In addition, weed growth is easier to control along the fence line by either application of herbicides or use of a weed-eater if this clearance is left below the bottom of the fence. This is especially important with wire mesh fences, since horses are less likely to paw at the fence and more likely to keep the fence line grazed. The bottom of the fence should be 6 to 8 inches off the ground. This height will discourage fighting over the fence and help prevent horses from leaning over the fence, although the sure way to eliminate leaning and rubbing on any fence is with an offset electric fence wire.įences that divide pastures can be 4.5 feet (54 inches) high. This is usually 4 to 6 inches above the horse's withers. A 5-foot minimum height fence is both horse-safe and people-safe.įor paddocks (small pastures or turn-out areas fewer than 2 acres in size), corrals and stallion pens, a general rule is that the top of the fence should be at eye level with the horse's head in a natural upright position. This height will deter most horses from attempting to jump and will also reduce the temptation for people to reach over the fence to pet or feed horses.
The minimum recommended height for perimeter pasture fences for horses is 5 feet (60 inches). Horses are more athletic and more likely to jump a fence than to go through or under it when spooked or herded. The heights of fences used for other livestock do not necessarily apply to horse fences. A number of alternatives are available for consideration. How much importance is placed on each function depends on the owner's budget, the value of the animals, and your priorities. When selecting a fence, consider all three of these important functions - utility (keeping the horses in), safety and aesthetics. When a horse does contact a rail fence, it is less likely to get a hoof hung in it or cut itself on sharp wire ends as might be the case with many standard farm wire fences. They appear to a horse as a solid barrier that they are less likely to challenge or run into. Painted rail fences are not only beautiful to humans, they are highly visible to horses. In addition, many horses are extremely valuable and that justifies the extra cost of building a fence that is safe, strong and attractive. Because of the natural flight response of horses, they tend to injure themselves in fences more than most other livestock. Fences are necessary to safely confine horses yet provide them with the opportunity to exercise and graze. While these fences are truly beautiful, they also serve practical purposes. Pastoral scenes of life in the country often include beautiful horses running with tails raised high or peacefully grazing in lush green pastures surrounded by a freshly painted fence.
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