and also where the spuds will be going however am I ok to use the manure that is still fairly recent or am I better off this year buying the packs of manure and using that instead?

[Ma and Pa Snip]

Using less than well rotted manure often results in burning of the seed or roots.
Best get supplies as you can and wait for it to mature.

[Lee1978]

It also takes all of the nitrogen from the soil

[Swing Swang]

Should get away with squash on mounds the fresh stuff (which will be nearly 9 months old when you plant the seedlings out in June/July). My inclination would be to grow squash into great piles of the stuff this year as it's rotting down, then dig it in/mulch etc next winter.

Alternatively use it now to make a hot bed, covering with plenty of soil and cold frames for some exotic stuff (melons etc)

[LittleRedHen]

We have four hens and I throw the used bedding  right around my established plants with great results.  I would not advise it, however, for seedlings or tender young plants.  Tomatoes, melons, peppers and other heavy feeders really enjoy this, especially my roses.