Advice re surface for turnout area?

[vannersrus]

I am in the process of revamping my stables and am considering what surface to put down outside the stable area- it is a sizeable , fenced space that could double as a small turnout area for either a small pony or to allow more space for free flow.
Currently there is gravel which gets stuck in hooves etc
Concrete seems very expensive at the moment so I’ve thought of sand , wood chip or maybe a rubber surface.
What would people advise ? Any pros /cons to consider?

 

[Honey08]

We have a turnout area made of road planings. It’s the best thing we ever did. It can get stuck in their shoes a bit, and sometimes they don’t like it when their feet are newly trimmed if barefoot. I’d suggest a corner with sand/Earth/wood chip for rolling. But it’s great in that it ensures turnout in any weather (doesn’t get slippery in frost, drains in v wet weather) and is great for extending box rest/keeping something off grass if need be.

 

[vannersrus]

That looks really good
Thank you

 

[Red-1]

I too have road planings. I do have a rubber matted area just in the high use areas. I roll the patio once a week to keep it compact too. It is L shaped so quite big.

 

[blood_magik]

We have builders sand in ours

 

[SEL]

A yard near me has old arena surface - came from somewhere that was changing surface.

 

[Honey08]

We have a little area that didn’t have enough planings and we added rubber mats. I noticed my old arthritic mare used to stand there in her final years. It must have been more comfortable/warmer.

I too have road planings. I do have a rubber matted area just in the high use areas. I roll the patio once a week to keep it compact too. It is L shaped so quite big.

View attachment 118476

 

[Red-1]

We have a little area that didn’t have enough planings and we added rubber mats. I noticed my old arthritic mare used to stand there in her final years. It must have been more comfortable/warmer.

I like it for under the haynet so I can sweep it clean.

 

[First Frost]

I have wood chips and rubber mats where their hay nets are. We have to top the wood chip about every 4 years.

 

[catembi]

Mine was dug out, membraned, eco grids fitted & then filled with limestone. It was hard to poo pick to start with and my old thin soled TB struggled to walk on it, but now that it's bedded in, it's not as stony and works really well.