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 Not Afraid to Work
Posts: 4717
  
| I finally had an offer accepted on my very own place!!!! I have boarded my whole life but also took care of the horses at these places for most of my life. But it is much different to actually set mine up. Assuming everything goes well... I am hoping to get some advice on things.
1. Right now my gelding is fed Purina Strategy, he is a big boy and not a terribly hard keeper but harder than the average horse. Wondering if I should take his opportunity to try something new. I am also getting a 2 year old so I would like a grain that is suitable for them both.
2. What are your favorite medicore priced fencing? I have been looking at Electrobraid and different poly ropes but wondering peoples thoughts. Also debating on wood posts vs t posts. Or maybe doing half/half??? I would eventually like all wood posts but a friend might have some extra t posts.
3. Water tanks - live in MN and its frigid here. What is the best system for designing a watertank that wont freeze??
I am sure I will have more questions but these are the most pressing right now. I have worked SO hard for this and its very terrifying but also extremely exciting. Any advice is appreciated. |
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 Shelter Dog Lover
Posts: 10277
 
| Congratulations!!! My first thought after reading your post is to get the best fencing you can, it will save you head aches and vet bills. I have the coated wire fencing on my small 8 acre pasture, all wood posts, and I like it. If you go that route be sure you are able to have electricity to make it hot, my horses will get both front feet through it if I don't have it on. |
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Location: WI | I can weigh in on some fencing suggestions for you. I also use Electrobraid fencing and have for several years. I really like it. I will use 3-4 strands all the way around. I used mostly t-posts, and then put thick round wood posts for corners/ends and if i have a long stretch I will put a wood post after so many t-posts. To make it look really nice and add great visibility, I bought white PVC 10' posts (2inch wide) and cut them in half for 5 footers and slid these over the top of every t-post, and then i attached the insulators. I really love the way it looks and it is durable and will last forever.
Also, with the t-posts, you can easily move them around if you decide you need to change your pasture layouts. With a new place you may find yourself testing out different layouts and t-posts allows you to do this. Eventually then you can switch out t-posts for wood posts if you desire.
As far as waterers go, I also live up here in the frigid winters (MN/WI) and we bit the bullet and put in Ritchie waterers. They have paid for themselves. Highly recommend going this route if you can, you won't regret it. |
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Location: WI | Here are some pics to show how visible adding PVC over the t-posts is
 (lanefence.jpg)
 (sidepenfence.JPG)
Attachments
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 lanefence.jpg (40KB - 194 downloads)
sidepenfence.JPG (32KB - 194 downloads)
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 Popped
Posts: 20421
Location: LuluLand~along I64 Indiana | having multiple lots instead of one big pasture. its my favorite part of our setup. the smaller dry lots by the barn save the bigger pastures form winter wear and tear. also if i need to swap around horses or keep them from picking on one another i can. or if a friend needs a spot or hauling with me we can put another in without any herd assimilation.
im in southern indiana and couldnt live without heated buckets in the winter. lol i never want to go back to breaking ice. so i say make sure you have them for stalls and outlets close. bout the time i take fans down i put up the heated buckets so the outlets do dual purpose. Also outlet covers or box covers. mud dobbers love it when you dont have something plugged into an outlet that is not covered.
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Not Afraid to Work
Posts: 4717
| hmm89 - 2016-09-29 12:58 PM
I can weigh in on some fencing suggestions for you. I also use Electrobraid fencing and have for several years. I really like it. I will use 3-4 strands all the way around. I used mostly t-posts, and then put thick round wood posts for corners/ends and if i have a long stretch I will put a wood post after so many t-posts. To make it look really nice and add great visibility, I bought white PVC 10' posts (2inch wide) and cut them in half for 5 footers and slid these over the top of every t-post, and then i attached the insulators. I really love the way it looks and it is durable and will last forever.
Also, with the t-posts, you can easily move them around if you decide you need to change your pasture layouts. With a new place you may find yourself testing out different layouts and t-posts allows you to do this. Eventually then you can switch out t-posts for wood posts if you desire.
