"well rotted manure"

Apologies for may seem to be a rather daft question!
I've taken delivery of what has been described as well rotted horse manure. As a child I grew up on the North Yorkshire moors next to farms and a riding school and I seem to recall that the manure was a dark, dark chocolate colour and crumbly in texture. This stuff is a kind of tan colour and is more defined than crumbly. It's certainly not freshly pooed poo, but it doesn't look like I remember it should.

I have a couple of questions:
1: Can I use this new stuff now, or do I have to wait until this stuff is completely rotted down?
2: Assuming I can use it now, how exactly do I use it? Do I just lay it on the ground around my shrubs and plants? Do I have to dig it into the ground? I have a completely new bed, as yet unplanted - should I fork this into the ground and leave it for a while (how long?) until I plant it up?

Thanks awfully!