The advantages of our paddock surfaces
We incorporate OTTO-Perforated Mats™ for a permanently weatherproof paddock:
- No more mud
- Drainage for excess water
- Non-slip, shock-absorbent
- Separation layer between the sub-base layer and the paddock sand
Conclusion:
- Healthy, happy horses free from hoof diseases
- Greater safety for your horses and a more confident performance
The paddocks from OTTO Arena System are built according to the same high-quality standards as our riding arenas. The multilayer system provides excellent drainage, long-term stability, and maximum comfort and safety for horses, even under intensive use and changing weather conditions.
A typical OTTO paddock structure consists of the following layers:
- Drainage layer made of gravel
Acts as a stable, water-conducting foundation that ensures efficient drainage throughout the entire system. - OTTO Perforated Mat (Paddock Mat)
Adds structural stability, prevents layer mixing, and improves traction and load resistance. - Infill with washed coarse sand or alternatively crushed stone
Supports drainage performance and contributes to even load distribution - Top riding layer made of washed fine sand
High-quality fine sand free of clay content – preferably without additives – creates a comfortable and low-maintenance surface. Optionally, the proven OTTO-ArenaPad riding layer can be used to further enhance elasticity, stability, and riding comfort.
Our tip:
Groundworks
The groundwork requirements depend on the condition and quality of the existing subsoil. Depending on the soil characteristics, we recommend installing a compacted gravel base layer to create a durable, stable, and load-bearing foundation for the riding arena or paddock.
For optimal drainage, OTTO Arena System recommends a slight slope of approximately 0.5% to a maximum of 1%. This allows surface water to drain efficiently while avoiding excessive inclination that could negatively affect the horses’ movement and posture.
A professionally executed substructure is essential for the long-term durability, functionality, and low-maintenance performance of the entire riding surface system.
The OTTO-PerforatedMat – our “paddock paving”
The OTTO-Perforated Mat™ can be installed on a sub-base layer that has been correctly prepared and finished.
The benefits of the OTTO-PerforatedMat
Separation of the sub-base layer and the paddock sand
Without a paddock mat, the sand would migrate and start to mix with the sub-base layer (gravel, etc.) when the horses drag and scrape their hooves over the paddock surface. The OTTO-PerforatedMat is an extremely effective way of preventing this, as it creates a clean and permanent separation between the sub-base layer and the sand.
Skid-resistance
Your horses will gallop over the paddock surface with joy, because our special system of raised knobs of varying heights on the upper side of the mat prevent skidding and slipping. The system of raised knobs ensures excellent adherence to the paddock sand and therefore a high level of stability.
Drainage function
Mud combined with horse urine and manure is a paradise for bacteria which can result in thrush and mud fever (pastern dermatitis) infections.
The drainage holes in the mat prevent excess water from forming puddles and therefore muddy conditions on the paddock surface. The open stable remains free of mud even after heavy, persistent rainfall and the horse’s hooves stay healthy.
Improved blood circulation to the hoof
Vets have reported a positive effect when using OTTO PerforatedMats in paddocks: horse hoof growth is much improved on unshod hooves. The varying height of the knobs stimulates blood circulation to the hoof.
Water storage
The OTTO-PerforatedMat has a water storage system on the upper side of the mat which can store up to 4 litres of water to maintain the required moisture level of the paddock surface. This ensures the surface remains firm and prevents the hazard of sand and dust being stirred up.
20-year functionality guarantee
We also provide a 20-year warranty on the functionality of OTTO PerforatedMats for paddocks and our riding arenas.
Backfilling with washed coarse sand or chippings
The OTTO-Perforated Mat™ is backfilled with chippings or water-permeable coarse sand to prevent the fine sand from migrating downwards through the drainage holes of the mat.
Layer of washed fine sand with no clay content
The paddock sand should contain no aggregates because the horses could ingest them. Our OTTO-ArenaPur sand consists only of pure sand and is particularly permeable to water, and muddy puddles on the paddock surface are a thing of the past.
The right sand for your paddock
Not all sand is created equal:
We use only washed sand mixtures with no clay components, i.e. the drainage holes do not clog as the clay settles down after rainfall and compacts the bottom layer.
High longevity
You and your horses will enjoy your paddock for a long time to come.
OTTO ArenaPur – the paddock sand
Are you wondering if your sand is suitable for the paddock you are planning to build? Send us a sand sample or ask us about OTTO-ArenaPur, the sand mix that has been specifically developed for paddocks. We’re always happy to help.
