Major problem - advice please

F

filly190

Well-Known Member
Joined
12 September 2006
Messages
1,714
Visit site
I rent a stable and fields from a farmer, who has just commenced work to build a barn in the field for himself. The field has a main gate and drive from the road and then had fencing from the drive to the paddock making it very safe. So double gating system.

He has removed the field fencing and put electric tape up and wooden posts so that his contractors can get to the field to build barn. On visiting my two horses to my horror they had been working with the road gate wide open all day. As I stood telling him that the tape was not sufficient to keep the horses in, one of my mares took fright and cantered straight through it. I caught her and avoided a road accident.

So I had serious words with the contractors telling them that they need to keep the road gate shut at all times.

Heres the problem, despite me sneaking down the past two days at different times and catching them in the act and having serious words they are totally ignorning me and still leaving the gate open.

The farmer is on holiday and I cant contact him, so I have spoken to his son who has promised to sort this out and still has'nt. I just dont know what to do as its only a matter of time before the horses escape again.

How would you handle this situation, I am at my wits end with what to do.
 
You are not having the best of luck at the moment are you?
frown.gif


Can you keep them in during the day while the builders are there and turn them out at night after they have gone?
 
I'd contact the contractors directly and possibly contact HSE (health and safety-google it) as they should have risk assessments in place to ensure they are working in a safe environment and promoting a safe environment (doesn't sound like they are!!). If all this fails I'd keep your horses in until the farmers back and it's all sorted.
 
I think your suggestion is the only thing I can do, thanks. No not having much luck lately and could'nt face loosing another horse in the same month ( to those that dont know, I lost my three year old arab to being kicked whilst I was on holiday).
 
I would do that. Non horsey people can be so thick and are NOT to be trusted!
We had a gardener leave our field gate open once, resulting in my 2 clearing off down the main road with my mum chasing after them in 2 sizes too big wellies! Makes me feel sick just thinking about what could have happened (they went about a mile away to another paddock I occasionaly borrow, involving about 1/2 a mile up the main road, then another half a mile and 3 road junctions up side roads, very clever eh?!)
 
Just mention 'Risk Assessment' and 'public liability insurance' to the boss of the contracting firm, that should get his attention.
 
Definately I would contact the company direct & explain about public liability insurance as above. As someone else said, are you able to turn them out at night after the numpties have left for the day, failing that, padlock them in!!
 
I was just about to say - buy a really good padlock and chain - wait until they all arrive - then turn up and say 'hi just shutting the gate so that my horses escaping do not affect your public liability - don't worry I will be back to unlock it a t 4.30 when you need to leave' lock it and walk away - don't forget to get a really tough chain - one that can't be ground through with an angle grinder. Let the farmers son know you are going to do it as all else has failed and let him know why.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top