How to choose the right fence for your horses(Fencing options)

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By BamaHorseman
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post and rail

Fencing options for your Horse.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Step 1

I have to say first off that a good fence makes for a good niegbor.You really don't want to start greeting calls from you friend in the middle of the night saying that your horse is on there property. A single strand of wire can hold a heard of cows but definitely not horses. They are very crafty and can figure out a way under or over some so simple. So with that said, it is best to start with the best fence possible that your budget will allow.
Step 2

wooden fence-(post and rail)

There are several options and I will go over them with you.
First there is common materials such as wooden post and rails. Such as the long white fence you see when in the country riding along a road.
This is a fairly sturdy fence option as well as inexpensive when done properly. But requires much maint.as in painting and repairing regularly.
Step 3

pvc fence

Next there is pvc fencing.It is made to look similar to the wooden post and rail fencing.It is much more expensive than the wood, but it offer alot less maint.There is no need for replacing rotten wood or paint.There is a problem though becouse pvc rails are not strong enough to hold horses., usually owners will add electric fencing or panels to this type of fence.
Step 4

pipe fence

Next there is pipe fencing.There is panels pre assembled and portable fencing built with tubular pipes.These are popular for keeping individual horses coral led or for space restricted areas. There are also round pens made from pipe fencing.
Step 5

buck and rail

We also have what is called Buck and Rail fencing. This is mad from wooden post and round timbers. These are more common out west and in the mountains where it is harder to dig post holes(such as Rocky areas).
They are triangular in appearance and do not require to be put in the ground.
Step 6

electric

And last we have what I dislike the most, what is known as electric fencing and wire fencing. The electric fence is installed using post driven into the ground and a wire or ribbon attached to each post and strung along the boundary from post to post. The wire or ribbon is electrified using a charge pack that is plugged in to a electrical source. The electrical source sends electricity down the wire to shock the horse when he touches it.(this is why I do not like this method, I don't like to use this type of means to contain a animal, it is very in humain in my opion)but at times it is the only option for some owners due to it very inexpensive to intall and can be set up quickly.Wire fencing is about the same in hazrds becouse horses can step into it and become entangled in the wire and either cut or break a leag.It is installed the same way with the use of post and attaching it to each post as you go.