Whether you’re building new paddocks from scratch or remodelling your current paddock fencing system, you may be overwhelmed by choice when looking at equine fencing options. It’s important to learn the advantages and disadvantages of each type of horse fencing in order to make an informed buying decision, what might be the best fence for your neighbour and his or her horses may not be ideal for you. In this post, we will help you choose the best equestrian fencing for you, your horses, and your budget.
Whether you’re building new paddocks from scratch or remodelling your current paddock fencing system, you may be overwhelmed by choice when looking at equine fencing options. It’s important to learn the advantages and disadvantages of each type of fencing in order to make an informed buying decision, what might be the best fence for your neighbour and his or her horses may not be ideal for you. In this post, we will help you choose the best equestrian fencing for you, your horses, and your budget.
Flex Fencing
When installed properly, Flex Fencing is a great looking fence that requires almost no maintenance and will flex like a belt through loops for the safety of both horse and handler. We have had a number of equine fencing installations where trees have fallen and the customer has simply cut the tree out of the way and the fence sprung back to life. Or, a car crashes into the Flex fence and takes some posts down, but the horses stay in the paddock because the fence springs back.
Our customers choose Flex for a number of reasons, with the most significant being the safety of the fence line. Horses simply have a hard time getting hurt on this type of equine fence. Like with other fencing, they may attempt to sit on it, run into it, and sometimes even jump it, but with the Flex fencing are often left unharmed. The difference in the cost of high-quality fencing and cheap fencing is sometimes just one vet bill. The 30-year limited warranty that comes with System Equine horse fencing ensures you are covered from fading, cracking, and painting, resulting in peace of mind and relaxation, as opposed to frequent fence maintenance.
Since 1987, we have been the largest installer and retailer of Flex fencing in the Canadian market. Our first installation was at Stonebrooke Farm in Burlington, Ontario, owned by Girt and Diane Atrens—a four-rail Flex job—and we have never stopped installing flexible horse fencing since. It’s available in white, brown, or black with matching hardware. Our newest addition to this product line is an item that will enable the horse barn fence to be tensioned by only one person instead of using the former spoolers with two people.
Raceline
Raceline is an excellent economical fencing choice. It is a high tensile wire with a thick 5/16” coating to ensure durability. Raceline is quick to install and allows you to set your post centers up to 20’ apart. Combine with a Flex topline for a truly remarkable equestrian fence system.
Electric Strand Fencing
Electric fencing is the best option to gain horses’ respect for boundary fences. It’s also relatively inexpensive when compared to other equine fencing choices, and has the benefit of being either temporary when installed with T-posts, or permanent when installed with wooden posts. Choose electric fencing for your entire fencing system, or combine with any of our other systems for added safety, durability, and aesthetic appeal (see Combination Fencing below). A recent study by Glauser et al. (2015) has shown that horses experience no greater amounts of stress in electrified enclosures than in non-electrified fencing systems. It’s important to note, however, that while horses in electrified paddocks do not experience stress, they do use less of the available area than in non-electrified paddocks; be sure to take this into account when planning your paddock’s size.
Electric Tape Fencing
We have been selling electric tape fencing for over 20 years, and our original installations are still going strong. In the right application, this type of horse fencing is one of the safest and easiest to install on the market, it combines the benefits of electric fencing with the aesthetics and high visibility of board fencing at an affordable price. Choose electric tape fencing if you want a quick and great-looking fence that requires very little maintenance.
Wood Fencing
Our premium quality oak boards and cedar horse fence posts offer the much sought-after, traditional look of wooden fencing, and are also long-lasting. This type of fencing is ideal for high-traffic areas due to being strong and highly visible. Combine wooden fencing with electric or wire fencing for extra security. All oak is sold green for easy nailing and limited splitting. Leave boards and posts natural for a rustic look, or coat with our fence paint for added protection.
Wire Fencing
Wire equine fencing has a wide variety of advantages for use with many types of livestock. Our selection of wire fencing of varying designs and sizes is sure to meet your needs.
This type of fencing is rigid for durability, yet flexible enough to prevent injury. All wire is galvanized in order to prevent corrosion and resist severe weather conditions, also resulting in an extremely low maintenance system that holds up to the ongoing abuse animals can create. Wire fencing is the best option to protect your animals from predators, ensuring no access points to the paddock. While ideal for keeping predators out, the opposite is also true; wire fencing does an excellent job at keeping livestock of all sizes safely inside the paddock. When combined with our Flex or oak rail fencing to provide a strongly visible sightline, wire fencing is one of the best options currently available for animal containment.
Combination Fencing
Combination horse fencing gives you the flexibility to customize and meet your specific fencing needs; fencing for a unique layout, situation, budget, breed, size, visibility, or other requirement are all great reasons to combine your fencing. The possibilities are endless for using our Flex, electric rope, electric tape, oak, and/or wire fencing options.
PVC Fencing
PVC vinyl fencing provides a beautiful look with minimal maintenance. It is also easy to install as well as clean. While it is very durable, it is not recommended for use with horses or livestock. It makes a very traditional-looking decorative fence, perfect for around properties, paddocks, or riding rings or along walkways or driveways.
Now that you’ve learned more about the various fencing options available to you, hopefully you feel more confident when making your ultimate decision. Remember, we are always here to help! If you have any questions regarding anything in this post, or would like to learn more about our fencing products, please don’t be afraid to send us an email at [email protected] or give us a call toll-free at 1 (866) 284-6773. We have a wide selection of horse fencing for sale that can meet the budget and everyday needs of most horse and barn owners.
References
No increased stress response in horses on small and electrically fenced paddocks
Glauser A., Burger D., van Dorland H.A., Gygax L., Bachmann I., Howald M., Bruckmaier R.M. (2015) Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 167 , pp. 27-34.
