Open Sesame
Zareba Systems introduces an automatic gate opener, which can swing gates up to 16 feet long and weighing up to 750 pounds. The self-installed opener can cycle over 200 times a day, according to manufacturers, and comes with built-in safety features like obstruction sensing, gate movement alerts and auto-close. The system requires very little voltage and can also be operated using solar power for out-of-the-way applications.
The gate opener is available for single or double gates and Zareba offers a full range of accessories including additional transmitters, in-ground vehicle sensors, keypads, pin locks and more.
For more information, contact Zareba at
Cap It Off
When it comes to preventing fence injuries, the folks at CZ Engineering have introduced Safe-T-Post Caps to aid in the effort. The bright white, UV-resistant vinyl caps are semi-elastic for better fit on the post. In addition, an adhesive can also be used during installation for a more permanent solution.
For more information, contact CZ Engineering, Inc., at
1-800-851-0444, or check out their website at www.cze.com.
Getting In...Or Out
Dare Products introduces the Rownd Up gate latch, which works on wood, round tube, galvanized metal, chain link, wrought iron and more. One-way and two-way latches are available. Other features include self-latching, one-hand operation, universal mounting, reinforced 10-gauge steel and a powder-coat finish. The latches come in black and cost $18 for a one-way and $22 for a two-way.
For more information, check out the website for Dare Products at www.dareproducts.com.
FINDING OUT
9/2/2010
Re: When is a boader's selfishness too much? Hi, Donna. I agree with Pat of Silver Branch - I'd give her a termination notice. TOMORROW! :)
Not only will she never be happy at your place (or maybe any place!), she'll also cause you grief and stir up controversy among your boarders.
I get a lot of calls from people like this boarder - you might appreciate my blog post from today about boarder's rights (and lack thereof):
http://equinelegalsolutions.blogspot.com/2010/09/horse-boarders-legal-rights-or-lack.html
8/26/2010
Re: What are you doing to diversify and add $$$ revenue? Kelly- great ideas!! Most of my clients have stopped showing since it has gotten so expensive, so I rarely haul to shows now. I have been taking in injured horses and post-surgical cases for medical and physical rehabilitation ( I have been a registered vet tech for 30 years) In my spare time I am doing more volunteer work in the community with senior citizens. And eating more hot dogs and soup.
8/9/2010
Re: Barn Rules, looking for input. I would like to say in addition to having boarders sign a copy.. going over them with them before they sign it. People never read! I also post them on the website and keep a copy of the barn rules, general boarding contract and other barn documents in a barn book for reference. I also include an FAQ in my new boarder packets.
8/5/2010
Re: Boarders with Lack of Horsemanship At my own stable, we too have group turnouts of 3-5, with the occassional gate crasher/friendly in your face horses. I have had 4 levels of solutions. First was being vigilant when a particular boarder arrived. As soon as I saw her I knew I had to go fetch her horse or hear about it. She was safe, I was inconvenienced, but that was better than the risk she caused by her inexperience. She was not open to instruction and I did evict her soon after for her attitude. Second fix, at the same pasture gate, was installing a second gate to create a secure spot between gates in case a crasher got loose or a nervous boarder had to let go of her horse. Thirdly, I took the time to go with boarders with my longe whip and provided a safe zone for them as they exited. Each boarder quickly realized they could do they same without me, and the gate crashers learned to respect that person's space. Lastly, I provided a natural horsemanship clinic/lesson about protecting your horse's space as your horse's herdmate. This was VERY VERY usefull for all of us. We held the lesson AT the gate area with all our boarders together, with plenty of "ugly face" horses, with a Parelli trainer. Even the friendly & nervous gate crashers learned and retained something. We rarely have any issues now. Be proactive and don't wait for her to get run over.
FENCING
