I have been scraping up all the leaves in the garden (very large garden, unbelievable amount of leaves!!) Was wondering if having dumped a load of them on the veg patch for mixing in with horse manure when they are rotted down whether this will be beneficial or detrimental to the health (growth) of veggies next year??

Also, does anyone have a leaf blower and can they recommend them or not. Especially when the leaves are wet on grass??

Many thanks

Leaves usually take a long time to rot down (although they'll be quicker when mixed with horse manure) but some leaves (holly, chestnut, etc.) take AGES to rot. Also there's not many nutrients in leaves. However they make a fantastic soil conditioner so they shouldn't hurt your veggies and may help. They'll definitely improve the soil anyway

We used to have a leaf blower which worked OK even on wet leaves (it was a big strong one) but in the end we just left the wind to blow the leaves away, which worked just as well for a lot less work

Leaves cannot harm your vegetables in any way though it is very important about what kind of leaves you are talking about. Walnut, for example is toxic both to the soil and plants. I have a mature walnut tree nearby my garden and I'm seriously considering about relocating the garden because nothings seems to grow anymore near the walnut tree.

Further to previous answers, i agree that when rotted they will be beneficial but just be aware that initially, they will rob the soil of nutrient as they rot down so I would be inclined to mix with the FYM and compost them in a heap first and add as a top dressing when rotted before digging them into the soil.
Remember also that unless well rotted FYM will contain loads of weed seeds which will germinate, thus making keeping the veg plot clean more difficult.
Add a compost accelerator to the heap and the leaves should rot down quicker, giving a nice friable organic medium, especially if the heap is kept relatively dry, if too wet (uncovered) you could end up with a wet sludgy pile
Lannerman