As far as waterers go, I also live up here in the frigid winters (MN/WI) and we bit the bullet and put in Ritchie waterers. They have paid for themselves. Highly recommend going this route if you can, you won't regret it.
Your fencing is exactly another option I was considering but didn't know if it was more or less expensive to do the pvc and t posts or just buy wood. Did you order your electrobraid online? How far did you space? I saw it can be 30 to 50 feet but with snowball 25 to 30 feet between posts which still seems super far.
What height t posts did you do? Sorry for all the questions!!!! |
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Not Afraid to Work
Posts: 4717
| luluwhit - 2016-09-29 2:00 PM
having multiple lots instead of one big pasture. its my favorite part of our setup. the smaller dry lots by the barn save the bigger pastures form winter wear and tear. also if i need to swap around horses or keep them from picking on one another i can. or if a friend needs a spot or hauling with me we can put another in without any herd assimilation.
im in southern indiana and couldnt live without heated buckets in the winter. lol i never want to go back to breaking ice. so i say make sure you have them for stalls and outlets close. bout the time i take fans down i put up the heated buckets so the outlets do dual purpose. Also outlet covers or box covers. mud dobbers love it when you dont have something plugged into an outlet that is not covered.
I plan on fencing one for now as I am scheduled to close in November so not much time to setup everything. I plan on doing 3 - 1.5 acre pens. To rotate and for separation.
I am thinking I need a water tank heater, not sure how much I will bring the horses in, they have a run in but not sure if I will get stalls up in time. Any suggestions on water heater?
I want to get a Richie water heater but due to time and money (right now), it will likely have to wait. |
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Location: WI | stayceem - 2016-09-29 2:05 PM
hmm89 - 2016-09-29 12:58 PM
I can weigh in on some fencing suggestions for you. I also use Electrobraid fencing and have for several years. I really like it. I will use 3-4 strands all the way around. I used mostly t-posts, and then put thick round wood posts for corners/ends and if i have a long stretch I will put a wood post after so many t-posts. To make it look really nice and add great visibility, I bought white PVC 10' posts (2inch wide) and cut them in half for 5 footers and slid these over the top of every t-post, and then i attached the insulators. I really love the way it looks and it is durable and will last forever.
Also, with the t-posts, you can easily move them around if you decide you need to change your pasture layouts. With a new place you may find yourself testing out different layouts and t-posts allows you to do this. Eventually then you can switch out t-posts for wood posts if you desire.
As far as waterers go, I also live up here in the frigid winters (MN/WI) and we bit the bullet and put in Ritchie waterers. They have paid for themselves. Highly recommend going this route if you can, you won't regret it.
Your fencing is exactly another option I was considering but didn't know if it was more or less expensive to do the pvc and t posts or just buy wood. Did you order your electrobraid online? How far did you space? I saw it can be 30 to 50 feet but with snowball 25 to 30 feet between posts which still seems super far.
What height t posts did you do? Sorry for all the questions!!!!
I ordered my electrobraid through Amazon Prime online (free shipping). You would have to compare prices of posts to see but the reason i wanted to do t-posts was because I could move them if i really needed to and they are much easier to put in compared to wood posts as I did most by myself (i despise digging post holes).
I spaced mine 14 of my walking steps so approx. 28-30 ft apart. I remember thinking it would be too far apart as well but i've had no problems with loose/saggy fence lines or issues with the snow.
The t-posts I would guess are 4-4 1/2 ft out of the ground. I used a bunch of old t-posts that were originally on the farm perimeter so I'm sure they varied on height. Adding the PVC makes sure that all the posts will end up being the exact same height allowing you to space your insulators equally on each one for nice straight rope lines that flow with the land perfectly. |
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 Expert
Posts: 2457
| Hey there - I lived in SD and WY after that before moving southward ....
We had good luck with large water tanks (metal) and the sinker water tank heaters (also called donut heaters) you can buy at Tractor Supply or any basic farm store. I like the sinkers as my horses played with and bobbed the floaters around.
