should I call the police

if you put anything up where by someone could possible injure themselves - ie barbed wire, you could be legally liable. However, if you put a large sign saying it is dangerous and keep out, then that is allowed.
 
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Electric fencing and if possible a good load of dog poo spread on the gate - you can wash it off later and that should put off the little buggers from climb over - horse poo will do but it is not as horrible as dogs. Just make sure you can get through without being covered in it.

Today many parents are as stupid and ignorant as the kids they leave to run free.

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I'm loving that idea! Defo do that!! I wouldn't put a sign up, as nowadays no1 seems to pay any attention to them now, just let them get plastered in poo!! I think I may be slightly evil too!
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I would 'accidentally' electrify the gate - you didn't realise your leccy fencing was touching it - obviously!! ;o)... legally you only need to put up warning signs if the fencing is running along side a public footpath...
 
Guys - these are kids sledging for fun! They aren't aware of the dangers to your horses - they are just enjoying the snow.
Can't you be a good landowner, and fence off the best 'sledging bit' for them, to keep your horses and the children as safe as possible?
All this talk about burglar paint, barbed wire, electric fencing - it's wrong, IMO.
I doubt they will turn it to ice by sledging on it as the pressure of child body on sledge is not that great - and it's due to thaw in the next day or two anyway.
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It is a little cruel when they are just enjoying themselves, I actually quite like fencing the horses off and put a sign, sledge here - if you see any kids tell them they can sledge on your field if they promise to keep an eye out on the horses for the rest of the year.

Get the horrid little things on side!!!
 
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Thanks Rudley, I thought I had to be carefull as I can get sued. TheresaF think I may try the horse Poo.

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I would turn it around on them.. put up a sign saying "Do not enter the field without permission. If the horses become scared and get injured, trespassers will be pursued for compensation" or something like that.

If you know who they are then I guess you know who the parents are? If so, go round to the parents' house. Or, put barbed wire all along the gate and fence for the time being.
 
I'd call the police non-emergency number, speak to your local community officer and approach it from a "I'm worried about an accident being caused and want to know what I can do legally and safely" perspective.

Point out that the children could be injured, on the snow, or accidentally by the horses, or the horses could be injured or allowed to escape or the fencing could be damaged etc.

It at least gets it on record in case there is an incident and you know what you can do within the law.
 
I too have had this problem - my field looks exceptionally inviting for sledgers. I actually caught 3 adults and their kids. I told them that as they were trespassing I wouldnt be held accountable for any accident they caused to themselves if they spooked my horses as they live out 24/7. They denied that there were horses till I called them over!
They left after this but I found the following day that they had been back, so I sat down and wrote notices which I laminated and put on my field saying - "Private Land - no sledging or games allowed in this field"
This was also followed by distributing letters to my neighbours (only 5 houses nearby) stating that people had been trespassing on my land, that the area that they had been using was now shear ice and was a danger to my horses and that if they slipped it could cause a hefty vet bill and possibly lead to any one or more of them being PTS.
there hasnt been anyone else sledging now
 
Given the liability responsibilities of land owners, there is absolutely no way i would give anyone permission to sledge in the field.

Should they get injured - you could be held liable.

Regarding barbed wire, the law differs between the curtilage of buildings be they residential or business, and that of a livestock field. Last year I had the nasty situation of an out of control part wolf (not joking) jumping into my garden from the adjoining foot path to attack my bitch. The police advised that i was not permitted to use barbed wire fencing around my garden, but could put it in my adjacent horse field. Strangely, my garden fences acquired an adornment of blackthorn branches
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Stockholm tar, and maybe some yummy cribbox would be perfect for your gate. I would limit any signs to "private property - keep out"
 
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