Horse Fencing: A Range of Options

Horse owners today have a range of fence options to choose from in order to keep their horses safe. These horse fences, made of materials like wood and vinyl contain animals securely within their boundaries. Other options in wire and mesh are available, but recommended for smaller animals. Whether owners prefer the natural beauty of wood, the low maintenance of vinyl or something in between, they will certainly find a product that is perfect for their needs.
 
Wood Fencing
Wood, the long-standing traditional material for all types of fence, remains a popular choice for horse fencing today. The benefits of wood are the strength of the fence and the natural aesthetic look in rural settings. Since wood is a natural product, it blends well into its surroundings while serving as a barrier to contain horses.

The traditional post and rail look has endured as the most popular style in horse fencing. By using this style, horse owners can cover large areas of land economically. Owners can paint or stain their horse fencing to coordinate with its surroundings. These coatings can also extend the lives of a wooden horse fence by protecting them against water damage.

The main types of wood used for horse fencing are oak and pressure-treated pine. Because oak contains no chemicals, it is appealing to horse owners concerned about cribbing. Pressure treated pine is both economical and strong; the pressure-treatment process increases its endurance against rot and insect damage.

While wood continues to be a favorite material for horse fencing, it does require some routine maintenance to ensure the integrity of the fence. Owners should examine their fences regularly to look for rotted wood or fallen boards. It is particularly important to check wooden fence posts; if installed incorrectly, posts can rot quickly and threaten the life of the fence.
 
Vinyl Fencing
Vinyl has become a very popular material for horse fencing, thanks in part to its strength and its longevity. This material comes in a variety of fencing types, including the traditional post and rail style used for horse fence. For a fence that is virtually maintenance free, vinyl fencing is an ideal choice to contain horses.

Because the pigment is consistent throughout the entire piece of vinyl, the color of the fence remains true despite weather conditions or normal wear and tear. Vinyl fence is generally available in white, but darker colors can sometimes be found. Horse owners can choose the color that best coordinates with their surroundings.

Vinyl fencing has multiple benefits. Vinyl is “maintenance free", aesthetically pleasing and has excellent durability. Vinyl can withstand the normal conditions associated with having horses corralled, such as rubbing and leaning. Horses tend not to crib on vinyl fencing. Vinyl does not rot, warp or splinter; this means that horses will be both safe and contained.

Thanks to its natural resistance to aging and rot, vinyl does not require the normal maintenance associated with horse fencing. No painting is necessary, and problems like rotting posts or boards do not exist. If a rail were to fall out, one would only need to pop it back in to fix the problem. These fences only need occasional washings to keep them looking great.
 

Accessories for Your Wood Fence

Within the main styles of wood fencing, homeowners have an endless range of possibilities to acquire a fence that is unique to their needs and aesthetic preferences. The height, size and openness of the fence can all be adjusted. Privacy fences can use alternating boards, giving an even appearance to both sides of the fence. Post and rail fences can be modified with mesh wire to contain smaller animals. A picket fence can have a dipped, arched or gothic top.

Latticework can top off a privacy fence, adding a personalized touch to a simple structure. Post caps and finials can provide an architectural detail to a picket or any other type of fence. No matter what the style of fence, a wide variety of accessories exist to develop a custom look.

Why stop with a wood fence? The same accessorizing features that make your fence special can be carried over to related products.

A deck and rail system near a pool or outdoor seating can complement a wood fence. For a secluded backyard getaway, homeowners could build a gazebo or an arbor to suit their tastes. A matching wood gate provides an extra touch of security for a fence system. Since wood can be stained, painted, cut or shaped in so many ways, it is easy to coordinate a variety of projects to match.

As suburban sprawl pushes further and further into rural areas, displaced animals begin to become a nuisance. Deer look for food wherever they can, including lawns, gardens and farms. Deer fencing is an invaluable tool to prevent deer from damaging landscaping and eating valuable crops. Whether used by a suburban homeowner or a large agricultural company, the various types of deer fencing serve as an effective barrier against animals.

One popular style of deer fencing is made from polypropylene plastic. This product is described as a virtually invisible barrier intended to exclude deer. This product, consisting of 2" x 2" mesh squares, is virtually impact resistant and very strong. One of the main benefits of this virtually invisible fencing is that it does not detract from the landscape. This type of deer fencing can be hung from cables or strung between trees. The key to deer control is to seal the area. Deer will wander around and even come through driveways.


Whether used to protect a backyard garden or a multi-acre farm, deer fencing is an effective tool to prevent deer from damaging crops and landscapes. Both plastic and electrified styles of fencing can help control deer when used correctly. Deer fencing also brings the added benefit of decreasing the risk of tick-borne Lyme disease.