Congrats on the new place and good luck! |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 612
| I agree with the sinking Tank Heaters. We also wrapped some simple insulation around the tank and put some foam insulation on the ground under the tank. I am in northern Iowa and that has kept the tank open even in the -20 wind chills. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1028
| We have the RAMM hotcote fencing and I love it! It was easy to put up, just make sure you have good, solid corners. We actually used a tpost like post that is made out of PVC and has the holes already bored in it for electrobraid, hotcote, etc. No insulators to buy or replace! |
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 The Vaccinator
Posts: 3810
Location: Slipping down the slope of old age. Boo hoo. | We have about seven acres of pasture and have been using ElectroBraid for 16 years. We have the acreage split into four pastures -- we have two horses. This allows us to rotate and keep the two separated to avoid nasty spats and injuries. We used T-posts with a protective cap. Corners are wood posts. Our 12x48 runs off the barn stalls are pipe. We are in the south but do get some colder temps. I set up my 16 gallon "hot" tubs as soon as the temps begin dipping into the lower 60s to keep them drinking.
I like to keep my horses separated -- it's safer for me handling them and I don't have to be concerned about kicks and bites.
Take a good look at the area around your barn -- you may want to haul in some dirt / sand to build it up if it appears to be low. I have big rubber mats around the pasture water trough to avoid mud holes. I like to use the mats for any area that is heavily traveled or where a horse likes to stand around lounging. I have been able to snag several big rolls of rubber belting off a chip conveyor so I can cut the strips as long as I need. It is 4 feet wide.
If you barn does not have gutters, install them and get that water to drain away from your barn.
I have a couple of LED motion lights in the barn -- one pops on when I open my barn door so I can see and then I flick on the regular barn lights. It's nice to have motion lights around the barn -- helps scare away critters and keep you from being surprised by skunks. (I know first-hand about walking upon a skunk in the dark. It was not a good thing.) |
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Not Afraid to Work
Posts: 4717
| hmm89 - 2016-09-29 2:32 PM
stayceem - 2016-09-29 2:05 PM
hmm89 - 2016-09-29 12:58 PM
I can weigh in on some fencing suggestions for you. I also use Electrobraid fencing and have for several years. I really like it. I will use 3-4 strands all the way around. I used mostly t-posts, and then put thick round wood posts for corners/ends and if i have a long stretch I will put a wood post after so many t-posts. To make it look really nice and add great visibility, I bought white PVC 10' posts (2inch wide) and cut them in half for 5 footers and slid these over the top of every t-post, and then i attached the insulators. I really love the way it looks and it is durable and will last forever.
Also, with the t-posts, you can easily move them around if you decide you need to change your pasture layouts. With a new place you may find yourself testing out different layouts and t-posts allows you to do this. Eventually then you can switch out t-posts for wood posts if you desire.
As far as waterers go, I also live up here in the frigid winters (MN/WI) and we bit the bullet and put in Ritchie waterers. They have paid for themselves. Highly recommend going this route if you can, you won't regret it.
Your fencing is exactly another option I was considering but didn't know if it was more or less expensive to do the pvc and t posts or just buy wood. Did you order your electrobraid online? How far did you space? I saw it can be 30 to 50 feet but with snowball 25 to 30 feet between posts which still seems super far.
What height t posts did you do? Sorry for all the questions!!!!
I ordered my electrobraid through Amazon Prime online (free shipping ). You would have to compare prices of posts to see but the reason i wanted to do t-posts was because I could move them if i really needed to and they are much easier to put in compared to wood posts as I did most by myself (i despise digging post holes ).
I spaced mine 14 of my walking steps so approx. 28-30 ft apart. I remember thinking it would be too far apart as well but i've had no problems with loose/saggy fence lines or issues with the snow.
The t-posts I would guess are 4-4 1/2 ft out of the ground. I used a bunch of old t-posts that were originally on the farm perimeter so I'm sure they varied on height. Adding the PVC makes sure that all the posts will end up being the exact same height allowing you to space your insulators equally on each one for nice straight rope lines that flow with the land perfectly.
