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2018
Barn & Arena Guide The perfect farm that will make both you and your horses happy is out there—you just may have to build it yourself! An essential aspect of your facility is ensuring that there is a safe space for your horses to go outside—the last thing you want is an escapee or an injured animal. But with so many selections for paddock fencing, how do you choose? From wood to wire, Christina Keim explores all the options on page 28, so you can pick the best fence for your farm. If you live in an area that welcomes winter each year, you know the importance of having a place to ride in the snowy months. Before you jump into building an arena, visit page 24 and see Karen Baril’s handy chart with three steps to make sure you will have the right arena for your needs. Unfortunately for barn owners, your facility won’t sustain itself and needs to be maintained 365 days a year. Check out “365 Days of Chores” on page 18 for an idea of what’s in store for you this upcoming year. While owning your own farm may seem overwhelming at times, equestrians all over the world do it, so you can too. Good luck, and happy barn owning! EXECUTIVE EDITOR/
SENIOR ADVERTISING/
GENERAL MANAGER
MARKETING CONSULTANT
Elisabeth Prouty-Gilbride
Karen Desroches
OPERATIONS MANAGER
ADVERTISING/MARKETING
Kelly Lee Brady
CONSULTANT
Laurel Foster
SENIOR EDITOR
Terisé Cole
PRODUCTION MANAGERS
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Sherry R. Brown Cher Wheeler
ART DIRECTOR
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ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Equine Journal
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A Publication of MCC Magazines, LLC A Division of Morris Communications Company, LLC 735 Broad St., Augusta, GA 30901 PRESIDENT Donna Kessler REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT Patty Tiberg DIRECTOR OF CIRCULATION Scott Ferguson DIRECTOR OF MANUFACTURING Donald Horton SENIOR DIGITAL STRATEGIST Sonny Williams DIGITAL CONTENT MANAGER Megan Thomas
Morris Communications Company, LLC CHAIRMAN & CEO William S. Morris III PRESIDENT Will S. Morris IV
COVER PHOTO:SPORTFOT COVER PHOTO CAPTION: BRITTNI RAFLOWITZ RIDING BALOUMINA DU RY AT TRYON INTERNATIONAL EQUESTRIAN CENTER. TABLE OF CONTENTS PHOTO: STOCK.COM/ALEXEYS
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2017 | Barn & Arena Guide 2018
Contents: 14 Points of Interest 18 365 Days of Chores
A look at what it takes to maintain your barn year-round. BY PAMELA MANSFIELD
24 Before You Build
Three steps to creating the perfect arena. BY KAREN ELIZABETH BARIL
28 Fencing for All Seasons
Explore what your options are for your farm. BY CHRISTINA KEIM
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ON THE COVER
Equine Journal Advertorial
Crucial Footing Care
TKTKTK
The team at Equestrian Services International offers the necessary tools and services for premium footing maintenance BY DOMINIQUE SHRADER; PHOTOS COURTESY OF ESI
THE INSTALLATION OF AN ARENA with premium footing is just the beginning in the process of maintaining maximum performance in a riding space over time. At Equestrian Services International (ESI), a major component of the team’s mission is to work with their clients to make sure they receive the tools and continued service for top quality footing performance year after year. From some of the world’s top competition venues to private farms of all sizes, each location receives personalized support for the maintenance of arena footing. In ensuring the continued health of their footing blends, ESI focuses on three major areas of maintenance: regular grooming and surface clean up, proper irrigation, and the annual full tilling and grading servicing.
DAILY GROOMING/SERVICING Regular grooming is key for correct 10
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consistency and leveling of the footing. When an arena is in use, it is especially important to groom between sessions to prevent issues such as compaction of lower levels of footing and development of low and high areas of footing depth. ESI provides a full line of custom grooming equipment of various sizing and style to accommodate different types of arenas and horsepower of the equipment pulling the groomer. With his decades of experience in the equestrian world, company owner Brett Raflowitz has overseen the honing of design for ESI’s grooming equipment in order to endow each model with top performance, high durability, and minimum maintenance needs. ESI groomers are made with heavy gauge steel to prevent bouncing of the equipment across the arena surface. They also come with features
such as ripping tines for lifting and turning all layers of footing, the leveling bar to maintain even depth of footing, the spring tines for dispersal of any clumps or material build-ups that occur, and the texture roller to give the ring that even texture throughout. In daily maintenance, grooming is not the only needed component. Regular cleaning and clearing of the surface is also important to the health of the footing. After the daily ride, any manure on the surface should be removed rather than allowed to blend into the footing. Manure build-up over time can contribute to the breakdown of any additives in the footing and alter the consistency of the material. Weed removal, especially after periods during which a ring has not been in use is also essential, so that weeds do not blend into and alter the integrity of surface.
