TrueGrid brings stable-ity to a Bozeman family farm
An equine space ready to be put to the test for for the long-haul.
“TrueGrid is a really easy product to install. While we had to fit the materials to non-standard dimensions, cutting it with a grinder and table saw made it possible for a tight fit around fence posts and angled spaces.”
-Mark Lawrie, Contractor, Bozeman, Montana
Challenge
A Gallatin Valley family embarked on a significant project to move 3 draft cross horses from a boarding facility to their own property. They had room to build a new paddock, and they wanted to get it right the first time. Not only did it need to hold up to the horses’ wear and tear, it also had to fit the beautiful aesthetic of the property they called home. Moisture management was important, since they’d experienced pooling and drainage issues on the adjacent driveway and wanted to be sure the paddock managed stormwater well. Their farrier recommended the TrueGrid solution during a routine appointment, saying he had seen its benefits for himself.
Solution
The family’s go-to contractor was tasked with recalibrating the property to accommodate livestock, including removing a berm and moving trees to make room for a 2,200 square foot equine dry lot. While he hadn’t worked with the TrueGrid material before, the team at Montana Hardscape Hub assisted with a site survey and training on proper installation.
The crew excavated down 12 inches, leveled, and then compacted the native soil. Geosynthetic fabric was laid and 8 inches of gravel road mix was placed, being careful to compact it every 2 inches for a stable base. Pressure-treated 2x4s were installed for edging. Then TrueGrid PRO PLUS permeable pavers were locked into place, custom cutting the material around newly installed fence posts. Concrete sand was dumped, leveled, and compacted, overfilling by 2 inches for comfortable footing and a beautiful look. While the TrueGrid permeable pavers were the structure of the system, the installation was so expertly executed that you’d never know they were there.
Before
After
Result
“We wanted to create the ideal space for our horses, match the beauty of our property, and minimize maintenance. We’re excited that the TrueGrid system has helped us meet those goals.”
- Lauren, Property Owner
This TrueGrid paddock was ready and waiting when it’s equine residents moved in. The system keeps sand securely in place, drains stormwater and snow melt efficiently, and is easy to clean up and drag. Most importantly, it’s the ideal environment for healthy hooves for years to come.
TrueGrid is the world’s strongest equine mud control grid. Use it in paddocks, stables, barn aisles, wash areas, turnouts, arenas, roadways and any muddy or unstable areas on the farm or ranch. It’s strong for heavy loads, from Clydesdales to John Deere.
How did they do it?
You can do-it-yourself or hire a contractor. Here are the steps to installing durable paddock footing with TrueGrid.
The space was a clean slate.
Contractors removed a berm and excavated the area to make space for the paddock.
TrueGrid was delivered to the site.
Once the area was excavated and leveled, geosynthetic fabric was laid to keep the native soils from infiltrating the TrueGrid system.
3/4" minus road mix was laid for the base, compacting each 2" and leveling for stability.
2x4 pressure treated wood was added for the edging.
TrueGrid was laid, starting with the building as the edge.
Concrete sand was brought in for top fill, filling the TrueGrid and compacting for added stability.
Almost done!
The remaining TrueGrid pieces were snapped in, filled with concrete sand, and the final 2x4 edging was installed at the gate.
Concrete sand was spread over the entire TrueGrid system.
This beautiful equine paddock is ready for the horses' arrival.
Happy ponies!