PONY ENCLOSURE INSTALLATION

A practical drainage solution that gave ponies a dry, slip-resistant walkway through a very wet enclosure.

This client had a problem that will be familiar to anyone dealing with outdoor animal enclosures: a lot of rain was turning the enclosure into mud.

For ponies, spending prolonged periods standing in wet conditions can create problems with their hooves, so we looked for a way to give them some dry, stable areas to walk on.

Dura Drain tiles were a good fit. The 16 mm raised tiles allow water to drain away underneath, leaving a dry, slip-resistant surface even when the surrounding ground is wet.

Because the surface was soft and muddy, a layer of gravel and mesh was added underneath the tiles. It was a relatively inexpensive addition but provided extra stability and support.

We also didn't simply install the whole area immediately. We started with 2 m² as a test, making sure the tiles could handle the ponies' weight and the conditions before extending the installation to the rest of the enclosure.

It's worth noting that this type of application needs to be considered carefully for larger horses, where the concentrated point load from their hooves can be significantly greater. Usage should always be verified before installation.

The client was extremely happy with the result, particularly when heavy rain arrived shortly afterwards and the Dura Drain area remained usable. Their words were simple: “It's a life saver.”