Question:  I wanted to ask your opinion about putting pea gravel down in our stalls to help with the 'lakes' we are getting from the rain.  Our horses want to stay under their roofs and to do so have to stand in 'lakes.'  We were told pea gravel would drain better and not stay wet like clay dirt.  We have also been told it would be good for the health of their hooves.  A construction horse owner told me that pea gravel wears down their frogs and recommends against using it.  What is your suggestion and/or opinion? - Sharlene of New River, AZ

Answer:  Pea gravel is a good idea.  However you should look at the overall drainage of the area.  It would probably be better to put pea gravel down and then go for a finer medium over that.  The only concern for the foot would be the constant abrasion on the sole.  The feet would do better if the water drains and the footing is soft enough to fill the sole and frog area so the foot would have some palpation to the frog for the blood pumping action of the foot.  Make sure you have a variety of footing in the area so they will not have to stand on just one surface.  You are on track as all of the rain and constant wet footing will lend itself to several bad things to the foot including thrush. - Mark

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