Horse Fencing. Again.

When will the fencing saga end? Probably not as long as I have horses to contain.  The Red Brand fencing I put in last summer is magnificent.  Neighbors dogs cannot have access to the horses, bunnies can't even get in.  I haven't seen the deer hop it either, to graze with the horses.  The clincher is that I need to have an electric hot tape running the perimeter.  "The grass is greener"... and my horses are leaners.  So I spent way too long electrifying another section.  I know the fence works because I wasn't being careful, zapped myself, screamed, the horses both jumped (I am not usually a screamer), and then I swore that my finger was permanently damaged. It wasn't, I am fine, if a little over-dramatic... but this is not the electric fence of my youth! 

The New Horse Fence!

Here is a pic of our new fence and gates. It is not quite done, I still need to run a 2" band of hot turbotape along the top. Note the horse that is actually located behind the fence, not leaning over the knee-high (former) field fence. I threw a before picture in there, too. Can you find it? I was teasing the fellows who built it that they built me a horse fortress. And compared to what was there before, it is.
I have 6"-8" treated round corner posts, 4" treated field posts, and 4' Red Brand non-climb horse fence that I could not find anywhere in my county except at Lowe's. Go figure. Total cost of materials was around $2000. Labor was another $1800. Much better than the $9,997.00 I was quoted and yes, horses are an expensive habit.

Pictures top to bottom: 1. Old fence and Strider. See that it is below his knee? Yes, I have placid horses. 2-4. New fence.

Fencing update 1

Last week I had a sweet couple with new sheep dismantle and take 400' of field fencing, posts and barbed wire.
Then Alex and his crew of one began digging fence post holes. I was thoroughly freaked out when they were digging near the marked buried electric wires. They were very patient with me, explaining why they were not concerned. They are all alive today, so I guess I can stop worrying. They dug 62 post holes, I can only imagine how they felt that evening. Today they are bracing corners, to prep for the big fence pull.
This is the part that stopped me from doing the fence myself. Physically pulling 120-310 lbs of 48" non-climb fencing taut between the posts. It takes some brawn. I have brawn, probably more temperamental brawn than actual muscle brawn, but this fence would have been the end of me.
Thank you Alex of 4seasons in Poulsbo.

Fencing options and craigslist

Good lord have I loved enough on Craigslist? Case in point. Bathroom: Bought a load (about 25 pieces) of Restoration Hardware fixtures for $180. Did my 'new' bathroom fully with them, and sold the extras back on craigslist for $215. Worked out that I got all my bathroom fixtures (retail value $1400) for free! Horse fencing: My first quote to replace the fence was $10K for 700 feet of fencing. Since that seemed like way too much money... I decided to do it myself. Went and picked up the fencing (five rolls of 120lb fencing) and then realized there is no way in hell I can lift these puppies and pull them tight. Got another fence quote - $9000. Still crazy overpriced. Next fence quote - $2000 with $1400 dismantle cost of the old fence. Called some different licensed fellows who quoted $150 to take the fence out. Posted the whole lot of old fencing on craigslist.... and have someone coming this morning who will take it all down and haul it away for free to reuse it to contain their sheep. The power of craigslist is great.
Curious? See the finished fence project here....

Fencing - Horse

The big somewhat intellectually challenged horse Strider took out the old fence. Leaned over... and snap. Snapped wire fencing. It was crap and needed to be replaced... I guess he just put it somewhat on the top of my to-do list.

The pics attached are of what we are aiming for. We shall see what the $ comes to. That may change the resulting fence! http://lucky-days.blogspot.com/2011/04/fence.htmlTo see what I picked click on the above link! (Image : black round post with field fence courtesy Susan R. Stoltz, Top image left: www.declanlandy.com)

Old dogs can learn new tricks

Hey. It is the day before my birthday, and I have learned two things. I feel so glowing and proud. I actually will say I learned three things.
1. When I am driving down the road, the odd numbered houses are always on my left.
This may seem like utter nonsense to you, but it reads like golden gospel to me. And yes, I realize it makes no sense. Let me bask in my undeserved knowledge.
2. I can't remember this one, but will ask daughter Rose tomorrow when I see her.
3. I think I am getting early onset alzheimer's because really, I just learned my second new exciting thing about 4 hours ago. There is no reason for me not to remember it, since I am remembering I learned it and that I am excited about it, but not really what that was.

And BIG news on the old farmthing. We have a guest coming for the winter. He is large, handsome and makes my heart go pitter pat, especially when he nuzzles me in recognition. Get your mind outta the gutter. I am talking one of my all time favorite horses who stayed with us last winter when I was deciding if I even wanted a horse full time.
I decided i did need that horse so got lovely Mr. Bey and gave back Strider to his owner who only let me have him 4 months. Strider is coming back for a while! (he is the one in the blanket, Bey with the spotty rump)
On the house to-do list front... this just made my fence replacement project a big ol' priority, since it is a wicked mess out there. Good enough for Bey temporarily, but not for two horses.
Dang, and tonight I just found a lovely used furnace to replace my old biggie. That will be my next topic. FURNACES.