Learning Center | Horse Fencing
We understand that putting in a new fence is a big project, so we want to make it easy for you to increase your knowledge and mastery of fence design and installation at your convenience! With our useful tutorials and guides below you’ll have your fence up in no time.
What different types of Horse Fences are there?
If you're new to horse fencing, here are all the available types of fences and useful information you’ll need.
What type of Energizer do I need?
If you decide an electric fence is right for you, then picking the right energizer is key. First, choose a powering option; then, move on to the other necessary considerations.
Types of Energizers:
AC Powered
Battery/DC Powered
Solar Powered
For each of the above power options, we help you compare key considerations in picking a model:
Accessibility Length of fence
Location of fence Animals to be contained or excluded
High-Tensile Polymer (HTP) Fencing
Basic Characteristics
High-tensile polymer fencing consists of high-tensile steel or polymer wires encased in rails made of a tough vinyl plastic. The wires are strung and pulled taut between fence posts.
Features and benefits
Horses are less likely to challenge a fence if it appears to be a high, solid barrier, so the high visibility of the rails is one of this fence type’s main benefits. As horses have a tendency to flee any danger, it is more common for them to actually hit a fence than it is for other animals to do so. Because of this, an ideal fence should have some give to it so a horse can rebound off the fence without injury; the polymer rails have much more give than a traditional rail fence. The polymer rails require little maintenance; vinyl does not require painting—or repainting—and is less likely to present a jagged edge if it breaks. However, with the addition of the high-tensile wires, the rails are not likely to break at all. As an added benefit, some types of wires may also allow the fence to be electrified for increased security. In any case, the rails will also continue to look good for decades after installation.
Cons
HTP fencing is one of the more costly options on the market. It also must be installed with properly assembled fencepost brace assemblies, which requires a heavier up-front investment in installation as well.
Summary
HTP has many advantages. The ease of installation, low maintenance requirements, safety for the horses, attractiveness and durability of HTP fencing makes it a sound investment. However, it is a large investment in money and installation time.
High-Tensile Wire Fencing
Basic Characteristics
High-tensile wire fencing consists of wires strung between fence posts and brace post assemblies at a high tension. There are different types of high-tensile wires that can be used, and some can also be electrified for added security.
Features and benefits
High-tensile wire fencing is one of the least expensive options to install, and can be installed on many pre-existing fence posts. Because the wire is continuous, if a horse hits the wire fence, the wire is less likely to break than a traditional board/rail fence. Also, high-tensile steel fences allow long stretches of fence to be constructed between two strong corner or brace post assemblies, with fewer intermediate posts needed.
Wire options
The options available for high-tensile fences have varying costs and benefits. The least expensive option is steel wire, which may corrode over time. Aluminum wire is more expensive, will not rust, but which will require more significant retensioning. Poly wire is coated with vinyl and uses more than one strand of wire, which increases the lifespan of the wire, as well as making the fence more visible to the horses.
Cons
Horses are less likely to challenge a fence if it is a visible, solid-looking barrier. Fences that consist only of high-tensile wire, especially if it is not coated with anything, are less visible to horses, meaning that the horse is more likely to challenge it and actually run into the fence. It i
s suggested that wire fences be combined with other, more visible options, such as a rail on top or polytape, so as to counter this disadvantage.
Summary
High-tensile wire fencing is inexpensive, but should be combined with other, more visible options in order to reduce the likelihoo
d of the horses challenging the fence. It is also important to consider the maintenance costs of re-tensioning the fence and replacing corroded wir
e over time, as you decide which types of materials to invest in.
(caption) This High-tensile wire fence is combined with a wooden rail and poly wire, making it easily visible to horses.
Poly rope/Poly wire fencing
Basic characteristics
Poly wire is a multi-stranded, thin rope that generally includes conductive metal wire and polymer strands. Poly rope is a thicker, stronger version of the poly wire. Poly wire and Poly rope are generally meant for temporary fencing, as for temporary grazing or boundary control away from home, and are generally meant to be electrified.
