Project story
Custom Barn Paddocks Installation in Big Arm, Montana
Working Around the Barn
The project included paddock runs on both sides of the barn. While the overall layout wasn't complicated, there were several details that required some creative problem-solving.
Concrete footings along the edge of the barn made it impossible to simply auger and set posts normally. Some of the exterior barn posts also had concrete footings underneath them, as well as concrete stub posts coming up a foot or two, adding a unique challenge to making our fence posts secure.
Along the barn, we used posts with heavy-duty plates pre-welded to the bottom, allowing us to pour small concrete footers and attach the plates to those footers. For the outer posts, we were able to attach the fence posts directly to the barn posts, creating a clean, finished transition.
Customizing the Rail Spacing
Most of the paddocks needed only three rails, with the bottom rail positioned high enough to reduce the risk of a horse getting a leg caught underneath.
One paddock, however, needed to be closer to the ground to contain smaller animals.
We couldn't just order 4-rail posts because the spacing wouldn't be correct, so instead we ordered extra rails and end connectors so we could add a custom fourth rail below. This allowed us to match the spacing of the existing system while giving that paddock the additional containment it required.
Built for Montana Winters
Frost heave was another important consideration.
In this part of Montana, posts need to be deep enough to minimize movement while still maintaining the proper finished fence height. Getting that balance right was an important part of the installation.
The Finished Paddocks
The result was a clean, secure paddock system that worked around the existing barn, accommodated different animals, and looked like it belonged there from the beginning.
We were grateful for the opportunity to help the customer and our supplier partner—and to deliver a finished project they could feel good about.
