Using T-Posts for Fencing

[RichZ]

The fencing in my paddock and pasture is made up of locust posts with three rails, each made up of 1 by 8's. Many of the locust posts are starting to rot, and I've got to replace whole sections this spring. The original owners of my farm (who now own the next farm) tell me that most of these posts are only five years old. The ground is pretty damp, as a stream goes through one end of the pasture. At one end of the pasture is an old barbed wire fence that I'm replacing made of T-posts and barbed wire. The T-posts are over 20 years old and still in good shape.

Since the T-posts lasted much longer than the locust posts, I was wondering if I could use them as fence posts. I could attach the wood planks to them with U bolts. It seems logical, but since I've never seen a fence constructed this way, I figure that I must be missing something, and it's probably a bad idea.

It just seems like it would be easy to construct and last. So what does everyone think? It can't be that easy, right? [img]/forums/images/icons/confused.gif[/img]

[brosil]

Why boards? Are you fencing horses?
I'm using a woven wire fence for my sheep and occasional cattle. There are a number of fencing systems for horses that are easir and maybe cheaper. I think Ramm Fence has an online catalog. They have some wire reinforced vinyl that might work.
I hope you have power equipment. My sheep pasture just about killed me but maybe you're younger.

[RichZ]

Thanks, I should have been more explicit. Yes this is for horses. The reason I don't want to use electric fence exclusively is because if the fence shorts out, one of our horses will walk right through it. She's always testing the electric fences, and if it's not working she'll go through it. So, I thought I'd stay with the three board design, with a hot wire on top to keep them from messing with it, at least when it's on. [img]/forums/images/icons/crazy.gif[/img]

I'd use woven wire horse fence. Then put two strands of smooth wire on the top and electrify it. About every 50ft. put in a wood post for stability. If you ever have to replace one it will be a piece of cake. Get good treated posts. The reason those posts rotted is because they probably weren't treated. That fencing will be even safer than the boards..

[RichZ]

Thanks, Richard. But the one question I have is, is the woven wire strong enough to hold the horses when the inevitable shorts occur, and short out the fence? We have it happen from branches falling on the fence, deer running through it, and even the horses dropping hay on it (it's almost like they know they can short it out!).

My Belgian will touch the fence with her nose a few times each day. If she doesn't get a shock, she'll lean on it until it gives. She never takes off, she just seems satisfied that she can break the wire. That's why I was going to use the boards.

[Justaplain]

Wait till you see what she will do to 1 by's when she has a itch.bcs [img]/forums/images/icons/wink.gif[/img] [img]/forums/images/icons/shocked.gif[/img]

[RichZ]

Welcome to my world!!! [img]/forums/images/icons/tongue.gif[/img] I'm always replacing boards on the fence, due to her various itches. Amazingly, the quarter horses don't cause a problem, but the Belgian sure does. But with three boards, if she wrecks one, I just replace it, and the other two are enough of a barrier to keep everyone inside. I'm just worried if I go to all wire, she'll just walk right through it.

When the electric fence is working, one hot wire on top does keep them off the fence. But when it shorts out, that's when I have problems.

Rich,

It will hold most anything in. It's special woven wire just for horses. It's 60" tall and is spaced for horses so they don't get their legs in it. It will stop them and you won't be replacing boards. Tape definitely won't stop them. I don't like the tape, no offense Mike, as if you ever have one run into it it will break. Plus after a few years you are replacing it again.

Then just put two strands of smooth wire on top and you will be set for the next 30 years. It will keep your belgian and anything else in. It's the cheapest, most durable, and safest way to go in my opinion. Your other option is high tensile fence but I know how you like to be the safest you can. I've seen horses run into the woven wire fencing and just bounce off none the worse for wear. If you decide to go with it make sure and get the red brand label kind. It's the good stuff. Don't get the cheap stuff. It won't hold up and will even break when you are stretch it.

[RichZ]

That sounds great, Richard!! Just what I'm looking for. One last question, what's the name of the type you use? Do they have a website, and where do you buy it, I've never seen it.

Oops, I guess that was three questions!! [img]/forums/images/icons/laugh.gif[/img]

Rich,

I"m not sure if they have a website. I'm sure they probably do. The brand is called Red Brand. I see it all the time in alot of the horse magazines.