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No matter the material, farm fencing should be sturdy, safe, and in good repair
Photo by Anne M. EBERHARDT

Quick and Easy Farm Maintenance Tips

March 10, 2007

Racehorse trainers and breeders have always stuck to traditional methods when it comes to farm maintenance. Why reinvent the wheel when it works so well? But there are ways and means to tweak farm structures and equipment to make things just a little bit easier and more efficient.

ENCLOSURES

The public face of your farm is often its perimeter fences. These serve an even more important purpose than aesthetics—they should be sturdy, safe, and in good repair, keeping your horses in and unwelcome visitors out. Fencing options range from wood to wire mesh, and electric to vinyl.

The appearance, strength, and visibility of wood fencing are what make it a traditional favorite among Thoroughbred farms. But it is expensive to install and maintain, as it deteriorates quickly due to weather and regular wear and tear. So you’ll want to use the highest quality wood that is the least likely to warp, rot, or break, both when you are first building the fence and when you are making repairs. A line of electric wire installed on insulators attached to the inside of the fence posts can help you avoid some of the damage horses can cause.

Wire mesh fencing is a more easily maintained fence, and it should be topped with a wood rail to provide a sight line and keep it stable. It is considered durable and resistant to abuse and entanglement. It is best used in flat pastures, since it doesn’t stretch well over uneven terrain.

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