On the Fence Tips for a Smooth Installation Part 4 of 4 by Lisa Kiley
Now that you have gotten your fence installed and your horses are happily enjoying their new pasture, it’s time to think about maintenance and upkeep. No matter what style of fencing you have chosen, there will always be some maintenance that needs to be done to ensure that the fence will meet your needs for years to come. Save Your Product Info – If you have information from
products, installation manuals and receipts, save them so you can easily re-order additional product as needed. Installation manuals can also help if you need to do repairs in the future. When using splicing materials to fix a fence it is advisable to use the recommended components from the dealer or manufacturer. Review warranty information on your fence materials. Make sure that when you are doing maintenance, you don’t do something that would void the product warranty.
use gentle cleaners and avoid anything that is harsh or abrasive, it may damage your fence.
Checking the Charge – For electric fencing, check to make
sure the fence charger is suppling enough charge to deter livestock from pushing on the fence. Check the fence in several different areas using a voltmeter that is appropriate for fence testing. If you see large fluctuations or no power, trace your installation back to the charger to find where the issue lies.
Keep an Eye on It - When it comes to keeping a fence in working order, your best defense is vigilance. Walk, drive, or ride your fences often to see what areas may need some attention. Make this a regular part of your schedule (at least once a week). Always check fencing after high wind, storms or ice. When you walk the lines, you are more likely to see wear or damage that wouldn’t be visible if you just looked across the field at it. Taking care of small damage quickly will save time and money in repairs down the line.
If you decided to put your fencing up in phases, it’s time to start thinking about your next project. You may want to give yourself some time to see how the fencing you originally selected meets the needs of your herd. If you get other livestock or the nature of your herd changes, it may require different fencing styles to meet those needs. Most equine properties employ more than one style of fencing in different areas, so don’t be afraid to try different options and put together the best system that will work for your property.
Ground Control – Maintaining fence lines should involve
Lisa Kiley is a lifelong horse enthusiast who has worked in the equine industry and shown horses for many years. She is a proud member of the Cashmans Horse Equipment Team. Cashmans Horse Equipment, located in Delaware, Ohio, has been providing top quality products to the equine and agricultural community for 40 years. They have a commitment to sourcing environmentally conscious merchandise and items made in the U.S.A. Cashmans strives to educate customers and provide products that put safety first so you can enjoy more time with the horses you love. www.cashmans.com
regular ground maintenance including keeping the weeds and grass trimmed under fencing. It’s essential to keep an electric fence working properly and makes it easier to see issues with fencing of any kind. Spraying fence lines with an herbicide can be used to keep overgrowth at bay. Be sure to carefully adhere to label instructions to protect your animals from potential dangers associated with these types of products.
Clean-up Crew - Painted wooden fences may need to be painted every 5 to 7 years. Prior to painting, they should be cleaned with a power washer. Vinyl fences may also need to be power washed to keep them looking good. It’s not just about appearance, dirty or scum covered posts and rails can compromise the integrity of the fence over time. Be sure to 48
HORSEMEN’S CORRAL
April 2020