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[RC] Information on pea gravel loafing area - Linda CowlesI had several requests for a description of a pea
gravel loafing area and thought I'd post it to the
group.
These loafing areas are great for conditioning horses feet,
but as Susan said, very tender horses shouldn't be restricted to the area. My
horses love rolling, sleeping and urinating in these pens, so I keep them picked
clean of manure and hose them down regularly to keep them
fresh.
The loafing I'm building now is 12x18 feet and works
for my 2 horses. It's built from 12x2 pressure treated lumber
(railroad ties work too)over a packed dirt base graded at a slight incline
so that it'll drain. I covered the dirt with several layers
of landscaping or construction "barrier cloth" (available at Costco in a 4
foot roll (I forget the length) for ~ $30. Recycled Astroturf-type
carpeting also works.
I plan to put 6 inches of smooth pea gravel over the cloth.
I've talked to people who've used all sorts of gravel successfully, in
sizes up to 2 inches in diameter, but I like straight pea gravel because it's
easier to clean the manure out of.
-- Linda
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