There are multiple types of poly wire/rope, many of which have different types of metal strands. The strands range from simple steel to aluminum to copper alloys. Poly tape can also be used for the purpose of temporary paddocks; the tape is more visible to horses and generally has six or more strands woven through it. Poly wire, rope, and tape are also great assets to enhance the visibility of a tensioned wire fence.
Features and benefits
Poly wire/rope fences are easily set up, especially with portable posts. They are comparatively inexpensive. The polymer coating and strands make the wires UV-resistant and less likely to corrode. As these fences are not meant to be tensioned, maintenance is not applicable. The fence is visible to horses because of the polymer, so it is unlikely to be challenged or injure a horse.
Cons
Poly wire/rope fences are not meant to be permanent, and are unlikely to be effective if they are not electrified. Because they are not tensioned, a panicked horse could go through the enclosure easily, whether or not the fence is electrified.
Summary
Poly wire/rope fences are inexpensive and easy to set up because they are generally meant to be temporary. They should be electrified for maximum effectiveness. Poly rope/wire fences are visible to horses and under normal circumstances would not be challenged; these fences would do their job well. However, under extraordinary circumstances, a panicked horse could escape, even if the fence is electrified.
Caption: This temporary paddock (by Fi-Shock) uses poly rope and step-in fence posts, as well as a small energizer.
Electrified fences
Basic characteristics
At its most basic, an electrified fence consists of wire charged by a fence charger (called an energizer or controller). Electric fences are safe to use, if a properly-designed controller is installed. While high voltages are used, the extremely short amount of time that the current flows prevents any damage to animals or humans.
Features and benefits
Electrified fences can take many forms. The electrified wires can be included in high-tensile polymer (HTP) rails (see HTP Fencing), can be strung on their own at high tension (see High-Tensile Wire Fencing), or can be used temporarily with poly rope or poly wire (see Polyrope/Polywire Fencing). Charged wire can also be added to existing fences as a deterrent, such as when a charged wire is placed on top of an existing rail fence to discourage horses from leaning over the fence. In any case, there are many considerations when planning to construct an electric fence. See our page here for choosing a controller for a specific fence.
Electric fencing is extremely effective in discouraging horses from challenging a fence, making the fence extremely safe for the horse (especially after initial contact). A charged fence will also discourage outside predators or other animals from coming near or trying to get through the fence, making your livestock safer. Depending on the type of charged fencing you install, electric fencing can be a very inexpensive way to increase the effectiveness of your fence.
Cons
Installation of charged fences can be time-consuming, and it is vital to ensure it is done right. Electrified fences are vulnerable to power failure from lightning strikes, which can melt or blow out the controller or a failure of the power source for the energizer itself. These would leave the fence uncharged and less effective. Plants growing around the base of the fence can decrease effectiveness, as well. Electric fences require consistent maintenance to ensure that they remain optimally charged. Because the fence must be powered, an electric fence will be a continuous investment.
Caption: This electric fence consists of electrified wire strung on part of an existing rail fence.
Summary
Electric fences consist of an energizer or controller and charged wires of varying types. They are very effective for enclosing and protecting livestock from outside creatures, and are safe for animals and humans. However, they require a large investment of time for installation, require consistent maintenance, and must be powered, which will cost money.
Finish Line
Basic Characteristics
Finish-Line is a flexible, high-tensile synthetic horse fencing which looks and functions like polywire but actually contains no metal wire at all.
Features and benefits
Finish-line will not stretch out under tension, meaning it will not need re-tensioning, and has a breaking strength of 1,250 lbs, but any impact on the material would spread over the full length of the fence (as in high-tension polyrope/wire). Finish-line is lightweight, allowing for easy installation on any type of post. It will not corrode or break down due to sunlight, and requires little maintenance. Finish-line is also highly visible, just as polywire/rope, which is a deterrent for horses. However, in the event that a horse does panic and run into the fence, Finish-Line will stretch upon impact, allowing a horse to rebound without injury.
