Approaching Fail Safe Horse Fencing

Although there is no such thing as "fail-safe" fencing, there are steps you that you can take to ensure that your horses stays safely inside its pasture fencing. While this article focuses primarily on horse fencing, the advice applies also to other livestock species.

Consider the visibility of the fencing from the perspective of your livestock. Your horse needs to see his fencing. Otherwise injuries may occur if it tries to access the pasture or breeding opportunity on the other side of the fence. For example, wire fences are not so easily seen by a horse, but a white wood or PVC fence is easily recognized. Colorful streamer tape or ribbon attached to the fence every yard also makes the horse know where the fence perimeter is.

The height of your fence is also important. The fencing must be tall enough to prevent the horse from jumping over it. There must also be a horizontal bottom wire or board that is low enough to prevent livestock from going under . This is especially important for paddocks with baby horses. How high should horse fencing stand? It should be as tall as the nose on the tallest horse in the pasture plus two inches.

There are many types of horse fencing from which to choose for your farm installation. The more popular and successful types of horse fencing include white painted wood, electrified wire, and PVC fences.

Electric Fencing

One the most economical types of horse fencing is high-tensile electrified fencing. Popular forms of electric horse fencing are galvanized wire, electric polytape. In addition to the wire, you will also need to install posts, insulators, hardware, and a charger. I strongly recommend that you choose a solar fence charger because it can operate in remote areas, where an electric outlet is unavailable. Plus you're you're using the free energy of the sun.

Wood Fencing

Wood fencing, be it plain lumber board, slip board, or split rustic rail is another fencing option. Lumber prices vary among different regions, and wood is usually more expensive than wire fencing. However a wood fence is very attractive, and it will add a nice extra value to your ranch or farm.

A wood fence requires some ongoing maintenance. You will need to paint or stain non-pressure treated wood on a regular basis, and you must replace broken and rotted boards. When installing a board fence, nail the horizontal boards to the inside of the posts. This deters the boards coming off when a horse presses or rubs against them. Hammer the screws or ail heads flush to the boards. Finally as an extra precaution, you may need to install an electrified wire on the inside of the top wooden rail.

PVC Vinyl Fencing

PVC vinyl fencing products are now manufactured especially for horse fencing. PVC horse fencing is very attractive requires little, or no, maintenance and upkeep, because it never needs painting and will not rot, rust, break, or splinter. In addition, it looks like a white wood fence from afar, thus adding to the value of your property.

Regular Fence Inspections

It is important to check all your fences, especially after a big storm. Make sure that no rails or wires are down through which a horse might escape. Remove any tree limbs that have fallen on it, or shrubs and vines that have grown on it. Also check for protruding nails and splintered wood that could injure your horse. Replace all the damaged horizontal boards. Give each post a good tug to ensure that it is solidly in the ground. If a post is leaning out of true vertical, then straighten it back.

V.E. Lyons has been in the livestock business for 30 years and currently operates a goat dairy and an alpaca and llama ranch in Texas.

by V. E. Lyons - 9/28/08

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