Help! Muddy gateways and carpet

[tasteofchristmaschaos]

We have had a couple of sudden downpours in the last few days which has caused one of the gateways to become very muddy.
I have been looking around for solutions. We can't do anything to the field as it is rented, so no hardcore or concrete. I will be putting down those grass mats for next year, but you can't put them down once they are already muddy, or the mud just comes through!. The best solution I have found suggested is old carpet. We are having a lot of our carpets changed in the next couple of weeks, so thats sorted, I just have one problem.
How the hell do you fix them into the ground? Help!

 

[PeterNatt]

Carpet won't work. Infact it could prove dangerous if a horse puts it's leg through it. Your only solution is have a chat with your landlord and get graded hardcore put in the field entrance. Make sure that it is just hardcore without any nails or metal in it.

 

[tasteofchristmaschaos]

Not an option sadly. No permanent changes can be implemented.
We can't fence off the gateway either as it would prevent the horses getting to the water trough!
Any other suggestions.

 

[kylie88]

I have put a bit of old carpet down as im the same rented land, and i must say so far so good!! i have just laid it down and it has stayed in place.

 

[hussar]

What about woodchip? Not permanent, biodegradable - and quite cheap.

 

[*hic*]

Rubber stable mats with carpet on top to prevent slipping.

 

[*hic*]

Actually you need to be wee bit careful with that
and I've come up with a better solution.

Are your carpets old natural fibre ones? If so put them directly onto the mud and get the rubber grass mats you will be using next year and put them on top of the carpet. Then you can leave the whole thing in situ if you want.

If your carpets are manmade fibre then you'll need to put the mat (stable or the special ones) down first and then put the carpet on top of them as it should be disposed of because it won't biodegrade.