Horse Owners how do you keep that 3-4 foot area...?

We have put a layer of crushed lime rock, it is almost as fine as coarse sand around our barn, it seems to work and the area where the lime meets the dirt seems to mix and grass grows over it. We haven't had that horrible mud problem anymore.

The only luck I ever had was, to first move in more dirt, then a thick layer of small, pea-sized gravel onto that area, to build it up higher, then finally top it off with plenty of sand, for comfort. It needs to be done every year, but it helps to not have actual dirt right there, on top of it all. Rain just messes the area all up immediately, if you do.

Well, that, and finding some way to encourage the horses not to insist upon urinating right there, in that 'convenient' area.

Also, do not place any water sources in that space, there, either. A horse tank in particular needs to be placed as far away as possible, such that the animal(s) can still reach it.

Dig around that side of the barn, not too deep a foot or a little deeper will work, put some drain pipe or tile in, have a slight slope to it, fill with rock, and put some sand, or dirt on top.

Mud is part of life with horses. I've come to except it. As far as my experience goes, I've never had a horse die from a little mud. Gravel works pretty well, but me, I just let em get a little muddy. They enjoy it.

=)

Sorry I am on my daughters account.(I don't have a yahoo one)

Well I breed and train thoroughbreds and Frisians. I have a few hanos too. All my horses are curios. I put a tarp over it. Just fold it up. I also use small gravel too, If there is no horses in that spot. E-mail me for more suggestions.

Build an awning type overhang over the mud-affected area. That will help keep it dry, then you can dump sawdust on the muddy area and spread it around to help soak up the moisture.

I have the SAME problem, and I went and purchased about 10 bags of "Oil Absorb" (clay cat litter) and put it out. It has helped, not totally, but it is a lot less "mucky".

Hope this helps!

I have cattle and have had the same issue we dug out the hole put in pea stone (fairly deep) for drainage and then filled with gravel... Tamp it down ALOT then continue with gravel.

worked great!

you need to get somthing growing around the front, to hold the soil together, and keep it from running off when it rains.

were I rid they have lots of sand to do that