We had a terrible line of poles across our property. Old cable lines weighed them down and caused the poles to lean and the electric wire to lower. It was a danger because it went over our galloping track and you did have to duck going underneath. I think that and the poles going through some trappy terrain at the end of the property (large creek and overgrown trees). Ice storms caused the trees to fall over the lines and they eventually fell over…several times. There was no easement anywhere for the electric lines (on our title or the neighboring properties). After a few years of arguments they did finally pull them out. I hate dealing with utility companies.:no:
For the OP, I would go ahead and do the power move. Have the guys put up the pole at the street and run the power underground. It seems to me, at that point, you will not have any more lines over head and you will have two empty poles in your pasture.
Either use them for lighting for your arena, or pay the 300 to have the utility take them down. If all the work is done, and in it all the utility company refused to take them down, and you are left alone with two empty poles, you could always saw them down yourself. Just remember that they are severly treated and make everyone wear masks when sawing them down and clean up the saw dust. You could always use the poles for landscaping and wall retaining. If you are an eventer, you could build a bank.
Then, when your contractor comes in to dig out for your arena, he will have to dig out the two 6 foot stumps, as much as any rocks and boulders before grading and setting your footing.
[QUOTE=Jim_in_PA;8591676]
If it were pasture, fencing around them might work for the OP, but she wants to put in an arena in the area where at least one of the poles is currently located…[/QUOTE]
OK I missed that part. So it sounds like the OP has to cough up the $ to have them removed. Still not sure what the cost is - but if you’re just adding it to the cost of an arena, it might sounds cheaper. 
Definitely need a plan for how to change to underground wiring before putting in an arena as well…will it go under the arena?
