Summer. The sun is shining, and the pasture is growing, and fences are under more pressure from booming vegetation and the animals that graze it. Keeping up with your fence in the busy season of summer can be difficult, so here are three things to look for...
Spark.
Electric fencing adds a psychological deterrent beyond just a physical barrier and can easily be added to any existing fence. Electrifying your fence means less direct physical contact from animals, and therefore, less fixing.
Check the voltage frequently to ensure your fence is operating properly. Heavy vegetation or unintended contact with metal objects or brace wires, and fallen trees and branches cause grounding. Keep a fence tester or fault finder with you to make tracking down issues quick and easy.
Safety.
Safety should always be considered, especially with horses. Take a lap around your fence to find hazards, like holes in woven wire, sharp edges on hardware, loose screws, or brace wires that could become hoof traps.
No one enjoys seeing a horse injured or caught in a fence--easily avoidable with maintenance. Minimize potential hazards with proper fence upkeep, it may take time, but it’s less expensive than a vet bill!
Slack.
One of the most important characteristics of a safe fence is tension. A properly tensioned fence is a safe fence. A tight fence will automatically eliminate half of the potential risks. Whether you use electric tape, rope, coated wire, or woven wire, every material has an ideal tension, which allows the material to perform as intended. Just as with fence testers, it is good practice to carry a tensioning tool with you so you can add tension on the spot.
Turn to Kencove Fence for your fencing needs. Visit kencove.com or call 1-800-KENCOVE.