Spring Fencing Series Part 2

LINE POSTS AND TENSIONING

Last month we talked about corner posts and H-Bracing which is the foundation to your fencing project and will provide longevity to your fence. This month we are going to discuss putting in line posts, attaching insulators, stringing, and tensioning the line. As we mentioned before, for the sake of this series we are using wood posts and a braided rope style electric fence. This style of fencing can be installed without much previous experience in fencing installation. With just a few tools and an extra set of hands, this project is something almost any person can accomplish.

After the corners have been set, it is time to get the line posts put in. Taking the time to measure down the line and across the pasture will make for the straightest and most aesthetically pleasing fence line. You can use a string or a laser to make the straight line and then set markers based on how far apart you want your posts to be. Make sure that the areas where you plan on putting posts are adequately cleared of brush and overhanging trees to prevent future interference. Don’t forget that each place where gates will be installed serves as an ‘end post’ although this is actually the starting point for where you will string the line, but we will get to that later.

When it comes to line post spacing, there are a few factors that will help make that decision easier. Longer spacing between posts will yield a much higher cost savings, both in posts and accessory equipment. However, the lay of the land is one of the main factors in determining how far you can reasonably space the posts. If you are working with large swaths of flat land, you may be able to space your posts up to 50’ apart which can make the fencing very economical compared to other styles of fencing that require the post to be much closer together. If you are working with land that has some rolling hills or rougher topography, the fence posts will need to be closer together. Similarly, smaller spaces or high use areas can benefit from posts being placed closer together.

Choosing the correct type of posts to use for lines is another important decision. I highly recommend using wood posts over t-posts for a few reasons. First, wood posts will hold up over time and are generally more substantial and safer than their counterparts. While board fence requires 5” to 6” line posts, with rope fencing, you can go as small as a 4” posts. For longevity, look for pressure treated posts that are good quality and straight as well as sourced from a reputable dealer. Keep in mind, the depth of the post does matter, and the posts need to be below the frost line. That, in conjunction with how tall you want the fence to be will determine how long the post should be. Secondly, t-posts while providing an economical option upfront, can rust, bend, and break leading to dangerous exposed metal. Lastly, wood posts allow for proper tensioning of the fence whereas t-posts make this more challenging because they can easily shift.

Once the line posts lines have been installed, the next step is setting up the roller insulators on the corners and ends of the fence. The corner will require two roller insulators that will be placed on the outside of the corner post—this is done to help alleviate some of the tension stress off the insulators at this important juncture—it will add strength to the fence. Set corners and ends adding corner roller insulators and then go across to the next end point.

While we often call a post that is not a corner but where a gate begins an end post, it is the best starting point. This is where you create a termination back to itself using copper split bolts and then it can be stretched from that point to the corner starting with the top line. Once it has been run down the line, it should be tensioned to the corner. After the top line has been tensioned, the line post insulators can be attached onto the rope fencing and then screwed into place on the post. The reason to wait until after tensioning the top line is so the insulators sit where the rope aligns to the post. This will create the most visually pleasing top line on the fence.

Next, measure and mark where the other line post insulators should go based on how many fence lines you are installing so they are evenly spaced. For averaged sized horses, no less than 4 lines is recommended, but the more lines added will provide additional security and visibility. However, when assessing where the bottom line will be, making sure that the line is low enough that the animals pastured in the area can’t get underneath nor should it be so low to the ground that it makes it difficult to maintain the fence line with mowing or weed eating which is usually 8” to 12” off the ground.

When installing rope style fencing, there are tensioning tools that will create the proper tension for the fence. Fences that aren’t tensioned enough will sag, while over-tensioning will put undue pressure on the rope and insulators. By using two tensioners, it allows the installer to have one section of the fence held while another section is tensioned, then the tool is leap frogged to the next section. Correct and methodical tensioning will lead to a durable fence that will look great for years to come.

by Lisa Kiley

Tips for Gate Placement

Having multiple gate access areas can be helpful for several reasons. First, it is handy to have gates that are large enough for a truck or tractor to get through. This will make mowing and other maintenance easier. If you are planning on installing a large gate for this purpose, you may also want to consider adding a smaller ‘man’ gate for everyday usage. A smaller gate can be easier to work with for daily tasks.

Adding at least two access options into the pasture can also help with mud management. If horses consistently use one gate area, the ground around it will be taxed due to heavy use, but by having alternate access points, it can help relieve some of the stress on these areas. However, adding multiple gate access points will add to materials cost and labor as you will need to start and stop the fence at each gate point requiring additional materials.

Next month we will discuss electrifying the fence, installing ground rods, and selecting the right charger for your fence.

Lisa Kiley is a lifelong horse enthusiast who has worked in the equine industry and shown horses for many years. She is a proud member of the Cashmans Horse Equipment Team. Cashmans Horse Equipment, located in Delaware, Ohio, has been providing top quality products to the equine and agricultural community for 40 years. They have a commitment to sourcing environmentally conscious merchandise and items made in the U.S.A. Cashmans strives to educate customers and provide products that put safety first so you can enjoy more time with the horses you love. www.cashmans.com