Whoops...

[Fools Motto]

Feeding the colts earlier today, I couldn't work out what was 'wrong'. The colts seemed minorly subdued, but there were no cuts, swellings or anything obvious, and they both ate up. (living out 24/7). After several trips around them to double double check, I gave up and walked back to the gate. By this point I had fed them, put two piles of hay out and checked their water. Right by the gate I noticed that the wire which runs along the top of the rails - can be electrified to stop chewing, was loose, and hanging down in a loop. I pulled it - to get it taught again, but it kept coming! WTF!!
It wasn't until this point, knowing something was wrong, that I noticed the MASSIVE tree from the wood, had falllen down, into the paddock, smashing the fence, severed the wire and really was a mess!!! The paddock is barely 2 acres, and can easily see it in full from where ever you look. Such a numpty I am!
Took a while to do the best repair job I could and remove all broken rails and nails. Will seriously need the man with the chain saw though!
Told boss, who wasn't that concerned, - I would be, two young colts can get up to mischief in no time... oh, and the paddock (with 2 or 3 lines of trees) is right next to the railway line.. I'm not sure I'll sleep that soundly tonight.

 

[Honey08]

Crikey - I'd be worried too if it was next to a railway and not fenced well. Can it not be fenced round with tape and plastic posts for the night?

 

[*hic*]

Especially since the railways changed the rules, it used to be that they would slow and/or stop the train for an animal on the line. In the past couple of years they've changed it to a group of five or more animals before they are supposed to slow or stop the train! "Our" signalman were generally very helpful and would call me and slow the trains if any of the sheep got out but they weren't supposed to!