what do you use on icey yards

[ticobay831]

as in tittle really, the YO doesn't like grit and salt put on the yard because its dangerous for the dogs if they get it on their paws or eat it... so what else can be put down that wont harm the dogs but help the horses not slip when they are turned out and also to stop me falling flat on my face :-/ we've manged up to now but it worries me to death in case my horses slip over...

 

[WelshD]

Are you allowed to throw used shavings down?

Alternatively cheap cat litter, sand or Megazorb bedding maybe?

 

[Mogg]

we put http://www.wickes.co.uk/sharp-sand-major-bag/invt/220112d down, doesnt really melt the ice like rocksalt but it has provided a good grippy surface on the concrete area to walk on. Suppose it depends on size of area to be gritted, ours is a small yard on parents smallholding so only takes a couple of bags on the most used 'routes'

 

[Littlelegs]

Old bedding from the muckheap.

 

[Ellen Durow]

as in tittle really, the YO doesn't like grit and salt put on the yard because its dangerous for the dogs if they get it on their paws or eat it... so what else can be put down that wont harm the dogs but help the horses not slip when they are turned out and also to stop me falling flat on my face :-/ we've manged up to now but it worries me to death in case my horses slip over...

We always use used bedding. It isn't pretty but it is effective. Gets a bit soggy when the thaw sets in but it doesn't really matter as we take it up then.

 

[MrsMozart]

Ditto ED. Not many yards seem keen on it as it isn't pretty, but they're fools - far better to be safe than pretty

 

[Foxhunter49]

I have dogs, I have horses and I have snow and ice. I also have salt, a lot less than last week!
I have always used salt on yards and never had any problems with it affecting the dogs.

People walk dogs on the beach where there is plenty of salt and it doesn't make them ill.

 

[cambrica]

Another for putting skipped out shavings down. Looks a right mess but works well.

 

[ticobay831]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...-rock-salt-scattered-gritters-big-freeze.html


Apparently the salt and grit have some kind of anti freeze in it which is lethal to any animal, i wasn't aware of that and was quite shocked to hear that it, it would have a big effect on all the wild life...

Il mention the shavings but i'm not sure when will want dirty shavings on her yard either, but its got to be better than a horse slipping and breaking its leg.

Thanks guys x