A major element of planning and managing any horse farm is fence. In fact, a farm owner needs to know as much about fence as livestock or equipment. Whether you are starting from scratch, making improvements to an existing farm, or merely maintaining what you already have, fence is a considerable expense of time and money. Horses are a valuable commodity and are worthy of considerable protection through thoughtful fence planning. Just as important, owners are liable for the harmful actions of their animals when loose. Following are some guidelines.
Fence suitable for horses is now available in a wide variety of materials and types - so many that the first-time buyer can be overwhelmed by the choices. Fence materials are available in new low-maintenance engineered plastic and technologically advanced types as well as the traditional wire or wood styles - all with different desirable attributes. Unfortunately, one type of fence suitable for all situations hasn't been invented yet. The first step in making a wise selection is to evaluate your operation and understand what will work best for your situation.
Important considerations include:
- Initial Cost
- Ease of installation, alteration, and relocation
- Maintenance and repair
- Expected Life
- Safety and strength
- Appearance
Because the needs of each farm are different, each farm owner will rank these points according to their individual needs. In doing so, it is best to keep in mind a few general rules:
- Fence should present a positive physical barrier to keep your animals safely contained.
- Fence should also discourage intruders from entering the contained areas and causing harm. This point is important but often overlooked.
- Low-maintenance products with high appearance value cost more than traditional types.
- The higher the strength, the higher the durability and safety.
- All types require some type of maintenance. Traditional materials, like wood require more maintenance to preserve their appearance than more highly engineered types.
- Gates add cost, but add greatly to convenience. To prevent escapes, infrequently-used gates should remain locked.
- Electric tape and wire strands often need additional perimeter fences to act as a failsafe. They are not always visible to horses at night.
Installation
Whether you install your own fence or hire others to do it for you, good preparation will save time and money. If you are installing fence close to the property line, it is wise to know where the property corner pins are located. Existing fences, mowing lines, streams, and trees are not always reliable, and many owners who use them as guides are forced to relocate fence lines afterward. A professional survey provides the assurance that you are doing things right.
Another important part of preparation is learning how close to the property line you are permitted to place your fence. Some jurisdictions require that permits be secured before installation begins. Your township's zoning and building codes are reliable sources of this information. Keep in mind that you should leave enough room to maintain both sides of the fence without intruding on neighboring land. Finally, let your neighbors know your plans. This helps secure the good will that all horse farm owners need to operate in a fast-shrinking world.
Introductions, Please
When an area is contained with fence, many horses require an introduction to the new boundaries, especially if the fence has low visibility, such as wire or electric tape. Leading horses several times in each direction around the new perimeter before turning them loose is usually sufficient to acquaint them with the limits. Tying strips of white or brightly colored cloth to the fence is an added precaution against the horse blowing through the new fence or becoming entangled. A quiet introduction followed by supervision for the first few days can help prevent injuries, damage, and escapes.
Disclaimer:
All content provided by Iron Spring Farm is general and for informational purposes only. Content may also not constitute the most up to date information. Nothing in this content is intended to constitute veterinarian advice or to serve as a substitute for consultation with a veterinarian. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified provider with any questions that you may have about the treatment and care of your horse.
Any reliance that you place on the information provided is strictly at your own risk and Iron Spring Farm, its officers, employees, representatives, and agents, hereby disclaim any and all liability to any party for any direct, indirect, implied, punitive, special, incidental, consequential or other damages arising directly or indirectly from access to or use of any content provided to the maximum extent permitted by law.