ON THE COVER
Equine Journal Advertorial
IRRIGATION Watering is another crucial daily practice for consistent balance and overall health in sand footing. Functioning as a binder, water maintains density and shear of the footing so that it retains the desired firmness. Simultaneously, irrigation works with the sand blend and footing additives to keep cushion in the surface. Having designed and installed countless systems for all manner of riding surfaces, ESI sees clients’ irrigation systems through from concept to installation to maintenance over time. With the installation of automated clocks that control regular irrigation cycles and advances in technology that allow for remotely monitoring and adjusting scheduling, flow, and water output, providing an arena with the water it needs is easier than ever. ESI
irrigation supervisors are highly trained in the latest technology of the industry and ready to assist with whatever a site may require with regards to watering.
ANNUAL ARENA MAINTENANCE In addition to the daily maintenance procedures, ESI recommends at least one annual full ring maintenance service to keep overall balance and leveling of the riding surface. The full maintenance includes tilling the footing to pull up lower levels of the footing and fluff the material as well as laser grading to level footing to consistent overall depth. A full arena maintenance can make an arena’s footing feel like new and will often assist with alleviating drainage and footing compaction issues. ESI’s maintenance crews travel all over the country to provide service
for show events and private rings alike. It can also be beneficial to add a few additional loads of footing to a surface after period of use, and when performing maintenance, ESI crews often custom blend and deliver the appropriate footing to revitalize the surface.
FULL SERVICE MAINTAINING Attention to best practices for shortterm and long-term arena footing maintenance is integral to the health and longevity of sand footing. With their expertise in blending and maintaining of diverse footing offerings that foster high performance across riding disciplines and climates, the ESI team is there to assist in any capacity well after the initial footing installation to keep every arena at peak performance. Barn & Arena Guide 2018
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Barn & Arena Guide 2018
points of interest Photo of the Month
Wendy Ryan sent in this serene shot of a snowy sunrise at her barn.
Why do barns have cupolas? For ventilation of course! These small domes seen on the tops of buildings act as an escape for warm, moist air—therefore, reducing structuredamaging humidity and moisture within the barn. 14
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PHOTO: WENDY RYAN
Ventilation Station
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POINTS OF INTEREST
SWEEP UP! Sick of the horses dragging precious shavings into your beautifully swept barn aisle? We love this idea for keeping bedding in the stall or a run-in and out of the paddock—install the bottom of a wide push broom at the opening of the stall with the bristles face up. Not only will this help keep shavings from being easily kicked out, but it will also wipe any loose shavings off your horse’s hooves if he drags his feet over it!
Fence Facts Did you know that the rails of your paddock fence should always be on the inside, or the “horse side?” The fence will be stronger on that side, meaning a horse that leans on or kicks at the fence is less likely to push the board and nails out of the post.
We cringe at the sound of cross-ties whacking the walls just as much as you do! A simple hack that will save your ears and the barn from scratches is to put a tennis ball on the ends, just above the hook. The bouncy balls will prevent the hardware from hitting the walls and making a racket.
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PHOTO: ISTOCK.COM/ALEXEYS
It takes year-round upkeep to maintain a beautiful equestrian facility.
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By Pamela Mansfield
365 Days of Chores B
eautiful barns don’t just maintain themselves. Year-round upkeep is essential for good care of a farm property, whether it’s a business or a private stable. Keeping heavy equipment running, the buildings and fences in good repair, and driveways, surrounding land, and pastures in shape are always done as needed. Still, anyone who is responsible for farm maintenance can attest to the demands of the changing seasons.
