At System Equine, exceptional horse facilities begin long before you step inside the barn. Thoughtful pasture design, durable fencing systems, and efficient turnout infrastructure play a major role in the safety and daily functionality of a farm. Our latest collaboration with Gara Farm Buildings at Locust Hill in Erin, Ontario demonstrates how a carefully planned exterior layout can transform the way horses live outdoors while making daily chores easier for farm owners and staff.
Locust Hill is a premium installation that combines quality materials with practical design. While the barn itself is beautifully appointed, the exterior systems surrounding it are just as important. From secure fencing to efficient watering and feeding solutions, every detail of the outdoor environment was selected to support both horse safety and long-term durability.
Smart Fencing for Safety and Flexibility
One of the most important components of any horse property is fencing. At Locust Hill, the farm is protected by a carefully designed Flex Fencing system paired with Shockline for added strength and visibility. This combination offers a modern fencing solution that balances safety, durability, and aesthetics.
Flex fencing is well known for its ability to absorb impact while maintaining strong perimeter security. Horses are naturally curious and active animals, and fencing must be capable of withstanding everyday pressure without compromising safety. By incorporating Shockline, the system also provides an effective deterrent that encourages horses to respect the boundary.
Beyond horses, the Locust Hill property also accommodates smaller livestock. To ensure the fencing system works for multiple uses, the installation includes 2×4 Non Climb horse mesh. This addition provides extra containment for smaller animals such as chickens while still maintaining the clean, professional appearance that flex fencing is known for.
The result is a fencing system that is not only safe and reliable but also versatile enough to support a multi-purpose farm environment.
Designing Pastures for Efficiency
While fencing defines the boundaries of a pasture, the layout and infrastructure within those spaces determine how easy the farm is to manage day to day. Horses require consistent access to water and forage, but meeting these needs can quickly become a time-consuming chore if the right systems are not in place.
At Locust Hill, the goal was to create pastures that work for both the horses and the people caring for them. The System Equine fencing installation team integrated two key products that dramatically improve daily efficiency: Drinking Post Automatic Waterers and the Hay OptiMizer.
Drinking Post waterers eliminate the need for traditional troughs by delivering clean, fresh water directly in the pasture. These automatic systems ensure horses always have access to cool drinking water without the constant maintenance associated with trough cleaning, filling, or winter freezing concerns. By placing waterers directly within turnout areas, barn staff save valuable time while horses benefit from a reliable water source.
Feeding hay in the field was also optimized with the Hay OptiMizer. Designed to hold up to two large bales, this system allows horses to access forage throughout the day while significantly reducing hay waste. The feeder is simple to reload and durable enough to handle heavy outdoor use.
Together, these solutions transform turnout management. Instead of constant manual labour filling troughs or distributing hay, farm owners can rely on efficient systems that keep horses comfortable and well supplied.
Supporting the Barn with a Complete Property Design
While the barn at Locust Hill features beautiful stall fronts and custom Dutch doors crafted by Gara Farm Buildings using System Equine hardware, the exterior infrastructure plays an equally important role in the overall success of the facility.
A well-designed horse property considers the full experience of the horse—from the stall to the pasture. Safe fencing, reliable water systems, and efficient feeding solutions ensure horses can spend their turnout time comfortably while minimizing the workload required to maintain the farm.
A Complete Outdoor Environment for Horses
The Locust Hill project demonstrates that exceptional equine facilities extend far beyond the barn walls. By combining modern fencing systems with smart feeding and watering infrastructure, the property delivers a safe, efficient, and low-maintenance outdoor environment.
At System Equine, we believe that the best farms are built with both horses and humans in mind. The exterior design at Locust Hill is a perfect example of how thoughtful planning and high-quality products can create a property that is as practical as it is beautiful.
