Horse Fencing
A Mini Guide to the Different Types
There are many options to consider when picking out the right fencing option for you and your horse. It is most important that the fence you choose also be safe for your horse. The type of fence you decide to go with may also be based on your own personal preference, but your horse's well being and safety must come first.
Once you have settled on a type of horse fencing you then have to decide on the area to put it in and how best to put it up. Setting up horse fence is definitely not a job easily done by one person. It needs to be level and fit together to provide the best stability for your horse.
Horse fencing also requires regularly scheduled maintenance to ensure that it continues to keep your safely contained. If you have your horse on your own property it is a good idea to schedule regular perimeter fence checks. Both weather and horses can damage your fencing, regularly checking your fences will alert you to any areas that may be in need of repair. If you board your horse at a stable, the property owner should perform these checks.
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Guide to Fence Types
Wood:
Wood fencing is a long-time favorite choice for fencing. Wood offers strength with a natural look making it an appealing and sturdy fencing option. Most wood fence is set-up in a split rail form between posts which is more cost effective when covering larger areas. Wood fences can also be customized to your surrounds through painting or staining.
Typical types of wood used for fencing are southern yellow pine and cedar. The southern yellow pine pressure treated to protect it from rot or insect damage. Cedar fence is better are resisting the elements such as rotting and warping.
Although wood is a very popular choice among horse owners, it also requires a little more maintenance than other horse fencing options. Other than the regular structure checks, a wood fence will also need to be repainted or restrained. You may also want to look for any rotten areas along the fence when checking the perimeter.
Vinyl:
Vinyl horse fencing has gained popularity. The vinyl fence is strong and sturdy and lasts a long time. It also has the benefits of being an almost maintenance free option. There are a few different color options available to choose from to best match the set-up that you have.
This type of fencing is built to stand up to normal horse keeping conditions such as horses leaning or rubbing on it. It also does not rot or warp due to the weather elements so no painting is needed.
Plastic Coated Wood:
A sort of combination of materials and the benefits of both wood and vinyl fencing. It is stronger than the traditional wood fencing and is almost maintenance free like vinyl fencing.
Electric:
There are a variety of options available to you if you are considering using electric fencing. You can add it to your existing wood or vinyl fencing to help with training your horse to stay within or obey to the confines of the fences. Adding electric wire or fence to existing fences will deter horses from rubbing or leaning on the fences which increases the longevity of the fence.
You can also opt to use pure electric fencing to contain your horse. There are a few different types of electric wire to choose from. There are plastic or vinyl-coated wires or tape, electrical mesh wire, and single-strand electrical wire.
All types of electrical fencing are low maintenance options. You still want to conduct regular fence checks.