FALL In the Northeast, the prospect of winter gives particular urgency to fall preparations. At Kingswood Farm in East Kingston, NH (training, boarding, and lesson barn with 170 acres, 36 stalls with capacity for 55, five buildings including indoor arena, 15 paddocks, and hay fields that produce 5,000 bales a year) trainer Kristen Cuneo’s fall to-do list includes: drain outside water faucets and hoses, blow out the lines of the sprinkler system and bug spray system, use the York rake to put a pitch on the gravel road so water will not pool, and clean out ditches so that the water flows. Drag the paddocks to break up manure piles. Lime the fields and paddocks if needed. Put a cover on the barn fan, put on storm windows, check weather stripping. Put away summer furniture. “Look for anything you do not want to deal with when it is freezing and snowing,” Kristen advises. Secure and put away farm equipment that will not be used during the winter. “A simple thing is to put racing fuel in the lawn equipment, chainsaws, and generators so that fuel will not go bad.” She also checks the generators to be sure they run. In Stephentown, NY, Susan Lynch Smith keeps five horses on Bankburn Farm, which has been in her husband’s family for five generations. She, her son, husband, and father-inlaw divide the work. The property’s showpiece is an antique bank barn (10-12 stalls, enormous hay loft) on 180 acres. Eight to 10 acres are fenced for turnout and pasture. They no longer grow hay, but a local farmer hays and raises crops on their land. Susan holds a full-time job outside of horses, and keeps to a tight schedule of daily horse care and chores after working hours. She gets up early and says she has “everything down to a science.” In the fall, Susan says, “We clean the entire barn just to keep everything tip top.” Removing cobwebs from the ceiling and corners is a year-round task for the Smiths. They also clean and repair turnout sheds. “The horses have stalls, but stay outside unless there is bad weather.” Her son Freling’s special job is to caulk the five Nelson automatic waterers to prevent wind from getting into the seals and potentially freezing pipes. Her father-in-law manages replacing parts when needed and maintains all farm equipment, which includes preparing it for winter storage. The horse trailer gets power washed and maintained as well. Susan, whose riding career includes eventing and whipper-in with the local hunt does a fair amount of trailering and trail riding throughout the year. Both her husband and son (who also has his colors with the Old Chatham Hunt Club) also ride. Susan rides along the pasture fencing on horseback and takes note of any repairs that are needed year-round. Not far away in North Chatham, NY, is her longtime friend and coach, Margie Hutchinson, who holds two USEA recognized Horse Trials, two schooling shows, and a variety of clinics each year at adjoining properties: Larkin Hill (77 acres, 12-stall barn, indoor arena, outdoor arena, paddocks, and hay fields) and Bunker Hill Farm, LLC (20 acres, fivestall barn). “We try to keep the facility well-maintained throughout the year, as I have a fair bit going on and I like to have it looking nice at all times. In preparation for the winter, we do extra things like clean out the gutters on the barns, blow all the leaves out of the outdoor so it doesn’t ball up the drag, take the fans out of the stall windows, make sure fencing is repaired as much as possible so we aren’t out there in sub20
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zero weather, replacing boards! We clean the big water tubs and put in heaters. We pick up fallen branches along the fields and fence lines. This time of year, we may take down a dead tree here and there in the hedgerows as needed, or have a neighbor cut them down for firewood. “After the fall horse trials, we seriously repair footing and reseed as needed. All cross-country jumps are taken off the fields and stored inside or out, depending on what they are and how they can withstand the weather. All paints and stains we use on the jumps are stored in a warm place (my basement!). Lawnmowers are run one last time and cleaned up and put away. This is a good time for us to go over all my competition equipment and make repairs or plan on what needs replacing or repaired. We try to make sure the driveways are ready for plowing and equipment is ready for that job.”
WINTER Plowing and digging out pasture gates and maintaining equipment can be the biggest demand on the Smith family’s time, depending on the snowfall and temperatures at Bankburn Farm. The bank barn has a metal roof, extremely helpful for minimizing snow load. The Nelson automatic watering system is functioning well with the preparations done in the fall, and there’s no need to get water to the horses outside because it’s always there and fresh. At Kingswood Farm in New Hampshire, Kristen says, “The main task is keeping the water pipes flowing—that means preventing drafts from contacting water pipes or pumps. Also clearing away snow from buildings, and pushing it as far away as possible. Before a snow storm we open all paddock gates so that paddocks can have paths plowed in them and keep the gates cleared. We sand the parking areas and paths to paddocks. We have a pile of sand inside one of the storage sheds to be able to get unfrozen sand when needed.” Spare fencing board and poles are kept inside in case of need. Trailer parking spaces are plowed in case of emergency. Equipment fuel tanks are filled to prevent freezing, and fuel stabilizer is used in the diesel supply, tractors, and trucks. Keeping fresh water accessible for the horses 24/7 requires diligence and lots of ice breaking in freezing temperatures.
