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Building your own mud-free paddock - our instructions

How to build a paradise of wellbeing for horses.

Mud can turn often paddocks into dangerous mudslides for horses and humans alike. Excess water can also frequently cause hoof diseases. These problems are a thing of the past with OTTO Arena.

 

The advantages of our paddock surfaces

We incorporate OTTO-PerforatedMats 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

This is how you can build your own paddock step by step:

Paddocks from OTTO meet the same high quality standards as our riding arenas:

1) Gravel drainage layer as a permeable layer

2) OTTO PerforatedMat (paddock mat)

3) Backfilling with washed coarse send or chippings

4) Footing with washed quartz sand with various aggregates

Layer structure of the paddock surface

1) Install the drainage layer

A drainage layer of chippings (5-11 mm bis 8-16 mm grain size) is applied to the load-bearing sub-base layer and levelled with laser precision.

 

Our tip:

EARTHWORKS:
Depending on the quality of the existing ground or soil, we recommend installing a gravel base layer with compaction.

We recommend a maximum gradient of 0.5%-1%,   The slight gradient will also assist drainage.

WILL YOU INSTALL ON CONCRETE, A FIELD OR CLAY SOIL?
Depending on the substructure available on site, we will find the right solution for the paddock you are planning. Do you want to build your paddock on a field, a paved/concrete area or clay soil? Just ask us and we’ll be delighted to help you.

2) OTTO PerforatedMat – our “paddock paving”

The OTTO PerforatedMat can be installed on a sub-base layer that has been correctly prepared and finished.

You can see all the benefits of our paddock mat here.

 

How you install OTTO PerforatedMats on the paddock surface:

OTTO PerforatedMats™  should be installed offset with a joint spacing of appr. 2-3 cm. The system of raised studs of varying heights and a water storage system must be installed on the upper surface of the mat.

 

3) Backfilling with washed coarse send or chippings

The OTTO PerforatedMat is backfilled with chippings or water-permeable coarse sand to prevent the fine sand from migrating downwards through the drainage holes of the mat.

 

 

 

Our tip

WWe recommend covering the paddock surface with water-permeable, washed coarse sand. As the sand layer in open stalls is generally not constantly watered and kept moist, chippings may migrate upwards into the sand layer when the sand dries out.

 

4) Install a layer of washed fine, clay-free sand

The paddock sand can then be applied.

The paddock sand should contain no aggregates. as the horses could ingest them. Our OTTO ArenaPur sand consists exclusively of pure sand and is particularly water-permeable. No more muddy puddles will form on the paddock surface.

 

The right sand for your paddock

NOT ALL SAND IS CREATED EQUAL
We only use washed, clay-free sand mixtures to avoid the drainage holes from becoming blocked as clay settles after several rainfalls and compacts the bottom layer.

LONG SERVICE LIFE
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? Send us your sand sample or enquire about OTTO ArenaPur, the sand mixture that has been specifically developed for paddocks. We will be delighted to help you.

Sand analysis 

Get a quote now! Free of charge and non-binding.

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