Covering a cattle grid (ideas please)

[JenHunt]

As the title really...

we are holding a pleasure ride on Sunday, and the route (almost none of which is on bridleways, all on land opened up by landowners especially for this!) comes to a cattle grid at one point. We cant get round it without adding about 5 miles to the route.

We had planned to borrow a rubber mat from someone to put over a board over the grid, but the person lending us the mat has let us down (their horse is now on box rest).

What else can we use (at short notice) to cover the grid safely?

Or would just the board (well secured) be sufficient?

 

[juliette]

I think it would be ok to have the grid just covered in some strong wood, however, it could be difficult for some riders as their horses may object to the noise? Worth having a steward there so they can lead any horses across that are being a pain!

 

[JenHunt]

We could cover it with bedding to deaden the noise and make it more familiar I guess?

a steward may be the answer too...

 

[TBB]

We could cover it with bedding to deaden the noise and make it more familiar I guess?

a steward may be the answer too...

I think the bedding sounds a good idea on the board, having a steward there would be helpful but might be a bit dodgy trying to lead strange horses over it in case they jumped on him/her in panic (if they panicked).

 

[YorksG]

I would make sure there is some sort of non slip material on it, wood can be so horribly slippery if it gets wet (I'm sure you are praying for a dry day, but can't be sure I guess ). How are you going to secure the wood? I would not be too sure about taking my mare over even a covered cattle grid, not with her very small and dainty feet! Is there no gate that you could use instead? What a shame it is there.

 

[ofcourseyoucan]

if having a steward at the point of the cattle grid then i would recommend that you remove 3 meters of the fence adjoining the cattle grid for the horses to go through, then replace at the end of the ride. god forbid a single horse got stuck in the grid then your public insurance would squeel like a bacon pig! not worth the risk for a couple of metres of stewarded fence.! otherwise i would suggest the 5 k round route!

 

[DragonSlayer]

I was about to say.....fill the bugger with cement, but not good for a temporary fix....

 

[fizzer]

I would not be happy putting on a ride with a cattle grid crossing like this. We used to have to put a board and rubber mats down on one of our local routes whilst repairs were being done, my friends pony jumped off the boards and straight into the cattle grid!! not a good outcome.

 

[Dry Rot]

Get permission to cut an adjacent fence as has been suggested. The wires can easily be repaired afterwards using gripples and the farmer can be placated with a bottle of malt!

http://www.gripple.com/products/cat...roducts/gripplepluswirejoinerstensioners.html

 

[Meowy Catkin]

I have to agree, can you make a safe way through next to the cattle grid but also fence off the grid so that no-one can spook onto it?

If you have no option but to cover the grid, then make sure that the whole thing is covered and that it is very secure and plenty strong enough.

TBH, it might be worth considering the longer route that avoids the grid alltogether. I remember seeing these photos of a cattle grid injury a few years ago. I am very wary of cattle grids as I always think of this poor horse when I see them and keep my mare well away.

Don't look if you are squeamish.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/crazychickmia/Horses/Cooper/Injury/offsidelegunwashed.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/crazychickmia/Horses/Cooper/Injury/bone.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/crazychickmia/Horses/Cooper/Injury/hindlegswashed.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v180/crazychickmia/Horses/Cooper/Injury/offsidehind.jpg

http://fhotd64476.yuku.com/reply/213037/Post-a-picture-of-your-upgrades-rescues-ect#reply-213037

 

[cm2581]

I used to attend a be event (watch not compete) that had a cattle grid covered and the horses cantered/galloped over it. To be honest, I'm not even sure the competitors knew it was there! It was covered with a large board and then covered thourghly with sand. I only knew it was there as I rode in the area.