SPRING Spring means mud season, but also a burst of growth and activity. Even at a private barn, Susan Lynch Smith and family have an increase in work. Cleaning out the entire hay loft is one of her son’s major tasks to cut down on dust once the winter’s supply of hay is diminished. Spring cleaning the barn, washing and storing winter blankets, washing horse trailers, and weed whacking under the fence line for 8-10 acres is part of their routine. They rake up all the scattered hay in the paddocks and clean up any debris. At a boarding barn, mud season means keeping lots of people, horses, and machinery off the fragile fields. When the field is dry enough and hay is growing, they fertilize. “We also fertilize the paddocks to get a jump on the grazing,” says Kristen. Tasks are mostly in reverse of fall: open up the waterlines, check over pumps, power wash the wash stalls, restart the fly system, air out the tack rooms, and fix any water damage to the dirt trail or gravel roads. “We have a truck load of stone brought in to the farm to place over and pack any muddy areas of the roads or paths,” says Kristen. At Larkin Hill, with competition season approaching, Margie Hutchinson says, “In preparation for our June Horse Barn & Arena Guide 2018
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“We try to keep the
facility well-maintained throughout the year, as I have a fair bit going on and I like to have it looking nice at all times.” - Margie Hutchinson
Trials it is mostly mowing, mowing, mowing! We have a grass stadium area and we never ride on it except at the events, and we try to make it be like Badminton Dressage. My cross-country is predominantly hayfields and we have a local farmer take one cutting, then we mow. My dressage is in a large sand outdoor arena so we make sure that is well groomed and watered. We add some sand almost every other year. My parking is on grass, so once again, mowing... always branch and tree-trimming the hedgerows and the few short trails we have through a bit of woods, and weed whacking all the fence lines. It makes us really spiff up the property so everything gets a good spring cleaning! Show jumps get painted, cross-country jumps stained, painted,
and refurbished. We have been running around 160-180 horses at the June Event, so that translates to about 300 people by the time you count competitors, spectators, officials and volunteers.” Tent stabling is at the adjacent Bunker Hill site.
SUMMER Mowing seems to be the biggest task of all in summer. “Fencing is a constant chore, but summer is the time we may add paddocks, cut grass at least once a week, trim trees, and cut hay when ready. We cut the grass around the farm and in the paddocks to promote growth, keep weeds down and minimize bugs,” says Kristen. Mowing the fields at Bankburn Farm is done at least twice during the season. Weed whacking under the fence line around nearly 10 acres of pasture is a sizeable job. And of course, tractor and equipment maintenance are key. On everyone’s chore list year-round is manure management and emptying the manure spreader. “At Kingswood we put it into manure spreaders and spread it on the field to reseed them. During the spring and summer months when hay is growing we place a pile away from the barn and any water source until we can spread it on the fields,” says Kristen. From cobwebs to heavy equipment maintenance, hay storage and manure removal, and of course mowing, the work is endless on a farm!
Sweeping aisleways and dusting cobwebs are everyday chores for barn owners, no matter the time of year.
PHOTOS: (BELOW) ISTOCK.COM/WAVEBREAKMEDIA; (ABOVE) ISTOCK.COM/CATNAP72
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Your riding discipline, type of facility, and number of boarders can all help determine the size your indoor arena should be.
Before You Build: 3 Steps for Creating the Perfect Arena BY KAREN ELIZABETH BARIL
N
If you’re thinking about building an indoor arena, here are some things to keep in mind.
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PHOTO: SHAWN HAMILTON/CLIXPHOTO.COM
either snow, nor hail, nor rain, nor gloom of night…should keep you from riding your horse. Building an indoor arena is the ultimate dream for most farm owners, especially in challenging climates. If you compete and can’t pack up and go south in the winter, an indoor arena is a necessity. Sure, you could bundle up in several layers, strap on a headlamp, and ride after work in the snow...but, somehow it’s not quite the same.
1
What style of indoor arena best serves your needs? Can you get by with a covered arena or do you need an indoor arena with walls?
Covered Arena Advantages
Open-air design brings the outdoors in. Lower construction costs. Natural ventilation and light.
Indoor Arena
or Disadvantages
Exposed to the elements. Good for mild climates only. Vulnerable to outdoor distractions.
2
Advantages
Disadvantages
Completely enclosed design allows for better climate control. Great for areas that experience more severe weather.
Higher construction costs. Must consider ventilation, artificial lighting, and insulation. If you’re in a winter storm area, consider snow loads on roof.