I assume you must not have issues with pvc cracking in the cold? That was my concern. I know electrobraid states 30 feet for snowy conditions but glad to hear from someone else that isn't too far. Just seems like an awfully long distance. |
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Not Afraid to Work
Posts: 4717
| Delta Cowgirl - 2016-09-29 5:46 PM
We have about seven acres of pasture and have been using ElectroBraid for 16 years. We have the acreage split into four pastures -- we have two horses. This allows us to rotate and keep the two separated to avoid nasty spats and injuries. We used T-posts with a protective cap. Corners are wood posts. Our 12x48 runs off the barn stalls are pipe. We are in the south but do get some colder temps. I set up my 16 gallon "hot" tubs as soon as the temps begin dipping into the lower 60s to keep them drinking.
I like to keep my horses separated -- it's safer for me handling them and I don't have to be concerned about kicks and bites.
Take a good look at the area around your barn -- you may want to haul in some dirt / sand to build it up if it appears to be low. I have big rubber mats around the pasture water trough to avoid mud holes. I like to use the mats for any area that is heavily traveled or where a horse likes to stand around lounging. I have been able to snag several big rolls of rubber belting off a chip conveyor so I can cut the strips as long as I need. It is 4 feet wide.
If you barn does not have gutters, install them and get that water to drain away from your barn.
I have a couple of LED motion lights in the barn -- one pops on when I open my barn door so I can see and then I flick on the regular barn lights. It's nice to have motion lights around the barn -- helps scare away critters and keep you from being surprised by skunks. (I know first-hand about walking upon a skunk in the dark. It was not a good thing.)
That is a really good idea, motion lights. I have 10 acres. Since I am closing mid November I am praying to not have frozen ground so I only plan on 1 pasture - 1.5 acre and add more in spring. The barn does sit on a slope so hopefully water will go the opposite way. |
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Not Afraid to Work
Posts: 4717
| lindseylou2290 - 2016-09-29 2:33 PM
Hey there - I lived in SD and WY after that before moving southward ....
We had good luck with large water tanks (metal) and the sinker water tank heaters (also called donut heaters) you can buy at Tractor Supply or any basic farm store. I like the sinkers as my horses played with and bobbed the floaters around.
Congrats on the new place and good luck!
What size tank do you suggest for 2 horses? I hate to fill a huge on and not need that much. This is the kind of stuff I never paid attention to. I just filled the tanks.  |
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Not Afraid to Work
Posts: 4717
| JAG18 - 2016-09-29 3:03 PM
I agree with the sinking Tank Heaters. We also wrapped some simple insulation around the tank and put some foam insulation on the ground under the tank. I am in northern Iowa and that has kept the tank open even in the -20 wind chills.
Do you have the link to the one you use? Clearly I am not googling the right thing... I can only find the floating ones. |
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Location: WI | stayceem - 2016-09-29 8:49 PM
hmm89 - 2016-09-29 2:32 PM
stayceem - 2016-09-29 2:05 PM
hmm89 - 2016-09-29 12:58 PM
I can weigh in on some fencing suggestions for you. I also use Electrobraid fencing and have for several years. I really like it. I will use 3-4 strands all the way around. I used mostly t-posts, and then put thick round wood posts for corners/ends and if i have a long stretch I will put a wood post after so many t-posts. To make it look really nice and add great visibility, I bought white PVC 10' posts (2inch wide) and cut them in half for 5 footers and slid these over the top of every t-post, and then i attached the insulators. I really love the way it looks and it is durable and will last forever.
Also, with the t-posts, you can easily move them around if you decide you need to change your pasture layouts. With a new place you may find yourself testing out different layouts and t-posts allows you to do this. Eventually then you can switch out t-posts for wood posts if you desire.
As far as waterers go, I also live up here in the frigid winters (MN/WI) and we bit the bullet and put in Ritchie waterers. They have paid for themselves. Highly recommend going this route if you can, you won't regret it.
Your fencing is exactly another option I was considering but didn't know if it was more or less expensive to do the pvc and t posts or just buy wood. Did you order your electrobraid online? How far did you space? I saw it can be 30 to 50 feet but with snowball 25 to 30 feet between posts which still seems super far.
What height t posts did you do? Sorry for all the questions!!!!
