Everything Horses and Livestock® Magazine August 2020 Vol 5 Issue 3

Everything Horses and Livestock Magazine ®

Common Horse Fence Options by Matthew Jobe

Often our budget plays the biggest role in our fencing choice. Some key points we should consider is Safety, visible barrier, strength, maintenance, and long- term cost. We each have a different need and desire. One fence does not work for everyone. The amount of pressure on the fence needs to be considered when designing it. In a larger open-area you may be able to space the post further out. Perhaps fewer horizontal wires/boards/pipe can be used as well. As the area gets smaller, the pressure increases therefore requiring a stronger fence. We will touch on a few points of the most common fences used for horses. Proper Installation can make a huge difference in the longevity and maintenance demand of any fence. When choosing

a fence also consider what is aesthetically pleasing. A quality fence job can add value to any property. Barbed Wire Fences (approximately $2.50 per linear foot) According to Wikipedia, Joseph F. Glidden of DeKalb, Illinois, received a patent for the modern invention in 1874 after he made his own

modifications to previous versions. Barbed wire was the first wire technology capable of restraining cattle. The Wild West was tamed by blazing guns and barbed wire. While barbed wire is relatively safe for huge pastures holding thick-skinned cattle, the use of barbed wire for horse properties has caused untold tragedies. Barbed wire enabled those settling in the West (where wood was scarce) to operate farms and ranches.

Statistically more horses have been injured by barbed wire than any other fence, but to be fair, it could be because it is the most widely used fence. One safety note - never put horses on both sides of a barbed wire fence. That is begging for injury!

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