Fences keep your horses safe, sure, but like any other thing, they wear out over time. Fencing problems, either damage from weather, animals, or general use, will need to be addressed as soon as possible so that your horses are in a safe environment. Read on for some common fencing issues and how to fix them real soon:
Rusting of Metal fencing
Metal fences like wire or steel are metal fences and hence are prone to rusting in moisture and weather. It can be a safety hazard to your horses as their sharp edges become jagged and rusty. To solve this problem, first of all, clean the area where there is rust with a wire brush.
Once cleaned, paint or seal the metal to prevent further corrosion. If the rust has damaged parts of the fence, you may have to replace the whole section.
Broken or Damaged Rails
Rails often crack, splinter, or break when horses tense up the horse fencing or when they are weakened by weather damage. You must immediately replace them before horses push through or are trapped.
For wood use, the new rail is treated with a weather-resistant stain or sealant to extend its lifetime.
Loose or Tangled Wire Fencing
Loose or tangled wires of fences are common because of pressure from animals. Tangled wire can be a messy, difficult thing to untangle, and loose wire can be a hazard to your horses and may even allow them to escape. For loose wire, just tighten it with a wire tensioning tool or reattach the wire to the posts.
With tangled wire, separate out the sections carefully and without causing more damage. Once you have fixed it, have a look at the fence and make sure the tension is even the whole way along to keep it strong.
Inadequate Visibility or Warning Signs
Injuries can occur when horses run into fences they don’t see. For that very reason, you should include reflective markers, a splash of bright paint, or vinyl rail coverings unobscured by the land. For electric fences, black and white high visibility tape and warning signs are used to alert both animals and people to the presence of a barrier.
Conclusion
Using these solutions, you’ll be able to handle any kind of fencing problem that comes your way. Moreover, even regular maintenance and timely repairs will keep your horses safe and will extend the life of your fence, saving you money in the long run.