Cons
Because Finish-line has no metal strands, it cannot be electrified, which could be considered a detraction. It is also more expensive than ordinary high-tension materials, such as ordinary galvanized metal wires or poly rope. It may melt in the event of a lightning strike.
Caption: As seen here, Finish-line may be installed on many different types of fence post and is highly visible and attractive.
Summary
Finish-line is a highly visible, high-tensioned, non-metal strand that may be installed on existing fence posts. It requires little maintenance, and its malleability upon impact makes injury to a horse unlikely. Finish-line is also more expensive than ordinary fence stranding, and cannot be electrified as a deterrent to predators. However, in circumstances where an electric fence is unneeded, Finish-line is an attractive, low-maintenance alternative.
Mesh wire Fencing
Basic characteristics
Mesh wire fences consist of a wire mesh attached to traditional posts. In order to be safe for horses, they must have small openings in the mesh (2 x 4 in) and be of—at minimum—12.5 gauge steel. Twisted wire is also necessary for the fence to hold up; while welded mesh is less expensive, it will not last.
Features and benefits
Wire mesh is strong, durable and less expensive than traditional rail fences. It is fairly easy to install and has no sharp, exposed edges to injure a horse. If the wire mesh is of the appropriate type, horses will not be able to catch their hooves in the mesh. It is visible to horses, especially if installed in combination with a rail across the top of the fence.
Cons
Wire mesh fences are also not the most attractive of options. They are also not meant to b
e electrified. Because wire mesh is most often made of steel, these fences will corrode and need to be replaced.
Caption: This wire mesh fence follows the guidelines on suggested size and spacing of the wires.
Summary
Wire mesh fences are meant to be installed on wooden fence posts, and are considered very safe for horses. While not the most attractive, they are effective at retaining livestock. The wire mesh will need to be replaced and inspected to ensure it does not weaken.
Rail/Plank Fences
Basic characteristics
This category includes fences made from treated and/or painted wooden planks nailed or screwed to posts, split rails with rounded ends that slide into holes in posts, PVC
plastic boards, and wooden boards coated with vinyl.
Features and benefits
These types of fences are very popular on farms because they are attractive, and relatively safe for horses because of their high visibility. Unless a horse strikes a fence with enough force to break the rail, it is unlikely to injure the horse.
Cons
Wooden fences have the high requirements for maintenance. They should be painted to discourage horses from chewing on them and to make the fence more attractive. Horses have a tendency to nibble on wooden fences, even when the wood is treated, if the enclosed space is small. PVC plastic planks do not require painting but do require washing to prevent mildew. The same is true for wooden planks dipped in vinyl. In addition, wooden planks—dipped in vinyl or not—can warp with age and exposure to moisture. Rail/Plank fences are also not a deterrent for predators.
Caption: This paddock is enclosed by an attractive four-board rail fence.
Summary
Rail/Plank fences can be made of wood, PVC, or vinyl-dipped wooden planks. They are highly visible, safe, and attractive; however, they require quite a bit of maintenance and can degrade quickly.
AC Powered Chargers/Energizers
AC chargers are powered by the electrical current from a regular 110-volt outlet. These electric fence energizers require a power line to which they connect. If you have access to a 110-volt AC outlet, then it is recommended that you buy an AC charger. They are the least expensive to run, and generally provide the best output out of the three available types of energizers. AC-powered electric fence energizers are the most common type of charger used in electric fence systems today.
If you do not have access to a 110-volt A/C outlet, look at either Battery/DC Powered or Solar-powered chargers.
Several factors determine what capacity (power) of energizer is necessary to properly charge your specific fence. These include the length and height of the fence, the number of wires included, general conditions/vegetation, and the types of animals to be included or excluded. The following sections will give you the information on how to calculate the amount of wire necessary, and how to select an energizer.
