3 Types of Fencing for Horse Farms
There are all sorts of fences available for horse farms and, as fencing is expensive and you'll be using a lot of it, it's worth giving some serious thought beforehand to what fencing will be most suitable for the majority of your horses, what will look the most attractive, and what will be durable and safe for your horses' needs. This is different for everyone, and each type of fence has its advantages and disadvantages. Read on for some fencing options that could work well for you on your horse farm and any pros and cons that will help you make your decision.
Wooden rail fencing
Probably the most commonly used horse fencing is traditional wooden rail, and this is because not only is it easier on the wallet than some other options, but it looks the part, too. Also, wooden fencing is highly visible, which is a great thing for horses, as they are far-sighted. As they scan for danger, they look towards the horizon, so a fence should be visible to prevent a horse from running into it.
There is a downside to this fencing option, though; wooden rail requires a lot of maintenance upkeep if you want to keep it looking good, and if it's painted, it'll need regular repainting. On top of that, horses are can easily break through wooden fences if they are spooked.
Pipe fencing
Another highly visible fencing option is pipe fencing, and, though this is more expensive to install than most wooden fencing, pipe fencing is more durable and requires little upkeep. Another positive is that as it is so solid, there is no chance that a horse would be able to break through it when spooked. On the downside, because of its lack of give, there is a greater chance of a horse getting hurt if it does try and make a run for it.
Vinyl fencing
Vinyl rail fencing, otherwise known as PVC fencing, comes in a variety of colours and styles, so if you go with this option, it will be easy to find something that works for you. On the plus side, vinyl rail is highly durable, requires little maintenance, and is another highly visible option. It does have some give, but not enough that would enable horses to break through.
However, on the downside, vinyl rail fencing is expensive and there is a chance that rails can pop out if a horse pushes against the fence or leans heavily against it. In order to prevent this, it's worth pairing the vinyl rail with a strand of electric fencing, as this will discourage the horses from leaning or pushing against the fence.