1. A fence should be very visible to the horses. Even if the fence is not very strong, it needs to LOOK substantial.
2. No corners, please! Always make a curve with another piece of fencing. That way, if a horse is running down the fence line, he will not crash through the fence at the corner, but he will just make the curve with the fence.
3. Never place a fence at the bottom of a hill. A horse tends to look OVER the fence. Place the fence on higher ground.
4. Eliminate the motivation to cross the fence. Make sure the grass is not a lot greener on the other side.
5. To contain a stallion, use two fences spaced about 8 to 10 feet apart or add electric fencing.

Types of fencing materials

1. Wood has been a longtime favorite of horse owners. In fact, it is the most popular type of fencing there is.

Some of its advantages are:

Superior strength and visibility.
Durability.
It can be stained, painted, or left to weather naturally.
Fairly economical to install.
Traditional appearance.

Points to Consider

Maintenance, boards break with time.
Some horses like to chew on wood.

Variations

Post and board
Slip board
Post and rail

2. Diamond mesh wire has been used for nearly a century and is highly respected by leading horsemen.

Some of its advantages are:

It is exceptionally strong and resilient.
It is strong enough to withstand the abuse of stallions, yet safe enough for newborn foals.
It outlasts wood fencing.
It does not require painting or staining.
It is less expensive than vinyl fencing.
It has no sharp edges to injure animals.
Hooves and legs cannot be caught in it.
It is virtually non-climbable.
Not only does it keep valuable horses inside, it also keeps predators and trespassers outside.

Points to Consider

Initial cost is higher than wood (about 1/3 more).
More difficult to install; not recommended for do-it-yourselfers.
Needs a board along the top so horses can see it.
Not as pretty as a wood fence.

3. 2 x 4 Non-Climb Wire Fencing has many of the same advantages as Diamond Mesh.

It lasts a long time and is almost maintenance free.
It is not as strong or safe as diamond mesh.
It is more likely to break or stay bent after impact.
It is less expensive.

4. High Tensile Wire

It is strong and durable.
It is relatively inexpensive.
It is difficult to see. For visibility, a top rail made of wood must be added.

Two types of wire fencing not recommended for horses are:
1. Standard wire fencing used for cattle. Horses can get their feet and legs caught in this type.
2. Barbed wire because of the danger of horses getting cut.

5. Vinyl Fencing comes in several types.

They are:

PVC
Polyethylene-covered lumber
Electrified vinyl fencing
The advantages of vinyl fencing are:
Very durable.
It will last up to 30 years.
It is maintenance free and never needs painting or staining.
Won't fade, peel, rot, warp or splinter.
It is not affected by heat or cold.
Horses are less likely to crib on it.

Points to Consider

Higher initial investment.
No future maintenance.

6. There are several types of Electrified Fencing including the high tensile wire mentioned earlier. Plastic electric tape is another choice for use with horses.

The advantages are:

It is less costly than other types of fencing.
It is visible and effective with horses when electrified.
It comes in various widths from 1/2 inch up to 5 inches wide.

Points to Consider

It is not as strong as other types of fencing.
It can be stretched to the point of breaking.

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