7 tips to maintain your horse arena fencing.

Horse arenas are an essential part of any equestrian facility, providing a safe and suitable environment for horses to train and compete in. However, maintaining a horse arena can be a challenging task that requires regular attention and effort. 

If the horse fencing in an arena is broken, the surface is uneven or the arena is not maintained well it can cause injuries, affect the health of both the horse as well as the rider and also result in ineffective functioning of the property. Eventually costing you more time, effort, money and stress. 

At Stock & Noble, we provide the finest fencing solutions to high-end properties across Australia and New Zealand. Our products are carefully chosen based on their safety, success and ease of maintenance. We consider time and peace of mind to be the most valuable assets. Based on our in-depth knowledge of horse fencing and insights from clients who maintain beautiful well-functioning horse arenas, we will share some key tips that will help you keep the fencing in your horse arenas in perfect condition. 

1. Choose horse fencing that will help keep the base in good condition
2. Paint or stain your horse fencing
3. Inspect your horse fencing regularly
4. Clean your horse fencing
5. Keep vegetation away from your horse fencing
6. Check for weeds in the arena base
7. Ensure good working condition of gates and latches

By the end, you will learn ways to maintain a safe horse arena and ensure the well-being of your animals, and your riders and avoid the wastage of resources in managing this part of the property efficiently. 

Horse arena fencing maintenance tip #1: Choose horse fencing that will help keep the base in good condition 

One of the most important aspects of maintaining a horse arena is ensuring that the surface is level and safe to ride on. Uneven surfaces can cause injuries to both horse and the rider. One way to maintain a level surface in your horse arena is by grading it with specific equipment and keeping the sand or base material within the arena. To achieve this, a border can be created using timber or steel around the bottom of the arena. 

For this purpose, the Premium Steel Post and Rail fence with a sandboard is an excellent option, which can be attached to the base to prevent any excess base material from spilling out of the arena. By ensuring these maintenance measures are in place, riders can enjoy a safe and enjoyable riding experience in the horse arena. 

Horse arena fencing maintenance tip #2: Paint or stain your horse fencing  

Painting or staining your horse fencing not only enhances its appearance but also helps protect it from the elements. A fresh coat of paint or stain can help prevent rust, rot, and weathering, ensuring that your fencing lasts longer and remains in good condition. 

If you have Premium Steel Post and Rail fencing, there’s a 15-year warranty on the paint and you can keep the fence looking great with almost zero maintenance. However, for timber and other steel post and rail fencing options, you need to apply paint regularly to enhance visual aesthetics and protection. 

We would recommend learning the best practices and doing your research to choose the best fence paints for steel and the best fence paints for timber horse fencing before starting your fence painting project. 

Horse arena fencing maintenance tip #3: Inspect your horse fencing regularly 

Regular inspections are crucial to maintaining the condition of your arena fencing. Check for any damage, such as broken posts, rails, or wires. Also, look for any loose nails, screws, or fasteners that may need tightening or replacing. Address any issues promptly to prevent further damage and potential hazards. Especially in the case of timber post and rail fencing. 

Horse arena fencing maintenance tip #4: Clean your horse fencing 

Cleaning your fencing regularly will help prolong its lifespan and prevent damage. Dirt, debris, and manure can build up on the fencing, leading to corrosion, rust, or rot. Use a pressure washer or a soft brush to remove dirt and debris and ensure that your fencing stays clean and in good condition. A clean arena and fencing both are important for the proper functioning and safety of horses and riders alike. 

Horse arena fencing maintenance tip #5: Keep vegetation away from your fencing 

Vegetation growing around your fence can cause damage over time, especially if it comes into contact with the fence. Regularly trim any grass, plants, trees, or bushes that are growing close to your fencing. 

Horse arena fencing maintenance tip #6: Check for weeds in the arena base 

Keep a watchful eye for any potential weed or vegetation growth in the arena base and take prompt action to address it. Doing so will help prevent damage to the base and ensure a clean and unobstructed area for both the horse and rider to use. 

Horse arena fencing maintenance tip #7: Ensure good working condition of gates and latches 

The gates and latches must be sturdy and durable enough to withstand the force of a horse pushing against them. They must also be designed in such a way as to prevent horses from getting their hooves or legs caught in them. Check that your gates and latches are in good working condition, so horses can be kept securely within the arena, preventing them from escaping and injuring themselves or others. 

Moreover, they should provide ease of access for the rider, allowing them to enter and exit the arena quickly and efficiently. Horse owners prefer our EZY Latch due to its one-handed operation, which allows for smooth and easy access to the arena. Additionally, it can be operated from horseback, making it even more convenient for riders. As simple a detail, as this is, it can impact your overall enjoyment and life in the horse arena. 

In summary, gates and latches are essential components of a horse arena, and proper attention must be given to their design and maintenance to ensure the safety and comfort of both horse and rider. 

Are you confident to maintain the fencing in your horse arena? 

You wanted to know the best way to maintain the horse fencing in your arena ensuring that it remains in top condition and your horses can enjoy it for years to come. 

Now you know the hacks to maintain your horse arena fencing for the safety and well-being of your horses and riders. Choose fencing that helps keep your base in good condition, regularly inspect your fencing, clean it, keep vegetation away from it, repair any damage promptly and add a layer of protection with paint or stain. 

Fencing is an important component of any horse arena, providing a boundary that helps keep horses and riders safe. However, over time, fences can become worn or damaged, leading to potential hazards. While you learnt the tips on how to maintain your horse arena fencing, ensuring that it remains safe and secure, it’s also crucial to know the best material for fencing your horse arena. So if you’re getting tired of replacing or maintaining your existing horse fences, you know which option will need the lowest maintenance and is best for your horse arena. 

If you have more questions related to the maintenance, replacement, or painting of horse fencing in your arena, feel free to connect with one of our fencing experts. We will call you for a free personalised consultation and discuss the best solutions based on your need, budget and vision.