That way, in the spring you can let your horses onto the higher, dry areas first. Save the wetter areas until later in the summer when they dry out. The golden rule for pasture management is don't graze below 3 to 4 inches and avoid bare spots. A bare spot in the summer is mud in the winter and weeds next spring. Remember that grass and vegetation will help hold soil in place.
Plants also filter out nutrients and sediments.
Location of the sacrifice area is an important consideration for reducing mud. Choose an area on higher ground, away from wetlands or surface water flows. Don't choose a bowl or depression that will gather water. For chore efficiency your confinement areas should be convenient to your barn to make it easy for you to care for your horse and to maintain the area. A slight slope works best for drainage, but too much slope will create an erosion problem.