How to Install Wire Mesh Horse Fence

Owning and keeping horses is a wonderful experience, but it demands a great deal of time, money and responsibility. Fencing is one of the most important purchases a horse owner will make, and it is definitely one that requires maintenance. Choosing a good fence and installing it properly is the key to safely housing your horse. This article will give you some tips on how to install wire mesh horse fencing.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• No-climb wire mesh horse fence 8 foot wooden posts or t-posts Fencing clips Fencing nails Fencing tools T-post driver Post hole digger Cement Fence stretcher Electric fence charger Electric fence wire and clips

How to install mesh wire fencing

1. Begin by placing your corner braces. This is the most critical step to any fencing job and must be done carefully and well. These will be at each corner of your fenceline, and must be sunk to a depth of 24 inches in concrete. The "H" brace is the most common, and is suitable as long as it is set deep enough and with sturdy enough material to withstand the pull of the fence over the years.

2. Place a guidewire on the ground and run it from corner post to corner post. Tighten it enough to create tension. You will use this to create a straight fence line and to place your posts.

3. Place your posts, either wooden or t-posts, every 8 to 10 feet from corner brace to corner brace. If you use t-posts, you will drive them in with the t-post driver. If you use wooden posts, you will need to use the post hole digger and secure them into concrete to a depth of at least 18 inches. Remember the concrete must cure for 72 hours before you apply any fencing.

4. Apply your mesh fencing to your posts. You will need to use your fence stretching tool to apply tension to the wire to prevent slack. Use your fence clips or fencing nails to secure the fencing to the posts. Use more - not less. Always remember that time taken in the initial building is time saved later on maintenance.

5. Stringing one strand of electric wire across the top of your fence, or along its midline, will guarantee the horses will stay off and away from it, which will save you a lot of maintenance work in the long run.

Tips & Warnings

• Always consult with a professional if you find yourself in a position where your are not sure what you are doing. Fencing is something that must be done right the first time.
• Never use equipment without first reading directions and following all safety precautions.

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on 3/26/2009 Watch an instructive video about how to install horse fence that will also help you do the job right: http://www.louispage.com/blog/bid/7889/How-To-Install-Red-Brand-Woven-Wire-Horse-Fence-Video