The importance of horse fences

A professionally installed horse fence is not only beneficial for your horse or horses; it also benefits you, your family and other animals on your farm.  An innovatively designed fence will protect your horses from wandering off into a dangerous area, such as the street, or prevent them from getting into something they shouldn’t, such as the family garden.  Best of all, a horse fence will provide you with a peace of mind, and let you sleep better at night knowing your horses are protected.

 
In life, people need boundaries, as do horses.  A horse fence helps define the space in which horses can be turned out or trained, setting them apart from the rest of the farm where they shouldn’t be roaming.  A horse that isn’t fenced in can find trouble, and cause you both headaches and heartaches.

When planning to install a horse fence, look at the overall layout of your farm to determine the best place to arrange s protected space for your horses. It should be close enough to the main barn that you can walk your horse to and from the fenced area quickly and easily.  This will be especially advantageous when there is inclement weather.  It should also be “open land,” devoid of any objects that could hurt a running horse.

The smaller the enclosure, the more likely a horse can get hurt, so the fence should encompass the maximum amount of land you think both you and your horses can handle. Avoid telephone poles, power lines, antennas and rusty shacks and sheds being in or near the fenced area.  This prevents your horse or horses from being tangled up, cut, or hurt.  Also, acute fence angles should be avoided, because you don’t want your horse to become cornered by other horses, which could possibly cause a horse to be frightened. When frightened, horses naturally run, and can leap over or through certain fences.  It’s best to make sure the height of your fence is at least four and a half feet, or, better yet, five to six feet tall, to keep your animals properly corralled.

 

Rather than put fence gates at the corners where horses can “get caught” and intimidated, owners should consider installing gates somewhere along “the middle” of the fence line. Gates need to be flush with the fence when closed. Rounded edges and bolts are safer than sharp edges, so keep that in mind when choosing your fence.

If you have any questions about selecting the right horse fence for your property, please give the experts at General Timber a call!

 

Source used: https://www.bae.ncsu.edu/topic/equine/pubs/horse_fences.pdf

Posted by: General Timber

 

 

Tips for Choosing the Right Fence

There are a variety of factors that horse and animal owners must consider when selecting a fence.  First and foremost, animal owners must put the safety of their livestock and their property first.  The easiest and most surefire way of ensuring this happens is hiring a reputable contractor that has the knowledge and proficiency needed to install premium fencing, and will also take accountability for their work.

 

Each property owner is going to have different needs, specifically with the type of fencing and the exact dimensions they will need for their property and animals.  For instance, the height of the fence is crucial.  In order to properly control livestock, the height of the fence should be determined by how tall the animals are and how high they can jump.

 

Another important factor to consider is the durability of the fence.  What type of wood will you be choosing?  What type of treatment has the wood undergone?  The last thing owners want is to have to replace a deteriorated fence in a few years.  Again, going to a reputable contractor should help ensure this doesn’t happen.  For instance, here at General Timber, we provide superior wood treatments, ensuring the fences we install remain extraordinarily durable.  Our treatments can extend the life of a fence substantially, perhaps even taking a fence that would normally last 7 years and extend its life to 21 years.

 

Furthermore, homeowners must take into account how much space their animals will need to roam.  Owners must decide what the right boundary is for their home, be it a distinct boundary that is just large enough for animals to meander, or a more simple pasture divider.  Moreover, the owner and contractor must ascertain what is the most convenient place on the property to install the fence, as well as choose the right spot for a swing gate or other entrance door.

 

In addition to selecting a durable fence that has the right dimensions for your livestock, property owners must also consider the fence’s appeal.  Owners should want a fence that complements their home or ranch, and makes their property more aesthetically pleasing.

 

If you have any questions about finding the right fence for your livestock, please contact us.

 

Posted by: General Timber

Protecting Your Treasures

For the overwhelming majority of horse owners, horses are much more than just another animal on their property.  Thanks to their imposing beauty and powerful yet elegant features, owners quickly become attached to horses and the graceful creatures become a mainstay of our homes.  Taking care of our horses becomes an important part of our daily routine, and are the first thing our children and/or grandchildren want to see when they come visit.

 

Simply put, life would not be the same without our horses patrolling our property.  That being said, properly protecting our horses becomes essential.  In addition to providing suitable care to horses, horse owners should also takes preventive measures that ensure the safety of our priceless animals.  Horse fencing is an example of a wonderful precaution that owners can take, and is a valuable investment for a variety of different reasons.  For starters, horses are inherently nomadic and curious, causing them to periodically trek to new territories.  Having a fence with clearly defined boundaries will prevent horses from wandering off into possible danger and prevent them from getting lost.  As long as your fence is clearly visible, horses will learn their restrictions.   Additionally, a horse fence will keep unwanted and potentially harmful animals away from the horses, providing them with a safe haven.

 

Horse fencing can also make your property more aesthetically pleasing.  A well-done, professionally crafted and installed fence can add a visual appeal to your farm, ranch or property.  What’s more, installing a fence can increase the overall value of your property, further making it a worthwhile investment.

 

However, despite all of the tangible benefits of horse fencing, let us not forget the number one benefit:  The peace of mind that naturally comes from knowing your treasured horses are safe and sound.