The ABC’s Of Horse Fencing
In an ideal world, horse fencing would not only be cost effective, but safe and secure to boot. There are so many choices in horse fencing out there today, and each have their very own strengths and downsides. Safety and security has to pertain to both our equine friends, and to ourselves. Horses need a strong, somewhat flexible, and secure area of confinement, and it is our job to provide just that. The following is a quick once over of the do’s and don’ts of horse fencing.
One of the most important factors to consider when installing or upgrading your horse fencing is the distance between the horizontal posts of the fence. Wire mesh fencing, especially that which has squares or holes larger that three inches in diameter, makes for a very unsafe construction and should not be considered a viable option. One stray hoof is all it takes to create an absolute disaster, as the horse struggles and tangles further, and usually isn’t found until he has been down and in pain for hours. Also no barbed wire of any kind, and no horizontal boards any lower than 18 inches from the ground. These are all extreme safety hazards for your horse.
There are many alternatives to the standard wood and electrical fencing options. The issue that many face with wooden fencing is that it needs pretty consistent upkeep. Nailed boards toward the outer perimeter of the fence can be pushed out by a busy or curious horse, and the elements do their fair share to weaken the wood as well. If a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, than a fence is only as strong as its weakest board. It can also be misleading to depend on electric fencing alone, as there are many technical and weather related issues which can knock out the power source to your fence, sometimes for hours before you realize what’s happened. It seems most people figure out that their electric fence isn’t working by looking out the window and watching their horses frolic freely through the yard. It happens all the time.
There are PVC and vinyl horse fencing options available today which not only withstand the elements, but that are safe and slightly flexible. They also discourage the dangerous habit of cribbing, and those who own equine gate crashers will have less stress about injury. This fencing option has just the right balance between give and strength. Tape fencing is another interesting option, using very heavy rope that looks like tow strapping, as it focuses on both complete safety and user friendliness. These alternatives can have a greater initial cost than the old standards, but the long term peace of mind may just be worth it for you.