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Discussion on Fencing for Minnesota climate??
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New Member:
unity
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Posted on Friday, Apr 6, 2007 - 3:19 pm:
I am a first time horse owner, currently boarding my horse. I am planning to fence off some acreage, and would like to know what type/brand fence to buy. I know I want to put up an electric fence, and first thought I'd use a solar charge system, but after reading the posts here, am not so sure. Will someone be kind enough to recommend what type of fence would be best, and how far apart should I put the posts? 8-10ft?? 15-20?? thanks!!
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Member:
36541
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Posted on Friday, Apr 6, 2007 - 3:54 pm:
Welcome to HA Mary, between Dr. O's articles and the member discussions you'll have ready access to a wealth of knowledge here. I've always found people on this site around to offer support, even at the odd hours. I personally use electric tape with three solar charges to cover about 35 acres fenced and cross-fenced. The tape is so easy to put up, to change fencelines quickly, and if introduced to a nice hot fence, the horses respect when it happens to be uncharged. I use www.horseguardfence.com for all my supplies, but I get my rubber T-post caps from Jeffers. You can space the poles 12-14 ft apart as long as you put a concreted pole in the run as recommended by the company. best of luck, ask all the questions you can think of... Stacy Upshaw
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Member:
mitma
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Posted on Friday, Apr 6, 2007 - 11:02 pm:
Welcome Mary... You will love this site, it is so useful and often discussions are quite spirited.
Now, regarding your question, first, determine what kind of budget you have for this project! I just recently fenced about six acres in coastal VA (divided into three separate grazing enclosures with two small dirt paddocks adjoining a small shed-row type barn; all total about 2500 linear feet). Because I had read so many HA threads where people were reporting significant horse injuries in a variety of fencing situations (especially those utilizing T posts), I opted to spend ALOT of money on what I thought would be the safest type. I chose Centaur-HTP, which is an engineered board/rail consisting of three high-tensile wires covered by a polymer. My fence is four board, about 54" high, and the posts are on 12' centers (check out www.centaurhtp.com or www.qualityhorsefence.com). Since my initial horse (which I got last year) was a BLM mustang, I could not consider electric fencing (the BLM prohibits it) and I also had some concerns about it. Interestingly, just this week, at a location where I keep some pregnant mares, a 3 yo old mustang gelding ran through two fences to get to my pregnant mares! This included both woven wire and wood board fences! Though crashing through the fences did not appear to cause him any harm, he took quite a beating from these mares as he tried to recruit them into his own "herd". After this event, I may be changing my mind about electric fencing (and tape is definitely preferred to the old style of a single electric strand). Definitely read Dr. O's articles. Good Luck!
Martha
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Member:
scooter
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Posted on Saturday, Apr 7, 2007 - 10:05 am:
Hi Mary, We live in upper Il. and I use the high tensil fencing....with a very powerful ELECTRIC fencer. The horses respect this and I have NEVER had a problem with it. The cows and calves won't touch it either. We tried the solar fencing years ago and it just didn't seem powerful enough. The high tensil is also barrier enough that if you lose electricity the animals can't go through it. We have 5 strands, every other one is hot. Our posts are 16' apart and the corners are braced.
We have NEVER had any problems with the high tensil as far as horses getting out or cuts in 16 yrs. It is easy to keep up and relatively inexpensive. I check the fencer when I feed everyday to make sure it isn't shorted out anywhere. Our electric fencer has a guage on it to tell you if it is working properly.
IF I had the money we would have board fence with electric wire on the top and one strand on the inside. Good Luck with your fencing and buy your self a good fencing pliers!
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Member:
ajudson1
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Posted on Saturday, Apr 7, 2007 - 5:01 pm:
Mary,
I grew up in Southern MN, and live in Upper MI now. Same climate. I have the Horse Guard Fencing and really like it. I use 3 strands on the big pasture. I have 1 strand on another temp pasture, hoping to get 2 more on there this summer.
I use it also for an arena and my round pen. 2 strands for those, and it's not electric. I'd prefer the Centaur type stuff for the training areas but the Horse Guard works o.k.
Have some old board fence yet with electric wire but it's falling apart. Will replace that also with the Horse Guard.
Get the best you can afford for the money. Think long term. Start small; nothing wrong with having only one good strip on the fence of whatever you are going with then adding to it.
Our posts are 14' apart. I used the t-post covers but it's expensive to cover them. Sure looks nice though.
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Member:
lbystrom
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Posted on Sunday, Apr 8, 2007 - 12:01 pm:
Hi Mary:
We live in NW Wisconsin. We've used Horse Guard fencing for the last 7 years or so, and absolutely love it. We've never had to tighten it, and the horses are very respectful of it....especially, our stallion!! Easiest, and most effective fencing we've ever dealt with. Even with the extremes in our weather conditions, it's held up beautifully. (and no, I don't have any ties to the company  ) We utilize 3 hot strands, but friends of ours with geldings, and no foals, utilize two.
Lynn
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New Member:
unity
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Posted on Sunday, Apr 8, 2007 - 1:35 pm:
Thank you everyone!! I am definitely going to consider the HorseGuard fencing. Though I have just one horse now (a mare), I hope to get another one eventually. I welcome any and all suggestions, as I'm new to all of this. By the way, I'm so glad to have found this website. It has been a tremendous resource!
thanks again.
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Member:
36541
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Posted on Monday, Apr 9, 2007 - 1:26 am:
Best wishes Mary, remember that horses are like potato chips, you can't have just ONE!! Stacy
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Member:
sonoita
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Posted on Monday, Apr 9, 2007 - 10:38 am:
I use the tpost with twisted wire five strands and hot wire in the middle about chest level. Always tpost covers. i like using tpost so I can move the fencing. But this is because I am trying to establish my pastures. I have steel post that was here before me around the whole property.
Good luck and enjoy your horses.
Happy Trails
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