What is equestrian fencing?
As its name suggests, equestrian fencing is a type of agricultural fencing used specifically to contain horses. The main purpose of equestrian fencing is to contain your animals safely and securely within a field boundary, but it also serves to safeguard what could be a substantial financial investment, against getting loose.
The best height for equestrian fencing
The British Horse Society recommends the following heights for equestrian fencing:
|
Variety of animal |
Metric height of fence |
Imperial height of fence |
|
Horse |
1.08m - 1.38m |
3’6” - 4’6” |
|
Pony |
1.0m - 1.3m |
3’3” – 4’3” |
|
Stallion |
1.25m – 2.0m |
4’1” – 6’5” |
The BHS also suggests that the lower rail of a run of fencing should be positioned 0.5m (1’6”) above the ground.
Types of equestrian fencing
There are various types of fencing available for horse enclosures, each with its own pros and cons, as follows:
Electric fencing – a cost effective way to divide larger areas, for example for strip grazing, electric fencing will not withstand strong winds well. This type of fence is not suitable for roadside boundaries and horses need to be well-trained to understand and respect the consequences of an electric fence.
Mesh chain fencing – this consists of a timber top rail and vertical posts with chain mesh underneath. While cost-effective and low maintenance, mesh fencing poses a serious risk to horses that could become trapped by their hooves in the mesh.
Post and wire fencing – this type of fencing is simple in its concept, and is constructed from vertical timber posts with high-tensile wire stretched between them. Affordable and easy to maintain, post and wire fencing will not withstand a strong animal pushing against it and horses can be injured on the wire.
Post and rail fencing for horses
Timber post and rail fencing is considered the standard for equestrian fencing, and is certainly the most traditional type of fencing used. Made from two or more horizontal rails attached to vertical posts, post and rail fencing is the simplest system to use but also one of the strongest.
The benefits of post and rail fencing
- Post and rail fencing is extremely strong and with correct installation and maintenance, can last for decades.
- Where the horizontal rails are attached on the inside of the fence i.e. on the pasture side of the boundary, the fencing will not snap when a horse pushes against it, but rather give way slightly.
- Post and rail fencing can be completely customised to individual requirements, with height and spacing decided upon according to need.
- The open nature of this fencing affords an uninterrupted view, which allows horses to be contained without the feeling of being confined.
Installation and care of post and rail fencing
Our guide to post and rail fencing will take you through the installation process step by step then, once installed, the fencing will require regular maintenance. All fencing should be checked regularly for signs of damage and repaired immediately to avoid escapes or injuries. Ongoing maintenance will include an annual treatment with a wood preserver to increase the durability and lifespan of the timber. Where inquisitive horses nibble the fencing, Protek Wood Stain and Protector is a safer alternative to creosote and is safe enough to use around animals.
Timber post and rail fencing from Witham Timber
At Witham Timber, our experience of supplying quality timber products spans over 200 years. We have supplied timber fencing to thoroughbred racehorse stud farms across Europe and all our timber fencing products are manufactured from pressure treated timber. We supply wooden fence posts, bevelled or square edged timber rails, as well as morticed posts and all fixings.
To discuss any aspect of equestrian fencing, our sales team is on hand to answer questions via email at sales@withamtimber.co.uk or over the phone on 01205 359188