Paddock Bases

[Essex Maverick]

My first thread on here was answered with so much good advice, (thank you all), I have no doubt I can glean the correct info for my second thread..thankfully this time a little less of a stressful issue.

At the yard we rent from, all the current Horses have their own turnout, but when we started renting, there was no turnout for ours, as this was summer and they were in the fields, we did not need one so put it on the 'things to do list'. Thankfully a small area 5m square has been allocated, but I have to convert it from its current use.
50% of the area is currently concrete, with the other 50% a mixture of mud, cockle shell and woodchip.
My plan is to cover the whole area with MOT Type 1, which is used in other turnouts. The issue I have, is the concrete part. Would I need to lay rubber mats over this before adding the type 1, as I am worried this might be to hard on it's own...even with a good layer of Type 1 over the top.
The mud half, I will dig down and backfill with extra Type 1, but want one level area at the end of the job.
As it would cost over £150 for the mats alone, i want to know if this is necessary before making the outlay.

 

[WelshD]

Is the concrete part contained all the way round? if so the type 1 will bed down and settle quite nicely

If there is a chance of the surface vanishing out of the sides of the pen then its a bit different, in that case I think I would use some good non slip matting on the concrete part and type 1 over the existing mud surface

Do get your type 1 from a really good source and look at it first if you can. it may be mixed with a cheaper material like scrapings from the building yard surface or even wire, glass etc - not all yards sell genuine type 1 but a general 'hardcore' which can contain all sorts.