How To Fence(Horse Fence Guidelines)

Within the last 20 years many people have made the decision to move farther and farther from traditional neighborhoods. As they do, properties tend to be larger and farther apart from each other. With all this land, some homeowners start to consider owning their own horses and need to learn how to fence them in. Those experienced with the joys and challenges involved in fencing a horse have plenty of tips to offer those that are set on discovering this adventure for themselves.

There are special design requirements to take into consideration when learning how to fence in horses. Not only are these animals very strong, they are also easily spooked. Frightened horses will run at full gallop to escape a perceived danger. This danger can turn out to be an unfamiliar dog, a loud sound, a person or even another horse. When spooked, a horse often will not really see objects close to them.

This fact alone can introduce the need for some basic criteria to be included in any good horse fence. It does not matter if is for a corral or to enclose a larger area, you have to know how to fence in a horse properly or possibly suffer the consequences.
A proper horse fence needs to be able to withstand considerable pressure as a horse may (rarely, but still) simply knock down a fence to get to another desired area. If they are frightened, then they can butt it, kick it or try to jump it. Providing a sturdy fence prevents costly repairs while ensuring the safety of the horse. A fence that is partially down is a dangerous thing.

High tensile steel horse fencing is one way to satisfy that criterion. This can be in the form of chain link with a gauge designed for horse fencing. In this case, the lower number the better. It also means ultra-sturdy posts to be installed. While standard fencing requires a post hole about 1/3 of the length of the post, horse fencing requires that depth be increased, unless the distance is compensated for by extra concrete or special construction.

One way of increasing the safety factor and lowering the odds of expensive repairs is to make the fence very easy for the horse to see. Horses tend to look further off, to spot danger at a distance. This means that if they might be close to a fence at any given point, that fence should be very obvious.

However, that does not mean that the fence needs to be solid. A simple post and rail wood fence can fulfill that need. The traditional design seen in hundreds of films and TV shows is still used because it still does the job well. Even though cost does play a factor in post and rail as a choice, it is a good combination for smart horse owners as it does the job inexpensively. Smart owners know that their horses are too valuable, financially and emotionally to consider only the price of the fence.

Whatever the design, the fence should be at least 4-5 feet high. The lower section should have no more than about 12 inches clearance but no less than eight. This prevents a young foal from rolling under, but eliminates the risk of getting a hoof trapped at the bottom.

The correct shape to the fence is another consideration in learning how to fence in horses. It is not an accident that most horse fencing contains few if any corners. Horses are animals that have dominance instincts. Unlike good people, though, even the best of horses don't settle their differences by polite conversation. A more aggressive horse will frequently try to trap another into a corner. Eliminating this possibility allows other horses to get out of the way and avoid this kind of conflict.

Take the time to know How to Build A Fence for horses the correct way and you and your horse will be happier as a result.