Horses that have polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM) need a special diet and some exercise. Animal Arts architecture firm specializes in designing animal care facilities. In this article, their architectural experts offer advice for how to build a dry lot designed for a horse with PSSM.

Movement

Because horses with PSSM are prone to tying up, they require plenty of gentle exercise. For that reason, we’d hate to recommend a dry lot that is so small that a horse isn’t inclined to move around it readily.

Size of Dry Lot

We think you’d be wise to contain a PSSM horse in a lot that is at least 100’ x 150’, which is a third wider and a little longer than a regulation dressage arena (so you can picture it in your mind). Your horse can then get to jogging around safely in this space on her own if she’s inclined to.

Dry Lot Basics

  • Locate the paddock in an area that drains well so it doesn’t get muddy.
  • Give it a large access gate so you can get into it to clean manure.
  • Provide a smaller man gate for regular access. Improve the soil directly around the gate so it doesn’t get murky there.
  • Make sure the horse has access to clean, fresh water that is not frozen in the winter.

Fencing Dry Lots

Electric fence would potentially be okay for your dry lot. However, we’d recommend an upgrade to the poly-tensile electrified fabric strands. They’re a heck of a lot easier for the horse to see. That means they’re not as unsafe as wire electric fence. Any lower cost fence is going to require very rigorous inspection and regular maintenance.

If you want the situation to be even safer, then consider using a pipe rail fence, which will be safer if your PSSM horse runs into it. At least use pipe for the gates and on either side of them for a sturdy entrance and exit from the lot.

Further Reading