Fencing for Your Horse

Transcription

1 Fencing for Your Horse How to choose the right horse fence

2 A Note From The Editor Here at MyHorse Daily we are committed to bringing you the latest information designed to keep you and your horse healthy, happy and productive. Enjoy the read! Amy Herdy, Managing Editor MyHorse Daily

3 Fencing is one of the most important investments you will make for your farm or ranch. Learn more about hiring a contractor, the variety of fencing available, and gates that last. Adapted from articles by the editors of EquiSearch. com, EQUUS magazine and Horse&Rider magazine Good fences start with proper installation. While some horse owners install their own fences, most rely on a fence contractor for professional installation to ensure their valuable horses are safely enclosed. An experienced fence contractor also can help you select the best fencing materials for your land, budget and needs. Selecting a Contractor A properly constructed, professionally installed fence will last longer, look nicer and protect horses better than one that is not installed correctly. The American Fence Association (AFA) recommends that those who hire a fence contractor insist upon: 1. Product Samples: Reputable fence contractors have product samples available so consumers can see and feel the differences among materials. 2. Written Contracts: Before digging any postholes, the fence contractor and horse owner should come to a written agreement about materials and installation. The contract will specify exactly what the owner expects the fence contractor to deliver. 3. Certificates of Insurance: Fence contractors should show proof of insurance. 4. References: Horse owners should ask for and check the references of the fence contractor. Ask the reference Wooden fencing is but one of many options for equine enclosures. whether the contractor finished the fence on time, installed it properly, stayed within the budget, etc. Good advice is to use a fence contractor who is a member of the American Fence Association (AFA). AFA members adhere to a strict code of ethics, keep current about new products and techniques, and are backed by an Ethics and Grievance Board that will help resolve rare disputes between fence contractors and customers. In addition, many AFA members go one step further by becoming a Certified Fence Professional (CFP). CFPs must complete continuing education classes, then pass a rigorous written exam before attaining the distinction. To remain a CFP, the contractor must be retested every three years. Choosing a Fence Type Once you retain a fence contractor, your next choice is the type of fence to install. The top five concerns about horse fencing are: containment safety budget maintenance aesthetics From electric fencing to vinyl systems, flexible fence with high-tensile wire and wire mesh to traditional and plasticcoated wood enclosures, horse owners have a wide variety of style and material choices. Electric Fencing Electric horse fencing is a psychological and a physical barrier. Horses are trained that they will receive a shock if they touch the fence. Many horse owners turn to electric fences to prevent injuries associated with fences. In the past, when electric fence consisted of electrified bare wires, horse owners shied away from it. However, electrified fencing is now offered in PVCcoated wire, mesh and braid. Electrified mesh is made of polyethylene polymer woven with wires to contain the horses. Electric braid fencing, a relatively new product, is installed to posts and is made 3

4 of braided polyester. Vinyl One of vinyl fencing s first applications was in the equine industry because it prevents injury to horses and requires no traditional maintenance. In addition, most vinyl fences used to enclose horses are white, which can keep horses from colliding with them at night (other colors are also available). In addition, horses are not likely to crib on vinyl fences. The vinyl itself is very strong, and vinyl fence construction contributes to the ultimate strength and durability of the fence. Vinyl fences are also free from traditional fence maintenance. Many vinyl fences also come with long warranties, some up to a lifetime. Flexible Fence with High-Tensile Wire Plastic-coated, high-tensile wire products continue to be popular, relatively inexpensive horse fencing. From 5 rail made of three wires encased in polymer to single polymer-coated strands to electrified coated wire, the choices for horse owners are virtually limitless. Often, horse owners choose to make the top wire of fence electrified to discourage horses from leaning on the top of the fence. High-tensile wire fencing requires little upkeep. Although it stretches if a horse steps on it, it goes right back into place. Similarly, if a tree falls on it or a car hits it, the wire might have to be restretched, but it s an easy repair. Wires are usually attached to pressure-treated Southern yellow pine posts to ensure a long-lasting fence, and the fence is usually between 52 and 54 tall. Wire Mesh Wire mesh fencing constructed of galvanized wire that is highly visible, rust resistant, and does not require much maintenance keeps horses in the paddock and keeps other animals out. The mesh openings are no larger than 2 x 4, so horses hooves can t step through the fence, making it especially safe. The rectangular mesh has a smooth edge that protects the horses if they rub on it. The material will simply spring back if stepped upon, which protects animals from injury and minimizes repairs. Wood and Plastic-coated Wood Wooden post-and-rail and split rail have always been the traditional fences of choice for horse owners. Most wooden fences are painted white or black, or are stained to help protect the wood from drying out and to look attractive. While painting and staining increase the life of the fence, they also add to upkeep because the fence will need to be repainted or re-stained from time to time. Wooden fences can be subject to rotting and damage from horses, so they require additional maintenance in exchange for their traditional good looks. Since damage is 4

