Installing New Fencing

No matter what type of horse you own, it is important to provide a safe and comfortable place to turn him out. Horses who are forced to stand in a stall all day can develop a number of annoying and potentially destructive habits, from pacing the stall and chewing wood to cribbing, striking and kicking. Taking the time to fence in the pasture safely allows horse owners to give their horses room to romp, play and blow off steam.

Wood Fence

Wood fence is one of the simplest types of horse fencing to install. All horse owners need is a post hole digger, some fence posts, enough lumber to finish the job, a hammer and plenty of nails. Installing a wood fence is an easy do-it-yourself project for many horse owners.

Vinyl Fencing

While wood fence is cheap and easy to install, it does have its limitations. One of the most serious limitations is the fact that a wood fence must be stripped down and repainted on a regular basis to retain its good looks and protect it from weather damage. Vinyl fencing has none of these drawbacks, but the downside is that it can be much harder to install without professional help.

Hot Tape

Hot tape provides an excellent low-cost solution for horse owners. This popular type of fencing embeds strands of electrical wires inside highly visible wide white plastic. This makes the fence very visible and reduces the chances that a horse will fail to see the fence and run through it. This type of fencing can be very economical, with a 1000-foot roll selling for about $100 in tack shops and feed stores. Horse owners will also need to purchase a charger to run electricity through the fence, but these chargers can often be found for less than $100.

Non-Climb Horse Fencing

Non-climb horse fencing is designed so that the slats in the wire are small enough to prevent the horse from putting his hoof through the gaps and getting caught up. This type of fence is available on large rolls, and it is generally attached to large, heavy fence posts to keep it in place. While it is possible to install non-climb horse fencing on your own, it is generally best to have it installed by a professional.

Choosing one of these fencing options for your horse will keep him safe and sound. Keeping your horse where he belongs is an important part of proper horse keeping, so make sure you have the right fence in place before you bring your new equine friend home.