Dimensions
The general rule is to allow 32 linear feet per horse and rider. So, to allow for 10 horse and rider pairs, the arena should measure at least 320 linear feet or 60 x 120 feet. Though width adds to construction costs, very few barn owners complain their arena is too big! Generally speaking, the bigger the better. Keep the following in mind: • Dressage, jumping, and competition arenas require more length and generally more width. A standard sized competition arena should measure no less than 120 x 200 feet. • If you plan on teaching beginner lessons only, beginners tend to feel more confident in smaller spaces.
3 Location Location is key. Choose high, level ground for your arena in an area that will allow for plenty of parking.
Other Factors
Fencing
Lighting Building Codes Check your local building codes before you get started. Many towns have restrictions.
Insulation Roof and wall insulation can make your arena riding a lot warmer in cold weather, particularly with a metal roof.
Lighting is key. Choose LED arena lights that are shatter proof and energy efficient. Look for lights that offer a neutral, daylight quality light. Dimmable options are a plus.
Footing A recommended 4" base of compacted limestone over clay, sand, or aggregate fill. Top footing depends on your discipline.
Barn & Arena Guide 2018
Interior fencing should be 4’ high to act as a visual barrier and all posts should be on the outside of the rail. Use only sturdy steel gates. No aluminum.
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Equine Magazines FOR THE PROFESSIONAL, HOBBIEST & NOVICE.
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s n o s a e S FARM l l A r UR O o Y f R g FO S n N i O I FenPcLORING OPT
By Christina Keim 28
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PHOTO: SHAWN HAMILTON/CLIXPHOTO.COM
EX
G
ood fencing is a horse farm essential. Fencing must be sturdy and safe but can also enhance property values through good aesthetics. Types of fencing run the gamut in terms of cost, ease of installation and maintenance, and effectiveness. Regardless of the type of fencing, it should be able to do two jobs well. “A lot of the materials we try to use with horses must first, prevent them from being hurt badly when they come into contact with it, and second, provide some degree of visibility so the horse can avoid it,” says Gray Cornwell, who installed miles of horse fencing before recently retiring from Old Orchard Farm, LLC, in Madbury, NH. Fencing types fall into two general categories: psychological and physical. Psychological fences are usually semi-permanent and work through electricity—the horse experiences a shock when they come into contact and then chooses to avoid the boundary. “These are lower tension fences and typically do not require as much strength in the corners,” says Colin Kennard, operations manager for Wellscroft Fence Systems in Harrisville, NH. “If the horse is truly spooked or gets stung, they will run through it.” Physical fences are built to withstand a strong hit from the horse. Their strength comes from both the materials and manner of installation. “You will need to pound or auger the posts into the ground, and corners or gates require a brace,” says Kennard. “We use an “H” brace, which consists of two vertical posts, with one horizontal post pinned between them.” The length of the brace rail should be at least twice the height of the fence, so a 4' fence would require a 10' brace. Oftentimes, the best fences combine elements from both of these categories.
Wood
A popular style in the Northeast, wooden fencing is often chosen for its aesthetic appeal and sturdy, highly visible design. Most experts recommend using three to four boards, and building the fence to 4'6" or 5' in height. A gap of no more than 6-8" can help minimize grazing under the bottom rail. It is considered a physical barrier. Post and board is one of the most common
Electric tape can be a good option as a psychological barrier, and is more visible than traditional wire.
Woven wire, correctly installed, can last 40 years. However, it can be difficult to install over uneven terrain, and is perhaps best suited for straight lines on flat land. It may also require seasonal re-tightening.
Polymer Coated Rail and Wire
Woven Wire
This category of fencing material is known by many different names, depending on specific style and manufacturer. It is made of three strands of 12.5 gauge wire, one running horizontally, one running vertically, and a third which is tied in a knot, creating a mesh with 2" x 4" gaps. “The wire is woven together by a machine,” says Kennard. Woven wire is an attractive option as a physical barrier 30
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because due to its design, if a horse hits it, the force is distributed across the entire network of mesh. The mesh will absorb the impact, and the horse will usually just bounce off the wire, leaving both fence and equine unscathed. It should be anchored at the ends and then the mesh is supported by galvanized class 3 T-posts or wood. “This provides strength and structure for the wire,” says Kennard. The mesh should always be hung on the inside of the fence. Woven wire is especially effective when combined with a single strand of electric across the top. Because it reaches all the way to the ground, it has the added bonus of keeping other animals, like dogs, out. “This is my fencing of choice as a perimeter fence, especially along a road or highway,” says Cornwell.