Hot/grounding wire configurations
Because electricity must pass from a fence into the animal’s body and back out through a grounding wire or the ground, it is not recommended that all wires in a fence be “hot”, or charged. A typical configuration for a four-strand fence will have a hot top wire, followed by a grounding wire. Many configurations keep the bottom wires of the fence charged because the current will flow to the ground. This also makes it likely that smaller animals, such as predators, will come in contact with a hot wire.
Types and numbers of animals to be contained or excluded
Different types and concentrations of animals require different configurations of fencing in order for the electric fence to be effective. Young horses require a fence with more strands. If the fence is likely to have a higher load (come in contact with the horses often) as in a fence for feedlot horses, more hot strands are recommended. If it is necessary for predators or nuisance animals to be excluded, more strands should be added to the fence. Most fences range from three to seven strands, in a fence at least five feet high for a perimeter.
Length of fence/Number of hot wires included
Now that you The number you will use to determine the power needed for your energizer is the actual length of all of the wire in the fence. If the perimeter of the fenced area measures 500 ft and the plan is for a fence with four hot wires, there will be 2,000 ft of hot wire total. Obviously, the more fencing you have, the more powerful an energizer will be needed.
Non-ideal conditions
Wetness and plan growth (touching a hot wire) will decrease your energizer’s effectiveness. If your fence will be in an area where these conditions apply, it could be important to use a higher-powered charger.
Power requirements
Energizer capacity is stated in joules. All brands of energizer include an energy rating chart, which will indicate how many miles or acres of wire a specific charger can power; however, conditions may indicate that a higher-powered energizer should be used.
A good rule of thumb is that a good AC charger will power 2–5 miles of fence per output joule, which is about 70% of the stored joule rating, if that is what the manufacturer supplies. For example, if a charger says it has stored energy of 50 joules, the output energy is about 35 joules. Those 35 joules could power between 70-175 miles of fence wire. However, it is best to estimate on the low end. If conditions are not ideal or there is a heavy load on the fence, it is important to have enough power to maintain a fence’s effectiveness.
Battery / DC Powered
Because battery-powered energizers generally have a weaker charge than AC energizers, they are best for situations where AC power is not available. Battery-powered chargers come in 4-volt, 6-volt, and 12-volt options. It is highly recommended to use a good deep-cell marine type battery, which are designed to discharge more slowly and completely. Note that some of the larger battery energizers may require more than one battery. Also, it may be necessary to replace the batteries in the charger every three or four years.
Several factors determine what capacity (power) of energizer is necessary to properly charge your specific fence. These include the length and height of the fence, the number of wires included, general conditions/vegetation, and the types of animals to be included or excluded. The following sections will give you the information on how to calculate the amount of wire necessary, and how to select an energizer.
Hot/grounding wire configurations
Because electricity must pass from a fence into the animal’s body and back out through a grounding wire or the ground, it is not recommended that all wires in a fence be “hot”, or charged. A typical configuration for a four-strand fence will have a hot top wire, followed by a grounding wire. Many configurations keep the bottom wires of the fence charged because the current will flow to the ground. This also makes it likely that smaller animals, such as predators, will come in contact with a hot wire.
Types and numbers of animals to be contained or excluded
Different types and concentrations of animals require different configurations of fencing in order for the electric fence to be effective. Young horses require a fence with more strands. If the fence is likely to have a higher load (come in contact with the horses often) as in a fence for feedlot horses, more hot strands are recommended. If it is necessary for predators or nuisance animals to be excluded, more strands should be added to the fence. Most fences range from three to seven strands, in a fence at least five feet high for a perimeter.
Length of fence/Number of hot wires included
The number you will use to determine the power needed for your energizer is the actual length of all of the wire in the fence. If the perimeter of the fenced area measures 500 ft and the plan is for a fence with four hot wires, there will be 2,000 ft of hot wire total. Obviously, the more fencing you have, the more powerful an energizer will be needed.
