By Equine Guelph/System Fencing

As winter approaches, ensuring fences are ready for winter can prevent costly repairs and reduce stress when storms arrive. A little preparation now pays off through the season.

Whatever material your fencing is made from, a few precautionary steps will help it withstand the harsh conditions of a Canadian winter. Begin by trimming back trees, branches, and vines that may lean onto the rails or interfere with electric wires. Clear the ground behind fence lines as well—this reduces the risk of heavy snow or ice causing unnecessary damage and keeps maintenance manageable.

Caring for Flex Fence

Flex fence, designed to stay under constant pressure, needs extra care before freezing temperatures set in. The rails remain tight because the corner and end posts absorb the tension, giving the system its strength. Ahead of winter, check brackets thoroughly to confirm screws and nails are firmly anchored. Inspect end and corner posts to make sure they can carry the load during months of cold and snow.

Avoid overtightening flex rails in autumn. As temperatures drop, the material contracts, and too much tension can overload posts, leading to cracks or breaks. Adjust rails only enough to remove sagging—no more than that.

Autumn is the perfect time to walk your fence line and clear it of overhanging branches and trees that will add extra weight when snow arrives, as well as make any necessary repairs while the good weather holds. Photo: Shutterstock/Thomas Kelley

Related: Let's Talk Mud

Electric Fencing

Like humans, horses will avoid touching anything that gives them a shock, therefore electric fencing acts as a psychological barrier to them. In order to be effective, electric fencing needs to have at least 5000 volts on a fence tester. However, the biggest issue with this type of fencing in the winter is making sure that the lines are tight and not shorting out at any points. If you hear a snapping sound or see a flash of light coming from the fence, you have a short. Grounding issues occur if you have low voltage or amperage on your fencing. Electric fencing only works when the grounding is completed properly. The best option is to have at least three electric fence wires with two being “hot” and one wired back to the ground rods.

Wire Fencing

Wire fencing requires the least amount of preparation and is very maintenance free. Check to make sure the posts with wire are not missing any staples as well as guaranteeing the wire is not broken. Also check for broken posts, and confirm the tension on the ends and corners is secure.

Board Fencing

Fence rails and posts need to be checked on both sides of the fence lines before the winter season. Work down the fence lines inspecting all spots where the rails are nailed or screwed into the posts, making sure that nothing is sticking out (nails, screws, or parts of the boards). Push on every post to make sure they are strong and secure. If the post moves more than six inches in either direction then you may have a broken post that should be replaced before winter.

Gates

Gates may be the most important part of fencing requiring maintenance. A gate that is sagging or not secure will easily become trapped in ice and snow causing great inconvenience for you when bringing your horses in and out of the paddock. Ideally, gates should be 12 inches off the ground. Having an easy quick latch on the gate will also ensure simple opening with gloves or mittens. Finally, the hinges should be tight and straight.

Gates should be secure, not sag, and be approximately 12 inches off the ground so they do not become stuck in snow and ice. Photo: Shutterstock/Undise

Working with your fence line in the nice fall weather will save you a lot of hassle when the thermometer reads minus 30 degrees C. The cold and snow will be here before we know it and preparing your farm ahead of time for the harsh Canadian winter will leave you with peace of mind, knowing that your animals are secure.

Related: How to Diagnose, Treat & Prevent Rain Rot in Horses

Related: Planning Your Horse's Run-In Shed

Published with the kind permission of Equine Guelph.

Photo: iStock/Ballycroy