September 30, 2024
As we head into autumn, the wet weather is on the horizon and will be a consideration for horse owners anywhere when it comes to turning out. If you’re wondering how you can keep your horses warm and safe in a practical space, an all weather turn out paddock is the solution.
All Weather Turn Out Paddock Definition
A turn out paddock is smaller than a traditional paddock and also known as holding pens or exercise lots. Due to being smaller in size, it allows horses to walk about rather than run and stay calm. They are commonly used for exercising, temporary confinement, feeding and watering or idling.
An all weather turn out paddock is designed to withstand all types of weather conditions, so the space can be used all year round. The wet and dry months, hot and cold temperatures, wind and snow, they are built to tackle all the elements to consistently provide a space for your horses.
Why Do I Need an All Weather Turn Out Paddock?
In essence, an all weather turn out paddock can help improve the physical and mental wellbeing of your horses. They are the ideal space to help horses recovering from an injury as they are proven to minimise hoof damage and, as mentioned above, are small enough so horses can run and hurt themselves further.
These types of paddocks also protect the health and integrity of the pastures and surrounding environments too. By reducing sediment erosion and allowing for rotating pastures, the lifespan of the area will increase as dense vegetation will be established.
How Are All Weather Turn Out Paddocks Designed?
The dimensions of an all weather turn out paddock are usually 15 x 7 metres with a variety of surfaces available to help with drainage and mud. At Norton’s Fencing, we used a combination of limestone hardcore and geo-textile materials.
The geo-textile material helps drain water effectively and reduces the risk of standing water, and the crushed limestone provides a soft, durable surface. The end result is a turn out paddock that stays relatively dry and mud-free.
Traditional Paddock Fencing From Norton’s Fencing
All of our paddocks are designed with your horse in mind and are completed by our experienced teams, so you don’t have to worry. Rest assured that your horses are safe and secure in this tailored spaces and all weather and environmental factors are considered in the design. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help you.