Spring Expansion for the Special Needs Drafties!

Renovating the Maple Field for Ella & Behr!

In 2022, we completed the bulk of a gut renovation on the inside of the Maple Barn, home to our special needs draft horses. For 2023, we are tackling the fencing and additional run in space!

The fencing for this paddock was the first built at Rosemary Farm Sanctuary, is aging and needs to be replaced. We love sturdy wood fencing, especially for the blind Behr, and are going to raise the height and bump up to four rail (instead of the old three rail design). We need posts, and boards, and hardware, estimated at $3,200. To manage costs, we hope to complete the construction with volunteer help, so our estimate is for materials only. The new run in, from our friends at Amish Barn, is waiting for the right weather window for installation, and is $4,000. The building will also require a $380 rock foundation/base. We will probably add new NibbleNets and other details, but we will tackle that separately. So, to complete the project for the Maple Field, home to the Ella, Behr & the Square Peg band, we are hoping to raise $7,200! A bargain in the value, as a safe new fence is a high priority!

Every donation of every size is needed and appreciated, but as extra incentive, any donor giving $50 or more will be recognized with their name on a small metal tag on a fence board, and will become part of our ongoing history!

Thank you for caring and helping us provide for our very special horses!.

NOTE: This budget outline is an estimate, if we have any remaining funds after finishing the project they will be put towards operating expenses.

PHOTOS OF THE PROJECT

The current fencing is saggy, especially where the gentle giant Ella leans on it to reach for just the right blade of grass on the other side! For the blind Behr, fixing this is critical.

We've pre-purchased part of the lumber but will need about 10x this amount to complete the field.

The new run-in from Amish Barn will provide shelter at the far end of the field.

Current fencing in the Maple Field is the three rail on the left of the photo; new fencing in the Mini Paddock is the four rail on the right of the photo. We will be updating the Maple Field with four rail which is safer for the horses!

PROJECT WORK LIST

FENCING

• Inventory the paddock fencing, creating a count of posts and boards requiring replacing - DONE
  
• Create purchase list and order from the lower lumber mill (this was done in advance) - DONE
• Pick up or receive lumber, stack near site - DONE
• Create list and purchase all the supporting materials and tools - DONE
• Organize the labor (day/time) - DONE
• Relocate the special needs pair, Behr and Ella, for several days (which means prepping and clearing another paddock for them!) - DONE
• Remove old fencing, clearing nails
• Using strings and levels, place the new fence line
• Using the post pounder and skid steer, install the posts
• Measure and place four rails, per section, going around the perimeter

RUN IN

• Order and receive rock base for the run in - DONE
• Spread rock and level the base - DONE
• Clear a path and receive the run in and set in place - DONE
• Add rubber mats, salt licks, other details to make it comfy!