Run-in dust - help!

[StaceyA]

Hi everyone!

Google just can’t clearly answer my question, but I know team COTH can.

I have a pasture with a run in that’s been in heavy use for about 6 years. The run in sits on a sand pad, leading out to a sandy well-drained area, then 2 acres of pasture.

Run in is cleaned out twice a day.

We’ve had a very dry summer here and for the first time, I have a very serious issue with dust inside the run in. No matter how much I water it down, it dries dusty! SO DUSTY! And the horses use it constantly, I hate the thought of them breathing it in.

I think I need an oil or something. Google says diluted canola oil might work, what do you all think? Any ideas?

Space is 12’ x 30’. I’ll lay it with a watering can if I have to. Help!

Located in Ontario.

Thanks!
Stacey

[PeteyPie]

Wow, timely issue. I’m dealing with the same problem but I am not the owner so I can’t do anything major. The only thing I can think of is to water it, which is a shame in a drought, but that’s how they deal with dust here. It’s like powder. My area is much larger, about 3/4 acre.

[wsmoak]

I have rubber mats inside my run-in. If it’s not your property, you could get permission to install them and take them with you when you leave. Or… see if the other people with horses in that pasture might chip in and just consider it a donation to the farm if you are otherwise very happy there.

[Huntin_Pony]

I also have rubber mats, but would suggest trying Magnesium Chloride (like “MAG Ice-Melt”) first. It is safe for the horses and will hold moisture in the substrate. I forget the ratio, but for a run-in I would not think you’d need more than 2 or 3 bags to start. I use it in my round pen.

ETA: I googled Mag Chlor dust and found this video that looks relevant.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8e3u-3Ctvs

Another Round, if you were referring to the Mag Chlor, I am not aware of any hoof issues and it is used in very many indoor arenas and even outdoor rings (and round pens). You could certainly ask your vet and farrier. YMMV

[AnotherRound]

I would think the old would create a mess on the hooves. Maybe it wouldn’t, but seems like an odd idea?

[Weezer]

Is it possible to put a thick layer of shavings over the sand in the shelter?

[StaceyA]

Hello! Thanks for all the ideas and the video.

Mats are a great idea, and I’m putting them down as my last resort. Until then, I’ve started experimenting.

After some research I learnt canola oil is good for horses feet (aka not harmful) so last night I put a couple glugs of it into a watering can, diluted it with water, and did 1/3 of the run in. It’s still wet but so far the reduced dust is visible.

Magnesium Chloride was my initial idea. Especially since it’s easy to apply, but I had two concerns:

1. A lot of the reading I did on magnesium chloride products that were specifically designed to reduce arena dust, always said it was not harmful but be sure to brush off your horses feet after riding; when it sits on them for a prolonged period, it can irritate.

2. It’s salt, I can’t be convinced that over time it won’t harm their feet.

Seeing as this is a run in and not a riding space and they hang out in there so often, I think I risk damage due to prolonged exposure, versus no risk when cleaning off their feet after an hour or two in a ring.

I’ll let you know how it goes!

[StormyDay]

They used to coat the gravel roads with motor oil to keep the dust down. Obviously that’s a health hazard, but I think you have the right idea with the canola oil.
You can buy 5 gallon jugs of it at Costco.

[Weezer]

Interesting that the canola oil is working! I wonder if you could negotiate a good price on it from a bulk store? I used to do that when I fed gelatin to the horses for bad feet.