Fences - Horse Fence Guidelines
Over the past 20 years many people have moved farther and farther from traditional suburban neighborhoods. As they do, properties tend to be larger and farther apart from one another. At a certain stage, many homeowners begin to consider having their own horses. Old hands know the joys and challenges involved in fencing a horse. But those newer to the game can profit from a few tips from the old-timers.
Fencing horses introduces special design requirements. Not only are these animals very strong, but they're easily spooked. A frightened horse will run at full gallop to escape perceived danger - from an unfamiliar dog, a loud sound, a person or another horse. When they do they often don't see what is close to them.
That fact introduces the need for several basic criteria for any good horse fence, whether one for a corral or to enclose a larger area.
A horse fence has to be able to withstand considerable pressure. Horses rarely simply knock down a fence to get to a desired area. But when they're frightened they can butt it, kick it or try to jump it. Providing a sturdy fence does more than prevent costly repairs, though. It helps ensure the safety of the horse. A fence that comes down partially is a danger.
High tensile steel horse fencing is one way to satisfy that criterion. That can be in the form of chain link with a gauge designed for horse fencing, the lower number the better. It also means ultra-sturdy posts. Standard fencing requires a post hole about 1/3 of the length of the post. Horse fencing increases that depth, unless the distance is compensated for by extra concrete or special construction.
One way to increase the safety factor and lower the odds of expensive repairs is to make the fence very easy for the horse to see. Horses tend to look further off, to spot danger at a distance. That means that any fence to which they'll get close needs to be very obvious.
A simple post and rail wood fence can fulfill that need. The traditional design seen in hundreds of films and TV shows is still used because it still does the job well. Cost is part of the reason, of course. But no sensible horse owner would make that the only important factor. Their horses are too valuable, financially and emotionally to consider only the price of the fence.
Whatever the design, the fence should be at least 4-5 feet high. The lower section should have no more than about 12 inches clearance but no less than eight. That prevents a young foal from rolling under, but eliminates the risk of getting a hoof trapped at the bottom.
Another design element that should be incorporated is the correct shape. It's no accident that most horse fencing contains few if any corners. Horses, like many animals, have dominance rituals. Unlike good people, though, even the best of horses don't settle their differences by polite conversation. A more aggressive horse will frequently try to trap another into a corner. Eliminating that possibility allows the other horse to move away, which lessens the conflict for both.
Consider carefully how you will build your horse fence. Both you and your animal will be happier as a result.