I ordered my electrobraid through Amazon Prime online (free shipping ). You would have to compare prices of posts to see but the reason i wanted to do t-posts was because I could move them if i really needed to and they are much easier to put in compared to wood posts as I did most by myself (i despise digging post holes ).
I spaced mine 14 of my walking steps so approx. 28-30 ft apart. I remember thinking it would be too far apart as well but i've had no problems with loose/saggy fence lines or issues with the snow.
The t-posts I would guess are 4-4 1/2 ft out of the ground. I used a bunch of old t-posts that were originally on the farm perimeter so I'm sure they varied on height. Adding the PVC makes sure that all the posts will end up being the exact same height allowing you to space your insulators equally on each one for nice straight rope lines that flow with the land perfectly.
I assume you must not have issues with pvc cracking in the cold? That was my concern. I know electrobraid states 30 feet for snowy conditions but glad to hear from someone else that isn't too far. Just seems like an awfully long distance.
i haven't noticed any cracking on the PVC due to cold. It's been 2 winters now at my current place and before that at my mom's farm I would guess probably 5-6 winters with the PVC/t-post fencing. And there were some bad cold spells in there :) |
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Not Afraid to Work
Posts: 4717
| hmm89 - 2016-09-30 7:20 AM
stayceem - 2016-09-29 8:49 PM
hmm89 - 2016-09-29 2:32 PM
stayceem - 2016-09-29 2:05 PM
hmm89 - 2016-09-29 12:58 PM
I can weigh in on some fencing suggestions for you. I also use Electrobraid fencing and have for several years. I really like it. I will use 3-4 strands all the way around. I used mostly t-posts, and then put thick round wood posts for corners/ends and if i have a long stretch I will put a wood post after so many t-posts. To make it look really nice and add great visibility, I bought white PVC 10' posts (2inch wide) and cut them in half for 5 footers and slid these over the top of every t-post, and then i attached the insulators. I really love the way it looks and it is durable and will last forever.
Also, with the t-posts, you can easily move them around if you decide you need to change your pasture layouts. With a new place you may find yourself testing out different layouts and t-posts allows you to do this. Eventually then you can switch out t-posts for wood posts if you desire.
As far as waterers go, I also live up here in the frigid winters (MN/WI) and we bit the bullet and put in Ritchie waterers. They have paid for themselves. Highly recommend going this route if you can, you won't regret it.
Your fencing is exactly another option I was considering but didn't know if it was more or less expensive to do the pvc and t posts or just buy wood. Did you order your electrobraid online? How far did you space? I saw it can be 30 to 50 feet but with snowball 25 to 30 feet between posts which still seems super far.
What height t posts did you do? Sorry for all the questions!!!!
I ordered my electrobraid through Amazon Prime online (free shipping ). You would have to compare prices of posts to see but the reason i wanted to do t-posts was because I could move them if i really needed to and they are much easier to put in compared to wood posts as I did most by myself (i despise digging post holes ).
I spaced mine 14 of my walking steps so approx. 28-30 ft apart. I remember thinking it would be too far apart as well but i've had no problems with loose/saggy fence lines or issues with the snow.
The t-posts I would guess are 4-4 1/2 ft out of the ground. I used a bunch of old t-posts that were originally on the farm perimeter so I'm sure they varied on height. Adding the PVC makes sure that all the posts will end up being the exact same height allowing you to space your insulators equally on each one for nice straight rope lines that flow with the land perfectly.
I assume you must not have issues with pvc cracking in the cold? That was my concern. I know electrobraid states 30 feet for snowy conditions but glad to hear from someone else that isn't too far. Just seems like an awfully long distance.
i haven't noticed any cracking on the PVC due to cold. It's been 2 winters now at my current place and before that at my mom's farm I would guess probably 5-6 winters with the PVC/t-post fencing. And there were some bad cold spells in there : )
Good to know! I think this is the route I am going to go. |
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 Shoot Yeah
Posts: 4273
Location: Where you need a paddle... Oregon! | How do you attach the insulators to pvc?
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Location: WI | Lady - 2016-09-30 12:31 PM
How do you attach the insulators to pvc?
i just used 1/2in Self drilling screws to put the insulators on, same as I would if it were wood posts. |
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