Paddock footing

[Sharondoright]

hey everyone. We have a nice fenced dry lot with heavy clay base. We have dealt with stall footing with deep compacted crushed stone Andre stall mats. During wet weather, our dirt / clay gets slick and sticky. Would like economical options to mitigate the slime for this year. Next year I am thinking to put railroad ties around edge of paddock, and throw crushed rock down, followed by arena sand. Area is about 50’x64’ including barn space. Thanks.

 

[Marsha Cassada]

An economical solution that has worked for me is old carpet with the jute side up. The rain runs off the roof of my horse motel and makes a soggy area; that is the favorite spot for the hroses to stand so it is a trampled mess. The carpet lasts almost a year, with occasional rainfall. In soggy weather I replace it every few months. I asked the carpet store for some; they said dog kennels use it alot. Now I just stop by their dump trailer behind the store and pick out a piece that will work for me. This might work in some of the worst areas of the paddock until you can get your sand.

 

[plaid mare]

I have the same issue with clay. I add sand each year, but my fenced area is on a slope, so it gets washed away quickly. I like the carpet idea! I hate clay! Clay is hard on hooves,and coat. My little guy is a white/brown paint.He hates to get wet, but he loves to roll in wet clay.Not a pretty sight. I am going to try the carpet. Thank-you Marsha,you are a wealth of knowledge.