The Lovable Horse

Posted by & filed under Agricultural Fencing, Horse Fencing.

At General Timber, we specialize in keeping your horses safe and secure. But many people wonder what all the fuss about horses is in the first place. If you’ve never had the incredible experience of spending time with these lovable animals, a conversation with a rider or caretaker can be quite revealing.

 

Pet owners can certainly identify with many of the benefits of building a relationship with a horse. It provides companionship and friendship free from the social complications of human relationships. It adds meaning to the life of the owner, building a connection through responsibility and dependence. Horses are more than pets though. They serve as a viable and effective means of transportation.

 

No motorized vehicle can traverse a natural landscape like a horse. They serve as natural navigators without the loud noises and dirty emissions. Horses are also surprisingly intuitive to control, building intimate relationships with riders based on the slightest tugs or vocal commands. There’s a reason they were a major form of transportation for so many years.

 

As exhilarating as riding a horse can be, one can have their hair blown back by the simple sight of them. They are truly beautiful creatures that have always been admired for their shiny coats and graceful movements. A symbol of majesty and freedom, the horse is a major part of culture, from carousel rides to major motion pictures.

 

We could go on for a long time about the lovable horse, but the best way to understand the obsession some have is to experience it for oneself. Take a riding lesson. If you already ride, invite a friend to share moment. Soon enough, new riders will have horses on their minds and in their hearts.

 

THE HISTORY OF AGRICULTURAL FENCING

Posted by & filed under Agricultural Fencing, Horse Fencing.

Aside from obvious barriers, agricultural fencing has served a much larger function as a distinction of territory and protection from outside predators. It serves to not only keep livestock or wildlife contained in a specified area, but it also keeps out elements that would otherwise disturb or even put those animals in danger for their lives.

 

Historically, domesticated livestock would typically wander freely without an area, governed only by overseers of some sort (such as shepherds). Fencing was initially used to keep them out of farming areas, where they would uncontrollably decimate a local area’s only means of food if left unchecked. In turn, fencing eventually became mandatory as population densities increased and the amount of needed farm land outgrew the need for grazing areas.

 

Early fences were cobbled together from whatever materials were available, such as stone or wood. Rocks tilled out of the soil during cultivation of farmland would be transported to the border of the area to aid in building or to strengthen the fence.

 

Modern fences include wire with barbs to serve as a further  deterrent for livestock looking to either escape or graze in forbidden areas. This was largely due to the Industrial Revolution and the greater availability of stronger materials.

 

In time, various designs of fences were developed to meet the specific demands of various livestock or wildlife, such as the smooth wire, deer fence, and even the electric fence.  Regardless of the type of livestock fence you choose, you will sleep better at night knowing your beloved animals are secure.

 

Posted by: General Timber

Board Fencing vs. Rail Fencing

Posted by & filed under Horse Fencing, Pressure Treatments.

One of the most important aspects of owning a farm or ranch is having a reliable and sturdy fence that protects your animals and determines boundaries.   For those in need of an animal fence in North Carolina, there is not a better fencing option than General Timber.

 

General Timber makes long-lasting, pressure treated wood fences for farms and ranches. We make two types: board fencing and rail fencing. So what are the notable differences between the two?

 
Our board fencing is a traditional looking fence treated in either Creosote or CCA. Board fencing generally utilizes fence posts every 8 feet. Planted at a 2 ft., 6 in. depth, board fences use horizontal boards across the posts in order to keep animals in, and intruders out. General Timber offers different board configurations so you can choose how many boards, with wire if needed, to span over each 8-foot section.

 

How many boards you use depends on the size and abilities of the animals both on and outside of your farm. The more boards you choose to use, the better the fence will do its job. You could use a 2-board fence for horse riding arenas and working areas, while a 3 or 4-board fence is good for livestock.  Additionally, we offer rough-cut, untreated oak and poplar planks that can be dyed black—something unique, if you’re interested.

 

Meanwhile, rail fencing is a very strong option with posts placed two feet in the ground and spaced almost ten feet apart. We like to call our “Three Rail Classic” fence “bullet proof.” It’s extremely stable and durable, and has a service life of 30+ years!

 

Our Two-Rail fence stands waist high and isn’t for controlling animals. Instead, it’s used decoratively, setting boundary lines between the fields and the roads for farm or residential entrances.

 

Because we pressure treat our fences, both board and rail, they last a long time and hold their good looks for a many years as well. Call us at General Timber if you have any further questions about board and rail fences—we love to talk fences!

 

Posted by: General Timber