Firepit in pasture?

[SugarCubes]

We are wanting to build a firepit similar to the one pictured below, and the best location we’ve come up with is in the middle of the pasture. Assuming horses were kept in their paddocks when it was in use or still hot, do you think this would be okay or an injury waiting to happen? I have two mellow horses, and I can’t see them messing with it but obviously don’t want anything to happen to them. This is really the only location that will work without being too close to the barn, house, or fencing. Thoughts?

[DMK]

It may not cause an injury (one of mine would find a way to kill himself, but that is him), but if there is a way to destroy it, you know they will. #horsesareassholes

[SuckerForHorses]

I would probably not leave a grate partially across the top as if a horse gets up there, leg injuries could happen.

I would think completely covering it with something suitable to hold a horse, or leaving the top completely open, would be best options when not in use.

[gumtree]

It always comes down to what kind of horses are turned out. I don’t see it being a hazard.

I agree with DMK " but if there is a way to destroy it, you know they will"

Also agree with S-F-H build a round top for it out of 2X6-8. Extend the 2X strapping, "cleats"that holds it together on the bottom to the inner edge of the pit to keep them from pushing/sliding it off.

The top cover should keep them “destroying” it.

[Gainer]

I’m not sure I’d do it, but then I’ve seen some of the most sane, sedate horses do some of the most stupid things.

[Simkie]

The horses will most certainly screw around with it, but if you construct it with that in mind and have a cover that clamps over it, why not?

But make sure it can take a kick or a butt rub, and do think about whether or not you want to be enjoying your fire pit in a field with manure piles and flies and uneven ground due to hoof marks And where are you going to store your wood for it? Having to walk out of the field every time you need to add something would get tiresome. As would having to bring in and then remove all your furniture for sitting around and telling lies while you watch the wood burn.

[SugarCubes]

DMK - :lol: :lol: YES, yes they are!

Thanks for the input, all!

I hadn’t actually thought of covering it, I was planning on leaving the top open. Hopefully without the temptation of a shiny lid or grate my horses will leave it alone, but good point about them trying to destroy it. I have a feeling the pony will think it’s a toy just for him!

However, we really need a burn pile, and I figured building a big fire pit would kill two birds with one stone. As far as it being “in the middle of the field”, my pasture is only 1.5 acres, so nothing will be too far away

[Wayside]

I wouldn’t do it myself, but like DMK, I have one horse that is an absolute walking accident.

Though I have made burn piles and bonfires in my pasture before, for burning brush and trees that I’ve removed from the fenceline. Usually I just do it at a time when it has rained fairly recently, I mow the grass short in a wide swath around where I’ll be burning, and I take a shovel and hose out with me, just in case.

[tangledweb]

I would not be that concerned about the actual fire pit area and horses, but if you mean the entire picture I’d not voluntarily add a section of slippery paved patio to the middle of a pasture. A horse is bound to gallop across it and lose traction.

[Simkie]

@SugarCubes

I hadn’t actually thought of covering it, I was planning on leaving the top open. Hopefully without the temptation of a shiny lid or grate my horses will leave it alone, but good point about them trying to destroy it. I have a feeling the pony will think it’s a toy just for him!

However, we really need a burn pile, and I figured building a big fire pit would kill two birds with one stone. As far as it being “in the middle of the field”, my pasture is only 1.5 acres, so nothing will be too far away

Oh, they’ll get into the ashes. Especially if you have a pony! I had burn barrels left in a field when we bought our MN place and the horses got into those.

If you’re going to be burning stuff in there, and not just clean wood, ABSOLUTELY cover it.

[csaper58]

I have my doubts that the stone-work pictured would hold up to horses standing and walking on it. That looks like flag stone, which chips and cracks easily.

If used, boulder retaining walls need to be sturdy enough for the horses to ‘bank’ them, ditto steps.

Will seating be removable?

You may also have manure and pee to deal with.

Maybe google ‘horse falls into pool’ to be prepared for the mischief horses can get into?

[fordtraktor]

I think you could easily fence it off with step-in posts and tape. Or better. Sink posts and put boards in those removeable slat brackets. I don’t need to do it, but would not hesitate if my space was limited. The horses will be fine dodging a fenced area. Wouldn’t leave it out with nothing.

[SugarCubes]

Oh gosh, I’m just talking the firepit not the whole stone area surrounding it! That would surely be a disaster waiting to happen :yes:

[roseymare]

We had a horse that would stand on his side of the fence of the burn barrel and breath the smoke in and puff it out his nose. I KID YOU NOT!

[gumtree]

@SugarCubes

Oh gosh, I’m just talking the firepit not the whole stone area surrounding it! That would surely be a disaster waiting to happen :yes:

I assumed that lol. It would add a LOT more expense and work also.

[Frog_Pond]

@roseymare

We had a horse that would stand on his side of the fence of the burn barrel and breath the smoke in and puff it out his nose. I KID YOU NOT!

On that topic, we’ve burned a lot of brush over the past few years and my minis could care less. My big horse, though – he’s got a serious internal smoke alarm. At the first whiff he lifts his head, sniffs, snorts, shows me the whites of his eyes and then does his fabulous Standardbred trot, tail flagged, around the paddock. He keeps watch until the burn is done. If he actually got to see the flames, I think he’d lose his marbles. So . . . love your firepit. Just keep an eye on the herd’s response the first time

[wireweiners]

The donkeys would stand in the smoke to get out of the mosquitoes or next to the fire to get warm. They also liked to roll in the cold ashes.

[wireweiners]

@roseymare

We had a horse that would stand on his side of the fence of the burn barrel and breath the smoke in and puff it out his nose. I KID YOU NOT!

So just what were you burning in that barrel?

[roseymare]

@wireweiners

So just what were you burning in that barrel?

Obviously you have meant some retired Halter Horses! LOL

[S1969]

Do your horses respect hotwire? A few step in posts with a solar charger would keep mine away from it. They fear the white tape above all things.

I’d probably still cover it just in case (and so other animals don’t nest in there.