1. I used 5-inch x 5-inch x 8-feet-long square posts treated for in-ground use to build my horse fence. I dug holes and concreted the posts in, thinking it would be good for stability; however, I had heard the treated wood reacts with concrete and prematurely rots the post. Is this correct? Published: January 13, 2010
2. How can I control mud in heavy traffic areas in my horse pastures and paddocks? Published: January 13, 2010
3. Does a stall have to have windows when it has a light? Published: January 06, 2010
4. I'm looking for a horse wash stall drain with a removable strainer. We seem to clog the drain with hay, dirt, and manure often. We have seen a strainer/cartridge in barn wash stalls. Any idea on where we can find them? Published: January 05, 2010
5. I have a four-horse hot walker and plan to build a round pen around it. How much room should I leave from the end of the arms before I begin the round pen fence? Published: January 05, 2010
6. We are installing either welded pipe fencing or pipe and vinyl-coated wire fencing and planning to have horses. Is one color of fencing recommended over another based on a horse's color perception? That is, is white better than brown? Brown better than green? Black best because it is the darkest gray? Published: January 05, 2010
7. I am looking for options for a pasture shelter for one horse. I believe a three-sided structure is needed for this northern weather, so some plan options would be very helpful as I consider our needs for the winter. Published: January 05, 2010
8. My concern is the drainage in my horses' stalls. My horses are in pipe corrals with an overhang over half of the stall. In the winter, their stalls become terrible mud pits. I am wanting to take the time to dig everything down and fill it with the proper materials. How should I do this? Published: January 05, 2010
9. What size should an arena be to handle all equine disciplines? Published: January 05, 2010
10. We want to plant some trees for shade around our horse field. We are surrounded by woods but have no shade for the horses. We have an abundance of oak and maple. Are acorns that fall from the oak harmful if digested by horses? We also have other trees so any suggestions on which to avoid and which would be suitable would be helpful. Published: January 05, 2010
11. I am building a barn for a couple of pleasure horses. The current barn has sand floors that I replace a couple of times a year. What is the best surface for the horses in both the stalls and the "run-in" portion of the barn? Published: January 05, 2010
12. What is the suggested lighting level for a covered outdoor riding arena? Published: June 18, 2009
13. Is it common to require a yearly negative Coggins test for boarded horses or just when they are initially moved in? I have a small barn and allow some boarders. A new incoming horse that has been in state for the last five years would like to come in without proof of a negative Coggins test for this year. How likely is the horse to be positive for Coggins? Published: June 18, 2009
14. Can I use shredded trees as ground fill matter to level areas or in my arena? Published: June 18, 2009
15. My paddocks are smelly. How can I get rid of the odors and associated pests? Published: June 18, 2009
16. The stable where I ride wants to redo the footing in the jump arena. It is currently a sand clay mix with mostly sand. What are some footing options? Published: June 09, 2009
17. We are planning to put in some run-in shelters. What direction should they face? Published: June 09, 2009
18. What is the safest gate for a horse fence? Published: May 23, 2008
19. Are there specific or general rules for the containment of a stallion? Published: May 23, 2008
20. We are building fenced paddocks of about 60 feet by 110 feet, with five on each side of a center alley. What is the minimum width for the alley? Do I need to make it large enough for a truck? (There is no need to deliver hay, but I wonder about vet vehicles if an animal founders.) Incidentally, this will serve horses and miniature Jersey cows. Published: May 23, 2008
21. I'm planning on getting a Thoroughbred sometime this summer. I don't know much about him yet, but I expect that he'll be a tall, skinny, ex-racehorse. I know that sometimes they have behavioral problems, but I'm experienced. I have a lot of land and plan on fencing off an acre for him. He will be outdoors year round in the Maine weather. He will wear blankets, and he will have a 12' x 15' shelter. He will be my first home-kept horse. Any suggestions? Published: January 08, 2008
22. We are trying to make a stall in an existing barn for an old horse (35) who is having trouble climbing a small hill to use the current barn. The barn we want to use has concrete floors. I've always heard that concrete floors are hard on a horse's feet and wondered if stall mats can be used on top of concrete to make it O.K. If they're not O.K., I'd be interested in any other suggestions you might have. Published: January 08, 2008

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