A good fence will keep your horses safe and secure, and give them defined areas to eat, exercise and socialize. Not all fences are created equal, though. Which type of fence should you use?
Here’s our handy guide to horse fence options:
- Wood is the most traditional option for fencing. It’s one of the most attractive, too—it will give your property a rural, rustic look. However, it can be expensive to maintain over time. Wood will need to be repainted or re-stained on a frequent basis, since it is prone to weather damage. Also, some horses tend to chew and rub on wood fencing, which means you’ll need to replace boards every now and then.
- PVC vinyl post and rail fencing is a relatively new option that is a good alternative to wood. It’s very attractive and is much lower-maintenance, although it will need regular washing to keep it free of dirt and dust. What’s more, horses won’t chew on it. However, it can be damaged during severe weather or due to a heavy blow like a horse kick.
- High tensile polymer line fencing is very safe—the lines won’t cause cuts or abrasions to your horse. However, visibility is lower with this type of fence, and horses may try to run through it.
- Avoid using electric fencing, or wire fencing that is not specifically designed for horses. Horses can become entangled in this type of fencing, causing serious injury.
Installing a good fence is just one aspect of getting your property set up for horses. It’s also essential to find a great horse barn. Check out Deer Creek Structures for top-quality, Texas-built horse barns and run-in sheds.