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Allison Lee
Smallholding Correspondent
1:00 AM 28th December 2024
lifestyle

Creating A Sand Turnout Area

Looking out of the window one morning recently, I was concerned to see one of my miniature Shetland ponies lying on the grass. I quickly got into my outdoor gear and walked over to his paddock. Jo-Jo didn’t move, and his friend, Chief, who was standing by his side, seemed concerned. I entered the paddock expecting Jo-Jo to get up as I approached him, but he remained on the floor. I stroked him, and he nuzzled my hand. Slowly and very reluctantly, he got to his feet, and I led him to his stable.

My heart sank. Jo-Jo showed all the classic signs of laminitis, and I was heartbroken. Although Chief has been prone to mild bouts of laminitis, this was the first time that Jo-Jo had shown any signs, and I have always been very careful about the feed I give them and limiting treats. I prepared the stable with a deep bed of straw to ensure Jo-Jo was comfortable and then searched the internet for a vet. We had only relocated two weeks earlier, and I hadn’t yet registered with a vet, so panic was starting to set in. Eventually, I found an equine vet, and someone came out within the hour to see Jo-Jo. The vet examined my little pony and took some blood for testing. The results came back a couple of days later, and my worst fears were confirmed. Jo-Jo had laminitis. After a lengthy discussion with the vet, a course of medication was agreed upon, and Jo-Jo was put on box rest for two weeks.

I was devastated. What would I do after the two weeks’ box rest were up and Jo-Jo was well enough to go outside? I didn’t have a turnout area, just a small hardstanding that wasn’t big enough for him to get any form of decent exercise. The grass paddocks were obviously too rich for him to go on, and I was frantically trying to think of an alternative. I trawled the internet looking for ideas, and the only logical thing I could find was that I needed to create a sand turnout area where Jo-Jo could exercise without having access to rich grass.

As luck would have it, I found a company near where we had relocated: Joseph Davidson Equestrian Groundworks and Construction. I contacted the company and received an immediate response. An appointment was made for the very next day, and I felt myself beginning to relax, hopeful that a solution could be found for Jo-Jo.

The next day, Joe and his wife, Lauren, called to see me to discuss what I needed. They were extremely knowledgeable, and their advice was invaluable. They were starting a big job the following week but had a few days spare, and hearing how desperate I was for Jo-Jo to be able to go outside, they agreed to fit me in before starting their next job. I was over the moon! Work started the following Monday, and by the end of the day on Thursday, just four days later, I had a small sand arena that looked absolutely amazing!

Jo-Jo made a quick recovery, and I allowed him a couple of hours in his new arena. Despite moving slowly and cautiously in the stable and on the hard standing, he was like a child at the beach in the sand arena, galloping around like a stallion and kicking his feet in the air. I was thrilled and will forever be indebted to Joe, Lauren, and their team for creating the perfect place for my little Shetland ponies.

If you are looking to have any equestrian or groundwork carried out, I highly recommend Joe Davidson and his team.
info@josephdavidson.co.uk
www.josephdavidson.co.uk
telephone 0330 133 2809


You can find Allison on Instagram countryliving_writer or visit her website here