How to Fix a Muddy Paddock

Your horse's health depends in large part on the cleanliness of its environment. A paddock -- a small, typically enclosed pasture -- is a major part of this environment. An effective paddock should be a place where your horse can relax outside of its stall. However, an enclosure that is frequently used will eventually loose its grass cover. This becomes a problem in particular when it rains and the dirt turns to mud. A muddy paddock can become a breeding ground for bacteria and unwanted pests that can be detrimental to your horse's well-being. While it can be a challenge, there are certain steps that you can take to correct a muddy paddock .

Things You'll Need

  • Sand, limestone or gravel
  • Filter fabrics
  • Grass seed
  • Mechanical spreader
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Instructions

    • 1

      Keep horses out of the paddock after it rains. Horses will pack down thin grass and the result will be the formation of mud. Prevent mud by keeping your horses in a larger grassy paddock when it is wet outside.

    • 2

      Install a sturdier surface for your paddock. Place 6 to 8-inches of footing -- such as sand, compacted limestone or crushed gravel -- in muddy paddock areas. Apply a layer of geotextile, or filter fabric, before you install the footing to help with drainage. Roll the fabric out on top of the mud and then install the footing.

    • 3

      Overseed your paddock with grass seed. Use a mechanical spreader to plant 15 to 20 pounds of grass seed per acre. Choose a hardy, fast growing grass such as Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, clover or ryegrass. Allow the paddock to rest for at least six months if possible.

    • 4

      Rotate between two paddocks -- if possible -- to prevent overuse. Rotating between three or more paddocks will give you the best results. The more paddocks you rotate between, the longer the rest period each paddock will enjoy. This in turn will allow you to reseed and build up the grass in each enclosure.