As you get your paddocks ready for spring, take a good look at your paddock gates. These are one of the most functional -- and often most overlooked -- components of any farm.

This spring, investigate your paddock gates for the following key points and needs:

• Touch up any signs of rust or scrapes right away. This will help keep your paddock gates in great shape for years to come. Your paddock gate manufacturer should be able to provide touch-up paint that matches your gates.

• Check hinges for their stability and ease of use.Grease or replace these hinges if necessary.

• Replace any paddock gates that show serious wear or have sustained damage.

Choosing heavy duty paddock gates is important. Because your horses know this gate is the entryway for food deliveries and the exit gate for them, your paddock gates must frequently stand up to abuse by your horses.

Below are four very popular paddock gate designs from Lucas Equine Equipment. See which option might be right for your paddocks.

Lucas Equine paddock gate with expanded metal infill.

Lucas Equine paddock gate with expanded metal infill and extra steel supports.

Lucas Equine paddock gate with expanded metal infill and vertical supports

Lucas Equine paddock gate constructed with heavy duty steel.

Visit http://www.lucasequine.com/paddockgates.html to read more about paddock gate prices and how Lucas Equine paddock gates are constructed to be heavy duty, durable and long-lasting.