5 most often done by horses, owners sometimes add an electric wire above the top rail to keep the horses off of the fence. Plastic-coated wooden fences combine the strength of wood and the maintenance-free benefits of vinyl. Plasticcoated wood is stronger than all-vinyl materials, the plastic coating contains splintering if the fence breaks, and horses don t chew on the plastic. These fences and gates are constructed like wooden fences, making them easy to install and eliminating the need for steel reinforcements for strength. The only maintenance required is periodic washing. A Fence is Only as Good as its Gate Sagging gates are more than an aesthetic consideration. Once a gate gets really droopy, you ll have to drag the end along the ground every time you use it, and it s next to impossible to operate a dragging gate on horseback. A few preventive measures will keep your gate corners square for easier swinging and longer service. Install Toe Blocks: A wooden block nailed to the latch post or a smooth stone on the ground will bear the weight of the unhinged end when the gate is closed, taking the stress off the hinges. The support should be just a hair higher than the lower edge of the gate, so you have to lift the gate slightly to set it in place. If the gate is left open for long periods, a second toe block at the open position is necessary to keep the gate in shape. Wherever you place your toe blocks, they must be used consistently to prevent gate sag. Adjust the Pintles: The L-shaped pivots (pintles) that hold a gate on its hinge post can be tweaked slightly to boost a sagging gate. Tightening the top pintle and loosening the bottom one will often change the gate s angle enough to lift the toe off the ground. The gate must be removed from the pintles to perform this adjustment. Well-seated pintles tighten or loosen with a single turn to right or Wire can be safe fencing if it is horse-friendly. C O U R T E S Y R E D B R A N D 5

6 C O U R T E S Y E L E C T R O B R A I D Electric braid fencing is another affordable alternative to wooden fencing. Subscribe today & Get a Free Gift! SUBSCRIBE NOW left, but if the hardware turns loosely on its threads, the wood is split or rotten and lacks the grab to hold the metal. If this is the case, forget adjusting the pintles and replace the post. Add a brace wire. If your gate is beyond the help of toe blocks and pintle adjustment, a brace wire running from the top of the hinge post to the middle of the gate may provide enough tension to raise the gate end from the ground. Putting on a brace wire requires a turnbuckle from your hardware store and some know-how; if you aren t brace-savvy, enlist the help of a handy friend. Talking the Talk Use these definitions to help you sort through fencing types and terms. (Note: Italicized words are defined elsewhere within the glossary.) Barbed wire: Metal strands with sharp metal barbs woven in along their length. Broken rail fencing: See post-andrail fencing. Continuous-mesh fencing: Barrier made from a sheet of woven steel wire (or other material; see polymer-grid fencing) that covers an unbroken span from the ground-up, and is attached to vertical supports called T-posts. Recommended types for horses are 2-by-4-inch square mesh (also called non-climb mesh) and 4-by-2-inch V or diamond mesh. Cross fencing: Fence lines that divide pastures within a piece of property. Coated-wire fencing: Barrier made from 12 ½- to 14-gauge steel wire encased in high-tensile polymer or vinyl approximately ¼ inch in diameter. (The lower the gauge number, the thicker, more heavy-duty the wire.) Electric board fencing: Post-and-rail fencing with built-in runners of conductive aluminum along 3-inch rails. Electric braid: Polyester yarns braided into dimensionally stable rope that rebounds to its original length after stretching. Conductible copper wire is braided 6

7 into the rope s exterior surface. Electric polytape: Conductive wires interwoven with strips of nylon; ranges in diameter from ½ inch to 2 inches. High-tensile polymer fencing: Barrier made from tightly strung synthetic strands. High-tensile wire fencing: Barrier made from tightly strung wire. Non-electric monofilament fencing: Barrier made from single, untwisted strands of high-density nylon or polyester. Perimeter fence: Fence line around the outer boundary of a piece of property. Pipe fencing: A type of post-and-rail fencing made from welded oil-stem pipe or reject material. Polymer-grid fencing: A type of continuous-mesh fencing made from a plastic or vinyl-type material, rather than woven wire. Poly-coated wood fencing: Barrier made from wood coated with polyethylene, a tough synthetic substance designed to prevent broken/splintered rails, discourage chewing, and reduce maintenance. Post-and-rail fencing: Barrier made of vertical support posts and a series of interrupted (staggered) horizontal rails. Rails can be made from wood (whole or split, see wooden fencing), a synthetic material (see synthetic post-and-rail system) or metal piping. Synthetic post-and-rail system: Vinyl or polyethylene post-and-rail fencing. Synthetic rail system: High-tensilepolymer fencing or vinyl/pvc rails reinforced with heavy-gauge steel wire and attached to vertical support posts. T-posts: Vertical metal supports designed with a flat plate at one end to hold them securely in the ground. Used to support continuous-mesh fencing. Wooden fencing: Barrier made from natural wood. Available in either postand-board (horizontal barrier made from flat or dimensional lumber) or postand-rail (where horizontal barrier is made from whole, round lumber). Billed as a safer alternative to wooden fencing, high-density polyethylene is also reportedly easier to maintain. Get Your Daily Dose of Horse Check out tips from top trainers, horse care advice vet how-to s and more at MyHorseDaily.com MyHorse Daily Community Features: Free downloadable guides New book & DVD reviews Daily articles about all things horses Free how-to and training videos C O U R T E S Y A E O L I A N E N T E R P R I S E S I N C. 7

8 Credits Choosing the Right Horse Fence This report is brought to you by the editors of EquiSearch. com, EQUUS magazine and Horse&Rider magazine. for daily articles on all things horses. Subscribe to MyHorse Daily and weekly e-newsletters, free how-to videos, tips and much more. Peruse hundreds of horse books and DVDs at our store, HorseBooksEtc.com. 8