How To Build a Mesh Fence for Horses

Mesh fencing is an inexpensive and safe fence for horses and can last for twenty years with proper maintenance. Mesh fences' flexibility is an advantage when an excited horses hits the fence, as it gives without hurting the horse or breaking. However, this flexibility can also be a problem as mesh fencing can start to sag if horses repeatedly lean over it. Mesh fencing is also less visible to horses than rail or wood fencing. To counter-act sagging mesh and lack of visibility, install a top rail of wood or a strand of electric wire along the top of the fence and place flagging tape (any color) between fence posts.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 4' Stakes
• String
• Spray paint
• Tape measure
• Corner posts
• Line posts
• 14 gauge steel wire mesh fencing
• 2" 8 or 9 gauge hot-dipped galvanized staples

1. Locate and mark your property line. Survey companies can do this for a small fee.

2. Remove all brush and trees from the area of the fence line.

3. Mark where your corner posts will go. You will need a corner post wherever the fence changes directions and for use as gate posts.

4. Place the 4' stakes where two of the corner posts will go. The stakes should be in a straight line. Run string between the two stakes to establish the straight line.

5. Fence posts need to be 8 to 12 feet apart. Measure from where the corner post will go and mark the placement of the fence posts with spray paint.
   Decide where the gate will go at this time and mark the spot with spray paint.

6. Repeat steps 3, 4, and 5 until you have covered the entire pasture.

7. While it is possible to place your own fence posts, it is more economical and your fence posts will have a stronger foundation if you hire someone to drive the posts into the ground. Corner and gate posts should be driven to a depth of 48 inches. Fence posts should be driven to a depth of 36 inches.

8. Attach the mesh fence to two corner posts with nails making sure that the fence is taut. The mesh fence should be at least five feet high and six to eight inches off of the ground.

9. Go back and attach the mesh to the fence posts, attaching in four places; top, bottom, 1/3 way down from top, and 1/3 way up from bottom. Attach the mesh fence to the inside (the horse side) of the posts.

Tips & Warnings

• Woven wire is a better choice than welded wire. Welded wire will rust and break as it ages. Gates should be wide enough to accommodate equipment. Wooden fence posts are stronger and last longer than steel posts. Steel posts may bend if a horse hits or repeatedly leans against them. Attaching the fence on the inside of the fence posts results in a stronger fence, as leaning horses are unable to pop out the staples.
• Mesh fencing is not a suitable fence for stallions. Steel posts pose an impalement hazard unless capped with a plastic safety cap. Vines love mesh fencing and can quickly take over shortening the life of your fence. Plan for your gates to be in the middle of the fence line rather than close to a corner where horses may be trapped by more aggressive pasture mates.

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