We went in the barn and turned off the fence.

Then we got an ear of corn and broke it half through and let friction hold it to
the wire.

Then we turned the fence back on (see, we weren't too stupid <G>)

Then we called the horse over and offered her an ear or two.

Then we let her find the ear on the fence.

Then she bolted around the yard a few times, complaining all the way.

While we sat and snickered about how funny it was.

Then we got home and caught it from our parents.

Andy










"M. Adam Davis" <adavis@UBASICS.COM> on 04/27/2000 09:22:12 AM

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 Subject: Re: Fire in the Hole!!! [OT]








I grew up on a horse farm.  At one point in time the electric fencer needed
repair (you know the type- meant for 5 miles of fencing, and designed to zap
weeds that touch it until they no longer touch it.  Also designed to remind
horses not to get too close, or jump the fence.)

At any rate, I had the entire thing off the fence and in the garage.  I muddled
around until I found a broken wire, wired it back up, and plugged it in.  It
clicked away merrily, but I though, "How do you REALLY know these things are
working well?"  (I know, neon bulb fence tester...)

So I grounded the end which deserved grounding, and (get this) touched both
contacts, one hand to each...  When the click came it felt like I had been hit
in the chest with a sledghammer-a big one.  I sat down (didn't even bother to
turn it off) and was shaky for the rest of the day.

Of course, that was about the worst thing I could have done, placing it directly
across my heart...

For those unfamiliar with horse fences, it charges a cap, then discharges it
through a coil, which then charges the fence.  It is not, and never should be, a
continous charge, as people and other creatures would not be able to let go
under many circumstances.  I remember we also had an electric fencer for dogs,
used around gardens.  This was a continuous charge, which was rather pleasant if
you're older, but small children couldn't let go until it was turned off.

-Adam

P.S. Never get close to a fence while petting a horse on the nose - one of the
most sensitive spots on their body.