Horse Track Systems & Barefoot Horse Tracks

Bespoke Horse Track Systems Designed Around Your Land

Horse track systems are an increasingly popular way to encourage horses to move naturally throughout the day while making better use of available acreage.

At SM Services Ltd, we design and construct bespoke horse track systems around the individual characteristics of your land, taking account of existing fields, banks, woodland, gateways, drainage and other features.

Whether you are looking to create a barefoot horse track, improve turnout on a smaller acreage or develop a more stimulating environment for your horses, we can provide the groundwork, excavation, track formation and associated construction needed to create a practical, durable system.

Based in Braintree, Essex, we work with horse owners and equestrian clients across Essex and the surrounding areas.

Talk to SM Services about your horse track project →

What Is a Horse Track System?

A horse track system is a managed route that runs around the perimeter or through sections of a field, creating a continuous area for horses to move between different parts of their turnout environment.

Rather than allowing horses access to one large open field, a track can encourage more movement by positioning resources such as grazing areas, water, shelter and resting spaces at different points around the route.

Track systems can be particularly useful where available acreage is limited or where owners want to encourage horses to spend more time moving rather than remaining in one area.

Every site is different, which is why careful planning and suitable groundwork are important when creating a successful track.

Barefoot Horse Tracks

A well-designed track can form part of a wider management approach for horses kept barefoot.

Different sections of the track can be designed with appropriate surfaces and features to provide variety underfoot while helping create a more interesting environment for the horse.

The exact construction and surface specification should always be considered according to the individual site, drainage conditions, intended use and the needs of the horses using it.

SM Services can undertake the associated groundworks, excavation, track formation and drainage works required to create the foundations for your track system.

Horse Track Construction

Our approach starts with understanding your land and what you want the track to achieve.

Depending on the site, construction may involve:

• Assessing the existing land and proposed track route
• Creating or improving access around the field
• Cutting paths through banks or uneven ground
• Excavating and preparing the track formation
• Installing or improving drainage where required
• Preparing suitable sub-base and aggregate materials
• Creating gateways and connecting sections of the track
• Working around existing landscape features
• Improving or renewing areas that become heavily trafficked

We use our own plant and machinery to carry out the necessary groundwork efficiently and with consideration for the surrounding land.

Making the Most of Smaller Acreage

One of the key benefits of a track system is the ability to make more effective use of available land.

A carefully planned route can create a larger-feeling environment for horses without requiring a large rectangular turnout area. Existing features such as banks, hedges, trees and changes in ground level can sometimes be incorporated into the layout.

On one recent project, we made use of an existing hole in the land and created a new path through the bank, allowing the horses to move around the property and explore different areas.

The best layout will depend on your land, access, drainage and how you intend to manage the horses.

Drainage & Groundwork for Horse Tracks

Good drainage is an important consideration when constructing a horse track.

Areas around gateways, bends and frequently used sections can become heavily trafficked, particularly during wet weather. Poorly drained ground can quickly become muddy and difficult to maintain.

Our wider groundwork experience means we can consider drainage and ground conditions as part of the track construction process.

Our groundwork services include:

• Site clearance
• Excavation
• Ditching and drainage
• Ground preparation
• Aggregate installation
• Track and path construction
• Land drainage improvements
• Removal and replacement of unsuitable material

Where appropriate, we can incorporate drainage and ground preparation into the wider track construction rather than treating them as separate projects.

Designed Around Your Existing Landscape

A horse track does not necessarily have to follow a simple rectangular route.

Existing features can often form an important part of the finished system. Banks, trees, hedgerows, natural contours and existing field boundaries may all influence the design.

Our experience in groundworks, fencing and equestrian construction allows us to look at the site as a whole rather than simply creating a path through a field.

We can also consider practical details such as gateways, fencing requirements, access for machinery and connections to existing equestrian facilities.

Why Choose SM Services Ltd?

SM Services combines specialist equestrian experience with practical groundwork and construction capabilities.

Equestrian Experience

We are horse owners ourselves, so we understand that an equestrian project needs to work in practice as well as look right when completed.

Groundwork Expertise

From excavation and drainage through to aggregate installation and track formation, we have the equipment and experience to undertake the groundwork required for your project.

Bespoke Solutions

Every property has different ground conditions, access, drainage and available space. We develop practical solutions around the individual site rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all design.

One Experienced Contractor

Our wider services include fencing, groundwork and equestrian construction, allowing related works to be coordinated as part of the same project.

Horse Track Systems in Essex & East Anglia

SM Services Ltd is based in Braintree, Essex, and provides equestrian construction and groundwork services across Essex and surrounding areas.

We work with clients across locations including:

• Braintree
• Chelmsford
• Colchester
• Brentwood
• Harlow
• Essex
• East Anglia
• Surrounding Home Counties

If you are considering a horse track system, we can discuss your land, intended use and the type of construction work you require.

Frequently Asked Questions About Horse Track Systems

What is a horse track system?

A horse track system is a continuous route around or through a field designed to encourage horses to move between different areas of their turnout environment. The route can incorporate different surfaces, gateways, shelter, grazing and other features depending on the individual property.

Are horse track systems suitable for small acreages?

They can be. One of the reasons track systems are popular is that they can help make better use of limited acreage. The suitability and layout depend on the property, ground conditions, horse management requirements and available space.

What is a barefoot horse track?

A barefoot horse track is a track system designed for horses kept without shoes. It can incorporate different surfaces and terrain to provide variety underfoot. Surface selection should be based on the individual horse, site conditions and intended use.

Can you build a horse track on uneven ground?

Yes. Uneven ground, banks and changes in levels can sometimes be incorporated into the route. Depending on the site, excavation, grading or other groundwork may be required to create a practical and safe track.

Do horse track systems need drainage?

Drainage requirements vary between sites, but drainage is an important consideration when planning a track, particularly in areas that experience heavy traffic or poor natural drainage. SM Services can undertake associated ditching, drainage and ground preparation works.

Can you work around existing trees, banks and other features?

Often, yes. Existing landscape features can be incorporated into the route where practical. The final approach depends on the site and the condition and position of the existing features.

Can you install fencing and gateways as part of the project?

Yes. SM Services also provides fencing services, allowing fencing, gateways and associated groundwork to be coordinated with the track construction.

How much does a horse track system cost?

There is no standard price because every track is different. Cost can depend on the length and width of the route, ground conditions, excavation requirements, drainage, aggregate and surface materials, access and fencing requirements. We recommend assessing the site before providing a project-specific quotation.

Discuss Your Horse Track Project

Thinking about creating a horse track system or barefoot track on your property?

SM Services Ltd can help with the groundworks, excavation, drainage, track formation and associated fencing required to turn your plans into a practical equestrian facility.

Contact us to discuss your site and arrange a quotation.

SM Services Ltd
Lynton Shalford Road
Panfield, Braintree
Essex CM7 5AS

Telephone: 07585 115464
Office: 01376 348646
Email: info@smservicesltd.com