Moving to Raw Property Part 2 Fencing

So, how does one fence their land well for Minis? Despite yesterday's post, it really isn't too hard, one just has to "think Mini". If it can be climbed through, rolled under, undone, or gotten apart, it will be-at least, plan for that. Yours might not be so mischievous as mine *laughs* Better safe than sorry, though, I believe, and so I plan.

Here's my list of 'favored fences' for Miniatures:

1. Cattle panels. NOT hog panels, which are more expensive anyhow, because most any Mini can jump them, and so can most any predator. The advantages of cattle panels are that they are easy to install (read: pre-stretched and of a manageable length), quick to install, sturdy, and long lasting. I do recommend wrapping them to the T-Posts with a reasonably heavy gauge wire (and if I have it right, the lower the gauge, the stronger the wire, so 12 gauge is going to be heavier and stronger than 22 gauge, for example) as well as or instead of using the clips that come with the panels. The clips are great, and can be strong enough, except Minis *really* love to full body scratch on fencing, and I have seen mine pop off even well installed clips when they are putting their full weight+pressure on them. If you plan on installing a single wire of medium impedence electric at Mini-body-scratching height, then the clips should do well on their own. Or, with the help of the electric, really! The DISadvantages of cattle panel is primarily in their initial cost, which is currently $20-25 per 16' of fence, depending on where you live in the country. This really is NOT a high price for such a long lasting maintenance free fence, however it can be prohibitive to someone on a budget. Oh, and don't forget the 6.5' T Posts, which can be spaced every 8' for this kind of fence, and run $4-5 each, again depending on where you are in the USA. 
2. Woven Wire Field Fence. This fence is the lower-starting-cost-more-maintenance version of cattle panels. Both Tractor Supply and McCoys sell a roll of 330', 48" height, which works very well for the Minis. It is 6" squares, which is perfect as you don't need to worry about a horse getting it's hoof stuck in a square, and which is why I do not like 'horse fence' for Minis-the 2" wide squares are perfect for catching a hoof when a horse lies down to roll or nap. This fence runs pretty consistently in the $150-160 per 330' range, and if stretched properly and well, you can take your T Posts to 10-12' apart, cutting initial costs there. It does the job of keeping them in well. The cons are it can sag when the aforementioned body-scratching is applied unless it is VERY PROPERLY tightened, or one uses the electric-at-mini-body-hgt trick. Sagging fence looks awful and really ruins the look of a property. It is also not as strong as cattle panels are, and although galvanized, does not seem to hold up to rust for as many years. TPosts must be well sunk, and they will start to sag too over time and scratching. Clips are fine for this type of fence, but do need to be checked on and missing ones replaced semi-annually. That said, it is what I just fenced with! 
3. Traditional wood fences. These are very strong when properly installed and no mini will knock one down. They can scratch and rub to their little hearts content and do very little damage, if any. It can look especially beautiful, and the vinyl version solves the 'paint the fence every year' dilemma. Of course, it runs more...and, whether real wood or vinyl, this is almost the most expensive fence one can install. And, with Minis, there are a few things to keep in mind.....A) Is your ground rolling or level? If rolling, you need to adjust so your bottom fence rail is No More than 8-10" off the ground, and personally I would say 6". I have seen Minis over the year that will LOOK for a rolling place, and use it to gain the extra space to roll out under the fence, and I have known others who have had the same thing. B) Your rails should not be more than 12-16" apart, as some minis will climb through them. Foals included. C) It needs to finish at a big horse height, or some will go over the top....do not underestimate a Miniatures ability to jump! And esp a stallion when mares are around. 

So, there are my top three picks for Miniature Horse fencing. Next time, I will go over fencing I do *not* like, and why. 

Moving to Raw Property with Minis, Part 1 Fencing

The property I moved to is a lovely 5 acres, with home situated about center on the land. There is an 18x40 steel building to the right and behind the house, which has been turned into a barn. And...that was it.

In some ways I really prefer 'raw' land. The one way I don't, is fencing, which I am sure many of you can agree with! At the same time, I get to layout my fields how "I" want them, and that is a blessing.

I wrote an article some time ago that was published on a now defunct mini site about the needs of Miniatures as applies to fences and fencing. I have learned a bit since then (hopefully), and am thinking I will re-do that here.

One of the biggest things one needs to keep in mind when one has Minis, or is looking to buy them, is the type of fence one has, or will put up. Having lived with and worked with everything from Minis to TB/Shire crosses, I can tell you Minis are NOT like horses when it comes to fences. It never ceases to amaze me what will keep a large horse "in".

One does not have that luxury with a Mini. If you watch close enough, you can see the wheels spinning when they survey the fence, and survey they will! If there is a weakness or a way out, they will find it. I don't care if the grass is up to their knees, over their shoulders or over their heads in the field you put them in, they are intelligent and they like to work out puzzles and they will put their little minds to it at least part of  a day!

Hello! Well wow...the last couple of months have been crazy, but in many ways, crazy good. Which is a definite plus!

Moving in itself has always been crazy. This one provided me with a few new experiences. I have not had a trailer for the last 3 yrs, and even if I did, do not have a vehicle I could haul with. That said, I had 13 minis to get moved, and my friend Katrin who was going to volunteer her truck and trailer suddenly found herself minus said truck when hubby took it to work one day and came home without it *shakes head* Traded it in =) So, how does one move 13 minis 22 miles?

Well, it turns out, in the back of one's minivan! Except one trip made with Fancy and Sunrise, and Silk in Wendi's new trailer, the rest came by minivan....and was that interesting. For one thing, it was neat to see again how much my horses trust me-not one hesitated to jump up in there more than a minute. And then, to see how very much they LOVED it! They were absolutely entranced by the views out the back windows, and now I have to be careful with 2 of them esp, who will happily climb into the 'horse trailer' and look at me with that 'I want to go for a ride, mom!' look. Minis...life is never dull with them! Sonata even decided to come up into the middle row of seats and 'sit' in one of them...if I can get that photo on my phone to not be so dark, I will post it. Front legs on floor, butt and back legs in the seat, and her head hanging over my shoulder watching...*smiles*

And people wonder what one does with minis or what purpose they serve?! In this case, they gave me a good laugh and a warm fuzzy I will probably never forget!

WOOOHOOOO!

I am very happy to announce that my absence (again) was for a very good cause...Enyalien has moved and for hte first time in 3 yrs we are ALL back on piece of property, and it is oh so wonderful. We are now located on 5 acres, still in Georgetown, but on the opposite end of it.

Now that we are settled in mostly, I will begin posting regularly again. Thank you, dear readers, for your patience!