Horse Fence

Horse owners today have a wide range of fence options to choose from in order to keep their horses safe. These horse fences, made of materials like wood and vinyl, contain animals securely within certain boundaries. Many new options in electric fencing, wire fencing and mesh fencing exist that can add an extra touch of security to a horse fence. Whether consumers prefer the natural beauty of wood, the low maintenance of vinyl or something in between, they will certainly find a product that is perfect for their needs.

Wood

Wood, the long-standing traditional material for all types of fence, remains a popular choice for horse fencing today. The benefits of wood are the strength of the fence and the natural aesthetic look in rural settings. Since wood is a natural product, it blends well into its surroundings while serving as a barrier to contain horses.

The traditional post and rail look of the past has endured as the most popular style in horse fencing. By using this style, horse owners can cover large areas of land economically. Split rail is also a popular choice. Consumers can paint or stain their horse fencing to coordinate with its surroundings. These coatings can also extend the lives of a wooden horse fence by protecting them against water damage.

The main types of wood used for horse fencing are pressure-treated Southern yellow pine and cedar. Southern yellow pine is both economical and strong; the pressure-treatment process increases its endurance against rot and insect damage. Many companies offer a warranty on pressure-treated pine. Western red cedar and Eastern white cedar, each widely used in horse fencing, naturally resist rotting and warping. Oak is also a popular choice for horse fencing.

While wood continues to be a favorite material for horse fencing, it does require some routine maintenance to ensure the integrity of the fence. Owners should periodically repaint or restain their fences to maintain their aesthetic value. Also, owners should examine their fences regularly to look for rotted wood or fallen boards. It is particularly important to check wooden fence posts; if installed incorrectly, posts can rot quickly and threaten the life of the fence.

Vinyl

Vinyl has become a very popular material for horse fencing, thanks in part to its strength and its longevity. This material comes in a variety of fencing types, including the traditional post and rail style used for horse fence. For a fence that is virtually maintenance free, vinyl fencing is an ideal choice to contain horses.

Vinyl fencing is a man-made material that can be molded to look like natural wood. Because the pigment is consistent throughout the entire piece of vinyl, the color of the fence remains true despite weather conditions or normal wear and tear. Vinyl fence is generally available in white, gray and tan. Horse owners can choose the color that best coordinates with their surroundings.

Vinyl fencing has multiple benefits. Vinyl is “maintenance free", aesthetically pleasing and has excellent durability. Vinyl can withstand the normal conditions associated with having horses corralled, such as rubbing and leaning. Horses tend not to crib on vinyl fencing. Vinyl does not rot, warp or splinter; this means that horses will be both safe and contained.

Thanks to its natural resistance to aging and rot, vinyl does not require the normal maintenance associated with horse fencing. No painting is necessary, and problems like rotting posts or boards do not exist. If a rail were to fall out, one would only need to pop it back in to fix the problem. These fences only need occasional washings to keep them looking great.

Plastic-Coated Wood

For a product that combines the best qualities of wood and vinyl, many consumers have begun using plastic-coated wood for their horse fences. This type of fencing is stronger than uncoated wood and nearly maintenance free like vinyl.

Plastic-coated wood fencing consists of posts and boards that have a layer of heavy duty polyethylene molded around the surface. This type of fence has the strength and workability of a conventional wood fence, with the maintenance free qualities of vinyl. When natural wood is coated with plastic, it becomes stronger and more durable. Also, if a board were to crack or split, the plastic coating would contain the splinters.

Cribbing becomes less of a problem with plastic-coated wood. Like vinyl, this type of fence comes in many different colors and needs only periodic washings to maintain its look. Horse owners can build gates out of plastic-coated wood that are much more rigid than vinyl gates.

Other Options in Horse Fencing

In addition to wood and vinyl fences, horse owners have several other types of fencing from which to choose.

A variety of electric options exist; electric fence can be an accessory for wood or vinyl fencing, or it can make up a free-standing structure. Horse fence can also consist of different types of wire or mesh.

Electric fencing trains horses to obey physical boundaries by giving a mild shock when touched. Electric fencing educates horses to stay off of and away from a fence. No matter what the type of fence, a horse can eventually get hurt. Plus, fences last longer [when electrified] because horses do not rub up against them or crib on them. Consumers can string electrified wire between existing wood or vinyl posts. In addition to plain wire, there are several types of electrified braid and electrified tape that can run from post to post.

Fences can also be constructed of both polymer and vinyl-coated wire. Each type of wire is very strong and can be combined with electric wire to create a more effective boundary. High tensile wires can also be incorporated into a plastic board, made of either polyethylene or vinyl. These wires give the board, which is installed like rails on a post, strength and rigidity.

Horse owners also have their choice of electrified mesh; a fence constructed of this type of mesh not only contains horses, it also prevents other animals from entering.

Other types of wire and steel mesh act as effective barriers to keep unwanted animals out of horse pastures. Neither wire, steel nor electrified mesh fencing requires much maintenance. Owners simply need to keep vegetation trimmed and check periodically for snapped wires.