Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
ing on the length and depth of the loop, the skids can be another place for a horse to trap
his legs or hooves. Loops that are 12 inches long and 12 inches deep are standard. Smaller
loops than this should be avoided; larger loops create less of a trap.
Another style for panel feet consists of a separate flat steel plate with a vertical steel bar
welded onto it. The vertical bar slips into the open bottom of the pipe panel end. Panels
with feet like this can be a hassle to move because the feet either drop down and snag the
ground or fall out and have to be reinstalled by a helper, making setting up or moving these
panels a two-person job.
Length
Depending on the manufacturer, panels are usually available in lengths from 6 to 20 feet in
2-foot increments. Twelve-foot panels are the most popular size horse panel because they
are fairly movable by one person. To make a custom pen, run, or corral setup, you might
need panels of various lengths to fit your spaces. Some manufacturers have a wide variety
of panel lengths and gates to choose from, while other companies offer limited sizes, col-
ors, and accessories.
Verticals
Depending on the length of the panel and the manufacturer, each panel will have vertical
reinforcements ranging from none to three. For example, some 12-foot panels have one
vertical reinforcement; others have two vertical reinforcements.
Some vertical supports are made of 1- or 2-inch round pipe that has been cut to fit
between the horizontal rails and welded in place. This results in a safe reinforcement that is
flush on both sides. Others use a single pipe that is flattened where it lies over one side of
the rails. Another style of vertical uses straps (for example, two 14-gauge 1-¾inch straps
with rounded edges), one set on either side of the rails.
The tops of the end posts of each panel vary in the way they are finished. Ideally, the
sharp edge of the pipe should be covered and moisture prevented from entering the panel.
The drier the bare steel interior of the pipes remains, the longer the panels will last. Some
are capped with metal domes or plastic plugs. In others, the end posts are drawn into a dis-
tinctive arc and welded to the top rail. In another design, the corners are cut on a 45-degree
angle and welded to make a weatherproof joint. The effectiveness of this style depends on
the integrity of the welds.
