Choosing the Right Fencing for Your Horse

Problems with horse fencing happen all too often. In April of last year, an unusual sight appeared off a roadway in Winston Salem, North Carolina.

Two horses had escaped their fencing and were spotted peacefully grazing on the roadside. According to a report from the Winston-Salem Journal, police officers arrived at the scene and directed traffic, while other officers tracked down a neighbor, who promptly got the owner to return the horses to safety.

If you’re a horse owner, the aforementioned situation is perhaps a nightmare scenario: For whatever reason, your horses are able to escape their fencing.

In most cases, this is either because the fencing is inadequate or the proper maintenance hasn’t been carried out. Thus, it’s important to know about what horse fencing options are available from the start:

Vinyl Rail

Vinyl fencing is among the most aesthetically pleasing fence types for horses.

You can get vinyl fencing with 2, 3 or 4 rail configurations, with the additional railing providing an increased barrier of protection.

Vinyl fencing is also typically available in different colors and with a cross buck configuration option, meaning that rather than running horizontally, the two middle rails cross over one another to form an X.

Maintenance is relatively easy, and if pressure is applied, vinyl rail is less likely to be damaged, as traditional wood splintering isn’t a problem.

Wood Rail

Aesthetically similar to vinyl rail, wood rail is the most traditional option available.

It’s strong and sturdy, but unlike vinyl rail, maintenance requirements can be higher.

Issues such as horses leaning against the railing and storm damage can cause wood railing to splinter, requiring higher upkeep and in some cases replacement. Yet, it is still a traditionally good option.

Electric

Electric fencing is available via tape and braided wire and can be paired with other fence types to provide a shock to the animal – warning them not to pass the physical barrier.

When paired with other fencing types, electric can protect against fence damage from horses leaning on the barrier.

Electric fencing is also largely considered ethical, and in 2015, a study by Applied Animal Behavior Science found that electric fence paddocks do not lead to increased stress response in animals.

Polymer

This simple fence type consists of lines of polymer running across posts. In some cases, polymer may be combined with another fencing type to provide an extra layer of protection.

It has the ability to bend when pressure is applied, then quickly moves back into its original shape.

No Climb
No climb fencing features wires placed into a grid-like pattern. Wiring is close together, so horses cannot get their legs caught in it.

It provides a great barrier, yet maintenance is required, including tightening the wiring on a regular basis.

Questions to Ask

Selecting the right fencing type is vitally important. And while barbed wire and cheaper options are more economical, they can also cause bodily injuries.

When selecting the right fencing type, it’s also important to ask yourself:

● Will I be able to keep up with any required maintenance?
● What kind of terrain am I covering and how large?
● How easy is the fencing type to install?
● How durable is it?

With the correct know-how, you can find a fencing type that’s great for equestrian and ranch purposes.

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Looking for more horse property tips? Check out these posts:

DIY Electric Fence Troubleshooting

10 DIY Barn Hacks

7 Tips for Choosing the Right Equestrian Property

10 DIY Tips for Organizing the Barn

Vinyl Fence Wholesaler has provided wholesale solutions for fencing and decking since 1995. The company’s other products include railing and garden products with worldwide shipping.