The sand pile: a brief photo essay

[LarkspurCO]

The Sand Pile

Four out of four equines agree: The sand pile is the place to be. It's the perfect thing for:

~Taking a siesta~ (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i213/hfournier/Home/Sandpile/sandpile1.jpg)

~Soaking up the winter sun~ (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i213/hfournier/Home/Sandpile/sandpile3.jpg)

~Planting your front feet~ (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i213/hfournier/Home/Sandpile/sandpile2.jpg)

~Talking with your mom while planting your feet~ (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i213/hfournier/Home/Sandpile/sandpile5.jpg)

~Checking out the photographer~ (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i213/hfournier/Home/Sandpile/sandpile4.jpg)

~Taking a dump~ (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i213/hfournier/Home/Sandpile/sandpile6.jpg)

~Taking a pee~ (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i213/hfournier/Home/Sandpile/sandpile7.jpg)

And of course... taking a roll (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i213/hfournier/Home/Sandpile/sandpile8.jpg).

[BasqueMom]

Great pictures--definitely a consenus there!

[2LaZ2race]

There's a pile of sand in the corner of one of my fields from where a round pen used to be (before I got here) and the horses LOVE it. The second they get turned out they each go to their sand pit to roll. I think it should be a staple in all fields.

[jaybird]

I recognize that redhead!!

Hi Desi!!!!!

[Bluey]

Our sand pile is right across the yard, by the fence.
I can't go take close pictures, because they will get up and come to the fence for treats.;)
Ours don't use the sand pile for a bathroom, they go near it, but never on it.

Three oldsters, 19, 29 and 22, napping on their sand pile some days ago:

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a298/Robintoo/Horses2-20-07810.jpg?t=1233564138

I think all pastures should have a sand pile, since we always had one and the horses really like to roll and sleep on it better than any other place.

Your horses sure look like they are liking their sand pile.:cool:

[MistyBlue]

I always say one of the best investments I ever made here on the farmette was my cheapo sand rolling pit. Since there's a slight grade to my paddock I didn't want my sand to wash away so we dug out a shallow square spot...15" deep and 15x15 in size. Nnot only do the horses *love* it...I do too. No more trying to brush mud off the horses...they only want to roll in the sand. And sand falls right off again. They also nap in it.
I only have photos of my last 2 horses in it right after we finished making it, so these are from a couple years ago:
Here's the rolling pit right after we finished making it:
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y172/MistyBlue5105/Pit1.jpg
And here's Moo and Gal right after we let them out to see it the first time...took them all of 3 seconds to start rolling in it:
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y172/MistyBlue5105/MooPit.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y172/MistyBlue5105/GalPit.jpg

[Catersun]

Bluey... Are those chain link panels that make up your fence? Keeping people or other things out? Just curious.

[DressageGeek "Ribbon Ho"]

those are a rip - thanks for sharing!!

[Jealoushe]

The Sand Pile

Four out of four equines agree: The sand pile is the place to be. It's the perfect thing for:

~Soaking up the winter sun~ (http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i213/hfournier/Home/Sandpile/sandpile3.jpg)



Someone is camera happy :lol:

[dawglover]

Our horses love their sand piles. They are getting kind of spread out now, need to call and order more sand!

[Bluey]

Bluey... Are those chain link panels that make up your fence? Keeping people or other things out? Just curious.

We live in a wildlife preserve and without that fence, we get all kinds of critters visiting under the porch.

Since we don't want to be shooting all, we have that fence, that protects some 56' around three sides of the house from skunks, badgers, coyotes, lynx, bobcats, mountain lions and lately, wild pigs.
We can't keep coons off, but they are shy right now and don't bother the yard and house.
They go to the cattle pens or horse barn to play.;)

Rabbits still fit thru the 2" chain link, as do little skunks and, of course, snakes, including rattlers.
Dogs are protected inside from many predators.

The chain link is also protecting from attack tumbleweeds, that with the winds we have, tend to pack a wallop if they hit you.:lol:

[AppendixQHLover]

I will have to look at home tonight.

[lalahartma1]

Very cute! Sand pits for every one!