MUDDY gateways usually ensue as a result of soil compaction, and erosion caused by frequent traffic. Aside from the fact that horses may be walked through the gateway daily, horses often tend to congregate around gateways because this is where they are fed or they think they are going to come in and be fed. This creates low lying areas which may suffer from compaction. Compaction then leads to poor drainage and as soon as it rains, water collects and pools.

Gates sited close to water troughs suffer combined wear and tear, as do those in field corners, leading to a greater expanse of mud. So if you are planning new paddocks it is important to keep this in mind and also: