what is a paddock

A paddock is a small enclosed area used for pasturing or exercising animals, particularly horses. In Canada and the United States, paddocks are used to keep horses. In the United Kingdom, the term "paddock" also applies to a field for a general automobile racing competition, particularly Formula 1. The most common design of a paddock provides an area for exercise and is often situated near the stables. Larger paddocks may have grass maintained in them, but many are dirt or a similar natural surface. In some cases, drainage and a top layer of sand are used to keep a suitable surface in the paddock. In the American West, such an enclosure is often called a corral, and may be used to contain cattle or horses, occasionally other livestock. The word "paddock" is also used to describe other small, fenced areas that hold horses, such as a saddling paddock at a racetrack.