CART-A-CORRAL

Aug 2007- update Sept #2

Portable horse corral system.

Pictures here http://imageevent.com/vmaxept/cart-a-corral-horse-pen

I purchased this portable horse corral system called CART-A-CORRAL from   

http://www.cartacorral.com/servlet/StoreFront
It is well explained on the site.

I wanted a small easy to handle setup and store corral set-up. Most others are large solid panels that took more space in the trailer. I looked at almost every horse-camping-containment system out there. Over the many years of horse camping, we have used electric wire, rope and tape. We have also used the 'mesh snow fence' roll up system. All these systems had issues. The roll-up mesh/web fence was heavy and took too long to setup. Plus it always sagged. The assorted electric setups have not always worked as well as I liked. I never felt they were 'safe'.  We are going to the public pleasure trail ride camps this year. Many will not allow electric pens. All will allow metal corrals. AND we ALL know of the assorted issues at the Endurance Rides :)

I did not want PVC.  I had one, it took my mare two rides to crack it. I just do not trust the new PVC systems. They were not cheaper, just lighter.

I think the metal fence systems will be 'as safe' as one can get

This system is round 1-1/2" -telescoping steel tubing. I think stronger then square stock. The packaged weight is 130 pounds. Two can handle.
Easy to set up. Took me about 30 minutes the first time.

Does not appear the ground  needs to be real flat. I am sure if the ground is too un-even there may be problems.

The manufacture recommends opening the storage bags in the trailer and remove each panel. No real need to take the whole package out.

I will try and store both systems in the trailer. I may place one in the bed of the truck if I need the room in the trailer.

Trailer brackets are on the way. I will install and see how they work. May not use them.
I will run electric around the top rail. My guy will lean on it
One kit will work for one horse. I bought two.

 I have drive in posts for the ends and the gate. Made by Monty Mitts CWI Ironworks.

Could use any round drive in-post like long re-bar vs the trailer to secure the end points.

First impression this may be a good system but field trials are needed.

It is not real cheap - Both systems with reduced shipping was $1283.

Test camp run later this month.

TEST CAMP #1

Went to a ride in Sept. Setup  both corrals less 3 panels. It was enough room for our 2 horse/mule. They did real well in it. The mule left on day one  and went home. One horse remained and 'tried' the fence. He pressed on it some but found it would not move. He settled  down and all was well.

It took me about 20 minutes to set up the corrals. That was taking it easy and talking with others. 

The take down was a bit longer since I tried  to get all the panels in the storage bags. The bags are difficult to manage. I load up each panel in the trailer, placing the panels one by one in the bag. The bags are not strong enough to load and carry. I found it a problem to get all the panels in the bag without pulling around on the bag. The seams are starting to rip. I think the bags will fail some time and the panels will just be lined up in the trailer front stall against the front wall and tied together. This should make the pack up process quite faster. I will continue to use the bags as long as they hold up.

Overall, I am very pleased with this system.

Trailer attachment brackets arrived. Installation was easy. Drill some holes and bolt in place This will  allow the end  panels to be firmly attached to the trailer. I will no longer require the use of the two drive in end posts. I should be able to set the corral up faster now. We hope to go camping the last week of Sept for a few days at BSF.