But seriously, I didn't even notice I had stepped onto pipes, for heaven's sake!
*These are interesting contraptions. They are a trench dug at the gate with ~5 inch dia. pipes laid lengthwise at ground level with ~5 inch gaps between. Livestock will not try to cross them, as they cant' get purchase on the pipes (unlike a human that is paying attention) and they won't step in the holes. 'Cause they aren't stupid - they would get stuck.