I've read several entries about P gravel on the board and have some questions for those that use it. I am in the process of building a barn and I have dutch doors off the stalls with 12' overhangs and am putting up runs/paddocks off each stall. I am trying to decide what to do for the footing. It is muddy a lot of the time here and I have been thinking about putting down hoof grid and then P gravel in the runs to maintain a mud free turn out area. My question is how comfortable is the P gravel for the horses if they want to lay down? I have been thinking of doing a small section of sand (12x12) and the end of the paddocks which may be more comfortable if horses want to lay down. Any suggestions? Also how many inches deep would you recommend making the P gravel?
We put pea gravel down in certain areas of several pens. (Mostly really muddy areas). 4-6" thick, horses loved peeing on it because it didn't splash back up on their legs. After just a couple months it was packed into the ground from them walking on it. Now those are the driest areas, they never get muddy.
In my stud pen I put down crushed granite about 2 or 3 inches thick and then about 4 inches of pea gravel on top of that. Works great, keeps every body dry and clean. I wouldn't use it with babies, because it is too rough on their skin. Great for feet as well. My stud has great feet anyway, we barefoot him on front and sliders on rear, but his feet really look great with the gravel.
P gravel
