The ideal horse fence will -

. Provide an impenetrable barrier.
. Require little or no maintenance.
. Be constructed in a manner that ensures horses cannot get caught in it.
. Have plenty of "give" if a horse runs into it.
. Be highly visible.
. Be long lasting.

Timber Fencing

Often referred to as Post and Rail this traditional type of horse fencing is attractive and depending on the type of timber used, economical.
However as the cost of timber increases in Australia, especially hardwoods - timber fencing can turn out to be an expensive option.
Timber fencing does tend to require more maintenance than other types of horse fencing. If the fence is painted it will require regular painting throughout its life.
From a maintenance perspective our preference would be for a natural stained look which weathers over time.
White Post and Rail looks fantastic when first painted but can be hard work keeping it in pristine condition.
Horses that like to chew rails or windsuckers can be a problem. An offset hotwire or a metal strip (railguard) should solve this issue.
If termites are an issue in your area timber may not be ideal. You may need to consider and all steel solution
This type of fencing is unforgiving if a horse hits post and rail at speed and can break leaving exposed splinters and nails.
A large horse can walk through less robust timber fences.

PVC or Vinyl - Interlocking Posts and Rails

Several companies are marketing this type of horse fencing in Australia.
An attractive, low maintenance and highly visible horse fence.
However pricing varies from expensive to very expensive.
Often used where aesthetics are of importance.
Tends to be not as strong as natural timber and rails can pop out if horses push on them or run through them.
By themselves PVC or Vinyl fences may not contain horses effectively. To ensure horses do not push the rails and pop them out an additional electric or hot wire may be required.

Synthetic Rails

Normally constructed with two or three wires spaced coated with a synthetic coating to replicate wood rails.
They are strong, have plenty of give, and at the same time are relatively low maintenance.
Synthetic rails are highly visible and from a distance look similar to timber rails.
If your fence line is undulating ensure the product is suitable.
Several companies are marketing this type of horse fencing in Australia.

Wire Mesh Fencing

Use only Wire Mesh fencing designed specifically for horses.
This type of fencing is probably the most forgiving when a horse runs into it.
It is relatively inexpensive and the only option if you need to keep dogs, feral animals and children separate from your horses.
Long lasting, low maintenance and quick to erect.
When choosing which type of mesh to use - the smaller the mesh opening the better.
Choose a horse fence that uses soft wire as opposed to high tensile - it is far more forgiving.
One drawback with this type of horse fencing is visibility - hence it is usually used in conjunction with timber rail, synthetic rail or sighter wire/tape.

Sighter Wire or Tape Horse Fencing

A safe and economical option for internal horse fences.
This fencing has plenty of give and is visible.
Horses can and will breach this type of fence on occasions therefore it is not be the best option for a busy main road.

Electric Fencing or Hot Wires

This type of horse fencing is normally used as a temporary solution or as a combination with other types of fencing.
Electric fencing is a psychological barrier as opposed to a physical barrier.
High tensile electric fencing has poor visibility and can prove highly dangerous for horses if they become entangled.
Composite polyester cables have better visibility, have more "give" and are a safer option. May not be the best option for a busy main road.

The following farm fences are NOT recommended for Horses

Hinge Joint

A good field fence for animals other than horses.
For horses - an accident waiting to happen.
The wire spacings are too large for Horses - Horses will get caught in this type of fence.
In addition it is often manufactured from high tensile steel. If a horse does get caught the horse will suffer severe and often fatal injuries.

Chicken Wire

The name says it all.
Chickens weigh in at 3kg and reach speeds of 15kph.
Horses weigh in at up to 500kg and can reach speeds of 75kph.

You don't need to be a rocket scientist!!!

Weld Mesh

Horses will break the weld leaving dangerous wires exposed.
This type of wire has no "give".

Barbed Wire

Will result in serious scarring and numerous vet bills.

Single or Multiple Strand High Tensile Wire

This type of wire often proves fatal to horses once they become entangled.

High Tensile Barbed Wire

See Above Two Paragraphs!!

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