How high to build a horse fence?

Posted by & filed under Agricultural Fencing, Horse Fencing.

Okay, I received a random question yesterday from a potential client that went like this- “Typically, how high should one build a horse fence?” This was and still is a very good question, and is a topic that should be addressed before you dive into your farm fencing project this spring.

After nearly 30 years in the animal control fencing arena (yes- that is a play on words, sorry), I’ve seen just about every kind of animal enclosure under the sun. Horses are not the only animals on the farm these days. Exotic game and the other colorful varieties of animals I encounter each year never ceases to amaze me. This is what makes it interesting and even fun to be in this line of work- you never know what you may run into- or be running from! Yikes!! Llamas can be very territorial and can spit further than you might think!

Back to the original question- Just how high should one erect an equestrian style fence? The industry standard is a mere forty-eight inches. Yes- you heard me right! Four feet sounds impossibly low for these majestic creatures that can gallop and leap like Olympic athletes. But it is true, horses are quite visual and from what I have learned from their owners who care for them year round- they learn to respect their perimeter barriers that separates them from the dangers of the outside world. Besides, they are getting treated like kings and queens on the right side of the fence.

Larger horses naturally need fences a few inches taller. I’ve seen them as high as fifty-two to fifty-four inches off the ground. This gives the fence room for an additional board or rail to create a better visual for these gentle giants. Fences that are four feet tall are typically of the three rail or three board variety- and you will find that nearly all horse-wire distributors sell their standard field fence wire at the 48 inch mark. This is not to say that you cannot order specialty wire at a greater height for more security.

So the answer to the question is not always going to be the same; it will, in fact, be dictated by what you are trying to keep in and what you are trying to keep out! Lots of horse farms utilize a ‘dual purpose’ fence that incorporates wood and wire for two reasons: one, the board at the top gives the ‘visual effect’ needed to gain the horses attention- secondly, the wire is usually put over or under the boards to help keep unwanted critters out- like a rabid possum or fox, for example. These dual purpose specialty fences are almost always built to a height of 48 inches.

The best answer to the fence height question in my 30 years in the field is: A horse fence should be built to a minimum of 48 inches to contain and keep your horses safe and deliver you a good night’s sleep. Keep in mind this is a ‘standard’ and is certainly not chiseled in stone. Horse fence can be custom built to meet the needs of the many breeds, but think higher price along with a higher post top.

 

Removing Creosote Stains From Your Horse

Posted by & filed under Creosote, Uncategorized.

Horse owners have long been dealing with the problem of horses chewing on the fences that are meant to contain and protect them. Often, creosote is used to treat fences and deter horses from chewing through them. This can sometimes result in creosote stains on your horses’ coats that are difficult to completely remove. Fortunately, Denise Hill has recently submitted a tip for getting rid of these stubborn stains.

 

The answer is eZall adhesive remover, available for purchase at www.ezall.com or at select retailers. It comes in 32 ounce and 1 gallon spray bottles. eZall adhesive remover is plant-based and free of petroleum, toxins, and carcinogens, making it a healthy choice for your horses. In fact, all of eZall’s products are bio-based and minimally harmful to the environment.

 

Use of the product is very simple. Just spray a good amount on the hair of your horse and rinse the coat clean with water. eZall also suggests combing the product into your horses’ hair for a faster breakdown, and giving her a full wash to round out the process. The ugly creosote stain should be a thing of the past.

 

Other approaches for removing creosote stains include brushing, clipping, or shaving the area affected. Avoid using strong solvents that could damage your horse’s skin or spread to more sensitive parts of their bodies. And always be sure to wash your horse clean after any application. As always, the health and safety of your animals always come first. That’s why we do what we do at General Timber.

 

 

Tips for choosing a horse fencing company

Posted by & filed under Uncategorized.

 

Installing exceptional fencing for your horses takes an experienced hand. General Timber has been in business for more than four decades, which means we’ve seen every scenario you can imagine. Since each job presents unique challenges, it’s important to work with a company that can handle any task set by the customer.

 

While experience is a vital factor, pricing can be just as important. Competitive pricing shows that the company pays attention to the industry in general, but can still meet your specific needs. When looking at a company like General Timber, we make sure our customers receive quality at an affordable price.

 

Our projects get you set for the long duration as well! Some companies will only consider your needs for the short term, but our guiding hand can help lead you much further in the future. If your need for horse fencing is a new one, let us advise you on the best way to get the job done. A good company will service your needs right away; a great company will service your needs as long as you need them to.  But how can we help you years after?

 

General Timber can help you long after your fence is installed through our pressure treatment services.  Using creosote and CCA pressure treatments, our fence maintenance services can extend the life and appeal of your fence.  Similarly, our fence coatings will freshen up the look of your fence, and make your fence more aesthetically pleasing.

 

Ultimately, it’s important to choose a reputable horse fencing company that has experience, integrity and the tools, products and technologies needed to provide you with an investment that will last for years to come.  If you would like to learn more about the qualities that separate General Timber from other businesses, please contact us today.