Automatic Gates Around Horses and Livestock

Horse properties and hobby farms are common across Kenthurst, Annangrove, Dural and the Hawkesbury. Automating gates on these properties saves a lot of getting in and out of the car, especially with a float on the back. But a moving gate and a curious horse are not a good mix unless the setup has been thought through.

This guide covers the main things to consider.

Know what the gate is for

Start by listing each gate and its job:

• Road entrance: keeps animals in and lets vehicles through. Usually the first gate to automate.
• House yard gate: separates the house and garden from the paddocks.
• Laneway gates: let you move animals between paddocks.
• Stable or arena gates: often walked through by people leading horses.

Gates used by vehicles are good candidates for automation. Gates where people lead horses through by hand are often better left manual, or set up so they do not close on their own.

Safety standards and obstacle detection

The Australian safety standard for electric drives for gates is AS/NZS 60335.2.103. A properly installed gate should stop or reverse when it meets an obstruction. On a livestock property, that is the minimum. Ask the installer how the system detects obstacles and how the force is set.

Photoelectric safety beams across the opening add another layer. On horse properties, think about the height of the beams. A beam set for a car bumper may pass under a horse's belly. Some owners use two sets of beams at different heights.

Closing behaviour

On a house driveway, an auto-close timer is convenient. In a paddock it can be risky. Options include:

• no auto-close, so the gate only closes when you press the remote
• auto-close only after a vehicle has passed a beam
• a longer delay before closing on gates where animals may be nearby

Discuss the routine of your property with the installer. A gate that closes behind the float while a horse is being led around it is a problem.

Protect the motor and cables

Horses chew, rub and lean. Cattle push. Keep motors, arms and cables out of reach where possible:

• mount the motor on the side of the gate away from the animals
• run cables in conduit and bury them where they cross a paddock
• guard arms or control boxes that animals can reach
• keep the control box high enough to stay out of the way

Gates and posts must be solid

Animals lean on gates. A motor adds a steady load every cycle. Before automating a farm gate, the installer should check that posts are sound, deep and concreted where needed, and that the gate is straight and swings freely. A gate that sags will strain the motor and may stop closing properly. Our farm gate automation page covers this in more detail.

Electric fencing near gates

Many horse properties use electric fencing. Keep it clear of the gate motor, control box and wiring. The NSW exempt development rules for rural fences refer to AS/NZS 3014 for electric fences, so any electric fence work should follow that standard. If an electric tape runs along the gate line, plan how it will be interrupted or bridged so it does not touch the gate hardware.

Triggers that suit rural use

Instead of reaching for a remote, consider:

• a vehicle probe or loop that opens the gate as a car approaches from the inside
• a keypad mounted at ute or tractor window height
• a GSM module so you can open the gate for a farrier or vet when you are away

See our guide to GSM intercoms for acreage if you want remote access.

Power

Paddock gates are almost always solar, since running mains across paddocks rarely makes sense. Size the system for the number of cycles and any accessories. If you do need mains, that work must be done by a licensed electrician.

Flood and weather

On low ground in the Hawkesbury, mount electronics high and check the gate after any flood. In open paddocks, mesh or open frame gates catch less wind than solid ones, which is easier on the motor.

Get the right installer

Look for an installer who has worked on rural properties and is comfortable discussing animal safety. We pass enquiries to independent local installers who work across the Hills and Hawkesbury. They quote and work under their own licences and insurance. Request a quote to get started.