For your fence to last you a long time without holes and leaks, it is essential to regularly check on its maintenance, as it will minimize costly repairs or replacements. In this article, we give you six essential tips for taking care of your horse fence to help it last as long as possible so your horses stay protected for years to come:
Regularly Inspect for Damage
At least once a month visit your flexible horse fencing to check for any signs of damage: broken rails, loose posts, etc., and make sure the wires aren't rusty. Make sure to pay extra attention to spots where horses can push or lean on the fence because they’re more likely to wear out.
Early detection of issues means they can be fixed quickly and prevent more serious problems further down the road, so your fence will continue to be strong.
Tighten Loose Posts and Rails
When they get old, posts and rails get loose over time because the ground shifts or horses put pressure on them. If you don’t tighten loose posts, it will sag sections of the fence, allowing some in-between or even holes. If needed, tighten posts by resetting them into the ground with additional concrete or gravel. If you use rails, check for sagging and tighten or replace any that have become too weak.
Prevent Rust on Metal Fencing
If the metal fence placed outside or anywhere is exposed to moisture and changing weather, then it can rust and corrode. Rust buildup on the surface of metal fences should be protected by regularly cleaning the surfaces with a wire brush. A rust-proof coating should be applied to prevent further damage.
For wire fencing, it's good to check regularly to see if there's any fraying or broken wire and replace it as soon as possible to prevent the entire barrier from becoming weak.
Check and Maintain Gates and Latches
Wear and tear often strikes the most used part of your fence, which is the gates. Inspect gates on a regular basis to make sure they open and shut properly and hinge on securely. Take care of the hinges and locks to ensure they don’t get rusty and catch.
In addition, make sure the latches are working and that they are secure. If the gate is sagging or misaligned, repair or replace the gate so that it will continue to function smoothly.
Conclusion
Your horse fence doesn’t have to take a lot of time or effort to take care of, but it does need to continue to be checked on in order to keep your horses safe and secure.
Using these simple maintenance tips, your fence will stay strong, durable, and secure for the long term.