Safe and Functional Horse Fencing

Fundamental to owning horses is the fencing used to contain them. In times past the options were simply wooden boards or barbed wire both of which are still used in many areas across Canada. 
Today there are many safe and durable options for containing horses and horse owners can select their preferences in structure design materials colour and visibility. Fencing is all about function and function is dictated by the intended purpose depending on whether you are running a boarding barn breeding barn training facility or a family acreage with a few ponies for the children.

Planning Your Fencing
To start planning your fence take a walk around your property giving specific consideration to how and where your horses will be contained their access to shade and water the efficiency and safety of the area and your need to access them on a daytoday basis.
Make a checklist of items that can help both you and your installer decide on the best plan of action. A fencing expert will be able to offer suggestions for the most effective materials and cost savings including things you may not have thought of. Here are a few
Consider the location of paddocks and pastures in relation to the barn and the ease of moving horses between housing and pasture or paddock.
Will the horses be out all day and in a barn at night? Or will they be out all the time in runout stalls or only turned out occasionally?
Decide the size your paddocks and pastures should be and how many horses will be in a single turnout area? Too many horses in a small paddock can lead to stress or injury and often social pressures force a horse to challenge a fence.
Will separate paddocks and types of fencing will be needed for mares and foals stallions performance animals and additional stock? Do you have any escape artists in your herd or others that are a challenge to contain?
Plan your fence to take advantage of the natural shade of healthy trees and remove any trees that are unsafe or may blow down over the fence.
If possible place the fenceline along areas of higher ground and for more secure posts avoid wet or previously excavated areas.
If your property is adjacent to a main road do you require a perimeter fence for extra security against unwanted visitors and do you need the perimeter fence to deter predators?
Do you need pathways