Non-ideal conditions
Wetness and plan growth (touching a hot wire) will decrease your energizer’s effectiveness. If your fence will be in an area where these conditions apply, it could be important to use a higher-powered charger.
Power requirements
Energizer capacity is stated in joules. All brands of energizer include an energy rating chart, which will indicate how many miles or acres of wire a specific charger can power; however, conditions may indicate that a higher-powered energizer should be used.
A good rule of thumb is that a good charger will power 2–5 miles of fence per output joule, which is about 70% of the stored joule rating, if that is what the manufacturer supplies. For example, if a charger says it has stored energy of 10 joules, the output energy is about 7 joules. Those 7 joules could power 14-35 miles of fence wire. However, it is best to estimate on the low end. If conditions are not ideal or there is a heavy load on the fence, it is important to have enough power to maintain a fence’s effectiveness.
Solar Powered
Solar powered energizers consist of battery-powered units which have a solar panel to charge the batteries. This extends the time that the batteries may maintain electrification of the fence before they must be fully recharged. Solar panels are not very efficient; though under ideal conditions and a light load, it is possible for a solar-powered energizer with the right rating to last a week in cloudy weather, the batteries mat run down much faster than that. A good rule of thumb here is that you will need about 10 watts of solar panel for each output joule of the energizer. For example, a 6-joule charger will need a minimum of a 60-watt solar panel. For this reason, powered energizers are ideal for small fenced areas and light loads, where replacing the batteries is not feasible.
Several factors determine what capacity (power) of energizer is necessary to properly charge your specific fence. These include the length and height of the fence, the number of wires included, general conditions/vegetation, and the types of animals to be included or excluded. The following sections will give you the information on how to calculate the amount of wire necessary, and how to select an energizer.
Hot/grounding wire configurations
Because electricity must pass from a fence into the animal’s body and back out through a grounding wire or the ground, it is not recommended that all wires in a fence be “hot”, or charged. A typical configuration for a four-strand fence will have a hot top wire, followed by a grounding wire. Many configurations keep the bottom wires of the fence charged because the current will flow to the ground. This also makes it likely that smaller animals, such as predators, will come in contact with a hot wire.
Types and numbers of animals to be contained or excluded
Different types and concentrations of animals require different configurations of fencing in order for the electric fence to be effective. Young horses require a fence with more strands. If the fence is likely to have a higher load (come in contact with the horses often) as in a fence for feedlot horses, more hot strands are recommended. If it is necessary for predators or nuisance animals to be excluded, more strands should be added to the fence. Most fences range from three to seven strands, in a fence at least five feet high for a perimeter.
Length of fence/Number of hot wires included
Now that you The number you will use to determine the power needed for your energizer is the actual length of all of the wire in the fence. If the perimeter of the fenced area measures 500 ft and the plan is for a fence with four hot wires, there will be 2,000 ft of hot wire total. Obviously, the more fencing you have, the more powerful an energizer will be needed.
Non-ideal conditions
Wetness and plan growth (touching a hot wire) will decrease your energizer’s effectiveness. If your fence will be in an area where these conditions apply, it could be important to use a higher-powered charger.
Power requirements
Energizer capacity is stated in joules. All brands of energizer include an energy rating chart, which will indicate how many miles or acres of wire a specific charger can power; however, conditions may indicate that a higher-powered energizer should be used.
A good rule of thumb is that a good charger will power 2–5 miles of fence per output joule, which is about 70% of the stored joule rating, if that is what the manufacturer supplies. For example, if a charger says it has stored energy of 50 joules, the output energy is about 35 joules. Those 35 joules could power between 70-175 miles of fence wire. However, it is best to estimate on the low end. If conditions are not ideal or there is a heavy load on the fence, it is important to have enough power to maintain a fence’s effectiveness.