High tensile polyamide fencing is an economical option which requires only basic tools to maintain and can be long lived.
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wood fencing options. It provides an excellent visual barrier, but despite its appearance of strength, wood alone is not strong enough to stop a horse which is running full tilt from going through it. Boards should always be attached on the inside of fence posts, so that if a horse leans on them, they won’t pop off. If a board does break, it is less likely to cause injury to the horse than some other types of materials. Post and split rail is another wood fencing alternative that provides a classic look, but it tends to be more expensive than post and board. It can also require more maintenance as rails may bend or dislodge. Pressure treated pine is usually the wood of choice, due to its strength. Cedar is common but Cornwell warns that it rots more quickly than other options. For an organic farm, black locust can be used as a long lasting alternative to pressure treated wood. Wood will decay over time and requires regular maintenance. “Add electric offset on the inside,” says Kennard. “This can help prevent cribbing or chewing.”
Polymer coated rail or wire are fencing options which combine some of the features of high tensile wire with the safety of a stronger material. Several different manufacturers distribute this type of fence, and each has unique variations. In general, 12.5 gauge wire is coated with a polymer which thickens it, making it both more visible and flexible than plain wire, so less likely to break and cut a horse. It comes in both electric and non-electric versions. “You need to use several strands, so that if a horse hits it, you will spread the load out,” says Cornwell. “This will also prevent a horse from sticking their head through it.” Vinyl rail fencing usually has two strands of 12.5 gauge wire integrated into its design. This style of fencing has the look of a post and board fence, and is highly visible and fairly effective at containment, particularly the electric version. It is not prone to splintering or rot and therefore is generally more durable than wood. It comes in a variety of different sizes and break strengths, so it is important to choose one which is appropriate for horses as opposed to smaller livestock.
PVC Vinyl Rail
Polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, is a form of plastic fencing which has hollow rails that come in a wide range of styles and colors. As with wood, it is usually built with three or four rails, and provides a classic appearance. Installation can be time consuming but once completed, PVC fencing is durable and low maintenance. It provides a highly visual physical barrier which will give under impact. PVC can present some challenges in colder climates, and care must be taken during installation to account for heaving, which can affect alignment. In addition, horses can pop boards off if they lean on them or try to reach underneath them. Combining a strand of electric wire can help keep horses off the fence.
High Tensile Wire
High tensile wire used on its own is a common economical fencing option which requires only basic tools to maintain and can be long lived. However, it presents some risks which may offset the benefit of those savings. Wire alone has limited visibility, can easily lacerate a horse if broken, and is not an effective physical barrier to provide containment.
In situations where high tensile wire must be used for a perimeter, fence posts should be set closer together, and flags and/or electric tape used to increase visibility. Using multiple strands of wire can also help. While steel is most common, aluminum wire is also widely used because it is easier to install and if broken is less likely to injure a horse. Where high tensile wire is most useful is as a topline or along the inside of a physical fence to help keep a horse off of the boundary. Regardless of where it is used, horses must be trained to understand that the wire will give a shock.
Electric Tape or Rope
Our final category is another common option for the do it yourselfer. Electric rope or tape provides many of the benefits afforded by high tensile wire without the risks of laceration which come with it. Most tape and rope options are made of poly fibers combined with metal strands, and they come in varying widths and thicknesses, making it a more visible option than traditional wire. On the minus side, tape is easily damaged in heavy winds, and due to the thinness of the wires contained within
it, conductivity over long distances is reduced. “Rope is not a great perimeter fence or for covering long distances,” says Cornwell. “However, it is excellent for doing interior divisions of paddocks.” Electric, used alone, is a psychological barrier and therefore is not ideal for use as a perimeter fence. In addition, New England winters can render the electrical charge less “jolting”. “Snow and ice can act as an insulator,” says Kennard. “When the horse is standing on snow, the circuit is not complete, and so the shock is not as strong as when they are standing directly on the ground.” “If you are using electric, you must have a way of testing to see how it is doing,” says Cornwell. “Horses will find and exploit any weakness.” Fence Alerts and voltage testers can help ensure that the charge running through the wire is consistent and strong. Choosing the right style of fencing for a farm requires considering budget, terrain, aesthetics, and the types of animals in which you are trying to contain. The best fence is the one which keeps your animals where you want them without causing increased risk of injury should they try to push that boundary.
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