Kissing Gate Drama

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CharlesMax

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I was wondering if anyone has had an accident with a kissing gate involved?

My new horse looked like he was attacked by a lion yesterday after trying to get through a kissing gate which enters his field. We think he is being bullied by the other horses who cornered him and he must have tried to escape through the gate. Luckily for him, the gate is wooden so he broke it down after a struggle with the gate and barbed wire. Luckily the neighboring yard discovered him and he was rescued and seen by the vet while I was stuck in London!

I have been told that the land owners compalined to the council about the kissing gate, asking for a style to be put in its place. The council argued that kissing gates are safe with livestock. Well, after looking at my his injuries, kissing gates clearly ARE a risk!

What are your thoughts on kissing gates in grazing fields? Do you think I should take this matter up with the council?
 
I would tell your council, if they still don't see it as a danger then I would ask them if they want to pay for the vet bill, as they have been told once it's a danger!!! Sounds harsh, but I work for a council and unless you get really shirty and strong with them (mostly Rights of way) they'll just push it to one side.

I had to tell our ROW that if I had a fall on the bridle path due to low branches (I mean they were hiting my 14.1 HH in the face!!) I would be asking for compo!!!
 
Thanks for that advice! I think I have a strong case, especially if people have complained before, pointing out the danger. I have also taken pics, etc. Right, let me get started on that strongly worded letter!!
 
I don't balme you!!!!!

ROW did nothing when I was "nice" to them, they just rang me and said "We don't have the money to cut trees back!" As soon as I said they would be paying any bills from a fall they went straight out the day after and cut it all back!!
 
They definately arent safe, write to your coucil and tell them you asked for it to be changed last year and include a letter from the neighbouring yard and vet along with his bill......surely they would be liable to pay for it.
 
mmmm............our 16.3 got himself wedged in the kissing gate and had been there overnight judging by the pile of poo behind him. The worst thing was seeing the footprints in the snow where walkers had climbed over the fence to get around him but hadn't bothered telling anybody! It took me a good 30 minutes trying to manouvre him inch by inch to get him out. There is a stream with a steep banking and his back legs were on the edge of it which is why he daren't back himself up to get out. Poor boy, this was in the big freeze and I swear he didn't leave the pile of haylage for hours after that, he was frozen and starving!
 
Kissing gates are perfectly safe with livestock if they are fitted correctly, with the gate latched back against the horse side of the arc of the gate fence. They are also much easier for people to use than a style, particularly those who can't climb styles and are therefore prevented from using footpaths.

We have kssing gates in our fields, set so that the gate always falls back into the latch. This way, the horses cannot gain access to the metal arc that makes up the gate fence. Perfectly safe.

Sorry to hear that the OP has had problems with them. I hope your horse is okay.
 
I've got kissing gates in my field. The council took down the stiles and put them up as they have to allow acess for disabled people on the footpath. At the moment not had a problem with them just the walkers not using them and climbing over my large gate
 
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