The gate area in a pasture or paddock is a high traffic area for a variety of reasons. It serves as the funnel for entering/exiting the pasture/paddock, as well as the location (or vicinity) for food and water sources (usually for ease of workers). It is also common for the footing in this area to become compacted, muddy or icy due to the high traffic.
Whether it is a matter of competing for "first in" or bossy horses showing their dominance at the gate/feed/water, there are often conflicts at the gate. In addition, the potentially poor footing can make this issue worse. So, although there is little if any research in this area, experience would dictate a higher incidences of accidents/injuries at or near the gate.
