safe pasture fencing, pasture fencing, build a safe pasture fence, safe fencing, sturdy fencing horse fencing
Environs continued
from eroding the banks or
walking out on ice.
• Fence trees. Fence around
any trees to keep horses
from stripping the bark, and
killing or disfiguring them.
Fencing Materials
Once upon a time, there
was a limited selection of
fencing materials to choose
from: wire, wood, maybe
pipe. While these are still
used extensively, new materials/technology
offer us more
choices.
• Vinyl. The classic wood “estate
fence” is now available
in vinyl, but be aware that
not all vinyl fencing is horse
safe. Some of these rails
pop right out of the posts
when horses lean on them.
They’ve also been known to
shatter if hit. Flat, flexible
vinyl strips reinforced with
cables give a similar look
for less money and they’re
more forgiving if a horse
runs into them.
• Wire options. The thin electric
wire of yesterday has
given way to thicker, braided
wire and narrow, woven
mesh tapes that are more
visible and less likely to cut a
horse who gets spooked and
runs through them. Avoid
field fence or box wire; the
openings are large enough
for a horse to put a foot
through. Better options are
woven wire fences with small
openings or diamond mesh.
When the wire strands are
woven or wrapped rather
than welded, it won’t pop
apart if a horse runs into it.
Look for the words “horse
fence” on the label.
• Wood posts. Treated round
or square wood posts are
still the standard. (Avoid
treated landscape ties.) Install
them in a drilled hole
using a tractor-mounted or
hand-held auger. Or, find a
Horse.com • state line tack HorseLink Magazine27
Issue 5 2009
The classic
wood “estate
fence” is now
available in
vinyl, but be
aware that
not all vinyl
fencing is
horse safe.
contractor who’ll drive them
into the ground. Set the
posts down far enough to
avoid heaving if you live in
an area where the ground
freezes.
• Metal T-posts. It’s best to
avoid metal T-posts, which
can impale a horse. If you
must use them for budget
reasons, cap them with
plastic caps. Several cap
styles are available.
Added Value
Fencing depends on the
needs of your animals, as
well as your own aesthetic
tastes. You’re not only investing
in your horses’ needs, but
you’re also investing significant
capital into your real
estate. You want to be happy
with the results for years to
come.
Nancy Butler is an avid horsewoman,
long-time journalist, and
freelance writer from Delaware.
news TrAininG HeAlTH Ground AdvenTures GreAT GeAr HooF iT environs
PursuiTs
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