Designing fencing for horses poses many unique challenges, issues and problems. Horses will often find ingenious and novel ways of injuring themselves.
Horses by nature are herd animals whose natural tendency is to wander.
Fences are by nature designed to inhibit a horse's instincts.

Standard farm fencing, for example ringlock, is unsuitable for horses (however horse fencing may be suitable for other animals).

Many injuries to horses can be attributed to poor or unsuitable fencing.
Injuries can be caused by fencing materials, poor design and poor workmanship or a combination of any of the three.

There are many factors to consider when designing fencing for your horses. Like any major project time spent at the beginning planning your fence will pay dividends in time, effort and most importantly money later in the process.

If you are utilizing the design services of a fence manufacturer or supplier, make sure the fence design suits your needs and requirements rather than any limitations of the product in question.

Many software applications are available allowing you to change and modify your plans easily.

Draw a map or diagram of your property and future fencing paying special attention to gate placement.
Many software applications are available allowing you to change and modify your plans easily.

You may wish to ask yourself -
. What constraints such as vegetation, dams or waterways, soil conditions exist?
. What stock levels can be expected?
. What type of horses will reside on your farm?
. Will you have foals on the property?
. What is your budget?
. Are aesthetics important?
. Who is going to build your fencing, can you erect it yourselves?
. How many and where will your gates be?
. Common fence lines or laneways?
. Are termites a problem?
. Is the land affected by salinity?
. Proximity to neighbours, roads etc.
. Do you have problems with dogs, foxes, kangaroos or other wildlife?

A few general pointers on construction -
. Your horse fencing should have plenty of give or bounce.
. Ensure fencing is visible.
. Make sure there is no chance a horse can get caught on the fence. Pay special attention to bracing.
. If possible avoid right angled corners where horses can be trapped. If you can curve or "round" the corners or alternatively create a 45 degree barrier.
. Position gates away from corners.
. Smaller areas increase a horses "interaction" with a fence.
. Under normal conditions the total height of the horse fence should be a minimum of four feet or 122cm and preferably approach five feet or 152cm.
. If you have miniatures make your fencing suitable for all horses - otherwise if you ever decide to sell your property you will severely reduce its marketability.
. Allow adequate space for horses to exercise.
. If possible have a separate paddock for "problem" horses.
. Painting timber fences increases maintenance.

Gates - The best fencing available can be let down by poorly constructed or designed gates.
. Make sure your gates are heavy duty and strong enough to withstand anything your horse may do.
. Ensure spacings are small enough to ensure your horses will not get caught in the gate.

Farm Design

Whether for horses or other livestock, designing your property correctly at the start will save time, effort and money.
If you either require a farm design from scratch or simply a review of an existing design please call 1300 308 186 and we will refer you to an independent design expert for impartial advice.