Repairing a Hay Manger
There's never a dull moment here at my Bedford, New York farm. Not only does my outdoor grounds crew work hard to maintain the property, but they also keep on top of any repairs that need attention.
Recently, my Fell pony, Banchunch, accidentally broke the hay manger out in his paddock. He was rubbing against the side to soothe an itch when all of a sudden the wooden stand collapsed and broke. Fortunately, Pete Sherpa, who has worked here at my farm for many years, is an excellent carpenter and was able to fix the manger quickly - and now it's stronger than ever.
Here are some photos, enjoy.
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- Horses often back up to fences or other objects to rub their rumps, hips, and tails. On this day, Banchunch rubbed a little too hard on the hay rack and the stand fell apart. Some of the wood was already timeworn and in need of replacing, so Pete took on the task right away.
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- The manger, hay feeder, or hay rack is wooden or metal structure for feeding domestic livestock such as cattle, horses, and goats. This one is made of galvanized steel, but I had custom stands made for all my hay feeders for easier access. Pete took the manger up to our wood shop and removed the remaining broken pieces.
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- Here is one side of the stand that needs replacing. Luckily, we always save wood from other projects, so Pete had everything he needed for this job.
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- One of the most important rules in carpentry is to double-check one’s measurements for accuracy before cutting a piece of wood. Here, Pete makes sure he cuts the wood to match the existing pieces of the stand.
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- I have all the necessary tools to do most tasks here at the farm. Pete uses this circular table saw to cut the cedar 2 x 4 and miter its ends.
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- And then he measures again to ensure it’s perfect – and it is.
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- Next, he makes pilot holes for the large screws he will use to keep the pieces secure and “Banchunch” proof.
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- Longer leg pieces are measured and cut.
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- The stand is coming together pretty quickly, but Pete wants to make it extra durable.
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- Here, Pete measures wood for a center piece half way down the side.
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- This piece will give it more stability. Pete makes sure it is straight before attaching it to the existing pieces.
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- One side down and one more to go.
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- Pete secures the newly built side to the manger using three inch screws.
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- Here is a view from the top.
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- Then he uses four inch bolts with matching washers and nuts to make it even stronger. Both sides are now attached to the manger.
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- Pete stops for a quick photo. The hay feeder is almost done.
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- Next, he measures a piece to secure across the bottom so the two sides are also connected.
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- Finally, Fernando, who is our resident painting expert, paints the entire piece my signature “Bedford Gray.”
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- Fernando applies two good coats of paint. The stand will dry overnight in the wood shop.
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- Early the next morning, Dawa and Pete return the manger to the paddock.
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- This stand looks as good as new, and should now last several years. Thanks Pete and Fernando!
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