Winter rainfall in the Pacific Northwest creates a near-insurmountable challenge for mud control on horse farms.  We are over 6 years and 1 million pounds of gravel and hogs fuel into tackling this problem. 

Mud can cause problems for horses and the environment.  Runoffs of sediment contaminate surface water runoff.  This contributes to silting of waterways and causes harm to fish and aquatic wildlife.  Horses forced to slog through mud can suffer from strains, pulled shoes, foot/hoof diseases and other problems.

Below are pictures of one of our paddocks before and after mud management efforts (click to enlarge).

In the left photo, water from an un-guttered roof is falling on the high end of the paddock and causing saturation.  The plunging action of horse hooves made sure that the dirt was turned into mud.  The right photo shows the same paddock after gutters, drainpipes, and gravel were added.

Mud management begins by adding gutters and downspouts to barn and building roofs.  From there drainage pipes can be used to convey the clean water away from paddocks and manure storage areas to drywells or appropriate discharge areas.  

The next step is to add base/footing material. We have used various combinations of mineral and wood products including 5/8 minus gravel, hogs fuel (wood chips), and gravel or hogs fuel over 1.5 inch drain rock.  There are advantages and disadvantages to each and opinions abound.  In the end you have to go with whatever works best for you.  For us the 5/8" minus gravel (like what's used on driveways) has provided the best results.  It compacts well to provide a firm surface, whereas the straight hogs fuel or hogs fuel over drain rock tends to shift around (the horses paw through it). Washed sand, pea gravel, or hogs fuel footing can be added over a portion of the compacted gravel to provide a cushioned pad if desired. 

Apply base/footing during the dry season before the mud gets bad. Otherwise it tends to sink in and disappear.  It's also important that the paddock or sacrifice area has a gentle slope for the water to drain off.  We pick the manure out of these areas on a daily basis. Keep at least a 25' wide vegetative buffer at the downward side, which will act as a natural filter.

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