So I’m crossing my fingers that my pole barn will be up if not next week, in the next couple weeks. I intend to build a small paddock off of one end that will be a sacrifice area where the horse(s) will have the 10x24 end of the barn as a run in. I’m wanting to use finish line fence but I’m wondering do I put an additional post next to the barn or can I use the actual post under the barn to attach my fence to? Will this cause a horse to run into the fence and take down the whole structure? I want to use some hot wire/tape at the top to keep them off the fence but things happen.
I would attach it to it’s own post…another thought it to sink that post a foot or so from the end of the barn which would give you a space to slip into or out of the paddock without having to open a gate. I found that super helpful when I wanted to check the trough level or throw them another flake of hay.
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i have placed posts as close as possible. I tie the last three inches of fencing beyond the last post, but just so there is not any kind of visual ‘escape route’. Perception is reality
Ok, I will do an extra post then, that’s what made sense, but having to put in one less post was tempting.
Not sure without seeing pictures or a drawing, but you might consider a “kissing gate” so you can slip through without risk of the horse escaping.
attach the gate to the barn post. On the other side set three posts in a V (the middle post is the end of your fenceline). Use boards or other wire on the sides of the V. The gate swings and touches the outer two posts.
I love mine. It is the gate that can never be left open.
180123_1045 by Wendy, on Flickr
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I’ve seen those too, I like the idea of not having to lock and unlock a gate every time. I’m also the forgetful type who would likely leave a gate open by accident.
@wsmoak sorry to ask such a silly question, but I can not tell from your photos. Does this gate have no way of opening all the way so you can bring equipment (wheel barrow) thru?
It does not! By design, the only thing that fits through is a human carrying a bucket or bag of hay. It can never open far enough to let a horse escape (or a wheelbarrow through.)
Here’s a view of an all wooden one from a higher angle so you can see better:
https://www.externalworksindex.co.uk/entry/123455/Jacksons-Fencing/Timber-kissing-gate/
I’m not sure I’d put a regular gate right up against the building if you’ll ever be tempted to lead horses in/out. More chance of getting squashed, that’s why gates are usually in the middle of a fenceline, though of course that adds cost in heavier posts and is a pain when the fence is electric.
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Thanks for clarifying @wsmoak. So it is like those walk thru openings that are put in fences, this design includes a gate.
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My paddock is 24’ X 100’. Fence is attached to the overhang pole on one side and the post for the man gate on the other side.
This segways into spend the money to add an overhang. It is the smallest cost of the barn (if you do it while they are building the barn) and will pay for itself in 50 million different ways.
Mine is NOT attached to the barn; if a big wind comes along, the hope is it won’t take the barn with it, just the flashing between the two roofs:). It’s been up for 18 years without issue - so far:)
This is the best pic I can do at 5:30 AM, lol. If you can expand it, it will give you a better idea. The opening on the near side of the fence is where the tractor gate to the main pasture is. It’s against the fence during the day and gets closed at night, so the horse under the overhang can run in/out all night. The other horse is IR and stays in his stall all night.
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