Defensible space is the buffer you create from anything flammable. Defensible space can help slow or stop the spread of fire and protect your property from catching fire – either from embers, direct flame contact, or radiant heat. Defensible space is also important to allow firefighters access to defend your space.
As equestrians, a proper defensible space, is also known as a hack trail or road comprised of dirt. Do not put shavings, straw, hay, or manure on your hack trail, as those materials are highly flammable and negate your defensible space. By putting in a dirt hack trail, you are killing two birds with one stone; you are creating a defensible space and a hack trail.
The benefits of a hack trail are numerous:
It is good for the brain - yours and your horse
It is good for the body - yours and your horse
It is good for schooling simple movements - like flexion, suppleness, position, etc
It is good for chatting - chat it up with friends or put on a good audiobook
It boosts confidence - yours and your horse