Every horse farm should utilize dry lots.
Dry lots are also known as sacrifice areas. They’re smaller paddocks with little to no grass. They have numerous benefits including protecting fields from overgrazing, managing mud, and diet control. During the spring and early summer, dry lots can be very important on horse farms.
Designing the perfect dry lot requires some prep and planning. You want to ensure it’s in the right location, an appropriate size, and has good footing. Drainage and your hay setup are also important factors.
The Best Size for a Dry Lot
The size of your dry lot will depend on the number of horses you have. A general rule is to offer each horse 800 to 1,000 sq. ft of space. Minimally, each horse will need 400 to 600 sq. ft, though that may be a bit tight. If the space is too small, this may increase the risk for fighting and manure buildup.
A Good Location
The area you choose to build your dry lot is important. There should be a slight slope of 1-3% for drainage purposes. Ideally, you’ll avoid wet or low grounds. This can create a muddy space in no time. Additionally, the dry lot should be easy to access. You should design it near a barn with a water source. Some even like their dry lot to be connected to their fields, which allows easy access for turning out when the conditions are right.
Building the Dry Lot
There are four main areas to focus on when building the dry lot- a good base, drainage, feed and water step-up, and fencing.
To properly build a base, follow these steps:
- Remove the topsoil, usually 4 to 8 inches deep.
- Add a geotextile fabric.
- Install roughly 4 to 6 inches of larger gravel.
- Lastly, add 2 to 3 inches of a finer gravel or limestone to the top.
Mud Management by RAMM is another great option! This grid-like system is designed to eliminate mud in high-traffic areas. It offers ground stabilization. While prepping the site of your dry lot, consider adding French drains to collect water. These trenches will redirect surface and groundwater away from your dry lot.
You’ll need to consider your hay and water step-up when designing this sacrifice area. Slow feeder hay nets will reduce waste. A feeder or rubber mat can be used to prevent your footing from being destroyed. The Ultimate Drinking Post Waterer offered by RAMM provides fresh and clean drinking water to your horse year-round.
Another big consideration is the type of fencing you’ll use to contain your horses. The 525 Plus Flex Fence is a best seller by RAMM. It has three 12.5-gauge galvanized high- tensile wires bonded into a polyolefin plastic. Not only does it have a classic board fence appearance, but it’s safe and durable. It’s a great investment for any horse farm!
Dry lots with good footing are a must on any horse farm! The advantages make them well worth the effort it takes to install them.
