How to choose a fence colour for your horse property?

The question that we are often asked by our customers is which colour of fencing we recommend. We understand, when it comes to fencing for your horses, choosing the right colour can be just as important as selecting the right material.

While horses don’t see colour in the same way humans do, there are still a few things to consider when it comes to choosing a colour that works well with your property and environment. 

Different types of fences serve various purposes, such as creating an eye-catching feature or blending in with the surroundings as a background element. Before diving into the choice of colour, it’s crucial to determine whether you want your fence to be a prominent design element or a subtle, safe addition that complements your property’s environment. 

While there are lots of other factors involved in choosing a horse fence, colour also plays an integral role. So, if you too are finding your way through different shades to choose the one that’s best for your property continue reading. 

At Stock & Noble, we provide high-end property owners with the finest fencing solutions. Based on our years of experience and insights gained while helping clients create their beautiful dream properties, we will share some important tips on choosing the colour of your horse fence. 

In this article, you will learn 4 factors to consider and remember while picking the tone for your horse property. We’ll also take a look at some of the most common fence colours and what they offer. 

Overall, you will be well informed to design a property with the perfect colour for your animals and your vision. 

Factors to consider for choosing the colour of your fence. 

Factor #1: Consider your surroundings 

When selecting a fence colour, take note of your surroundings, including the colours of your barn, house, and other structures. Choosing a colour that complements or matches these existing colours may be ideal. 

Keep in mind that if you opt for a flexible rail or powder-coated steel fence system, your colour options may be limited to the pre-manufactured colours. 

For example, our Premium Steel Post and Rail only come in black or white. 

Factor #2: Consider the need for maintenance 

When choosing a fence colour, take into account the maintenance required. 

Lighter colours may need more frequent cleaning to maintain their appearance. Additionally, consider the long-term maintenance costs, which could impact the fence’s effectiveness and usability. 

Opting for a premium fence paint with anti-mould properties can extend the time between repainting to up to six years.  

Electric fencing should be regularly checked for damage caused by weather or horses. Steel posts and rail fencing require the least maintenance. It’s essential to regularly inspect the fence for damage, missing parts, and maintenance issues by walking along the fence at least once a week, if not daily. 

Factor #3: Consider the visibility for horse safety 

The primary consideration when choosing the colour of your horse fencing should be the safety of the animals. Horses have dichromatic vision, which means they see the world in shades of blue and green.

Therefore, it is essential to select a colour that contrasts with the surrounding environment and is easily visible to the horse. The most common fence colours for horses are white, black, and dark brown. 

Factor #4: Consider the climate 

When selecting a fence colour, take account of the climate in your area. If you live in a region with hot summers, it may be preferable to opt for lighter colours as they reflect heat and keep the fence cooler.

On the other hand, if you reside in a region with severe winters, darker colours may be more suitable as they absorb heat and facilitate the melting of snow and ice. 

Which Fence Colour Should I Choose for My Horse Property?

When selecting a fence colour, it’s important to consider into account the structures and surroundings on your property.

The colour you choose should complement or match the colours of your barn, house, and other structures. This will help your fence blend in seamlessly with the rest of your property and create a cohesive look. It should also be visible to horses and easy to maintain. 

White Fencing 

White is a traditional fence colour that stands out well against a natural background. It can make your property appear larger and looks traditional. However, if you live in a climate with heavy snow, white fencing may not be as visible. In this case, consider combining white with black or brown to help it stand out. 

Black Fencing 

Black is an elegant and classy fence colour that makes a bold statement. It’s traditionally used on large farms and acreage properties, and many horse studs choose it for its ability to blend in with the landscape. Black fencing is also highly visible in snowy weather and tends not to show dirt. 

Brown Fencing 

If you’re looking for a more subtle fence colour, consider brown. It offers a natural look and coordinates well with tan and neutral barn/house colours. Additionally, dirt and mud are less visible on brown fencing, making it easier to maintain. 

Speckled Fencing 

Speckled fencing is white with traces of interwoven black conductors throughout the fence rope. This gives you the best of both worlds from white and black fencing: it stands out in natural settings and is visible in snowy weather. However, it’s not as visible as a wide rail fence. 

Are you ready to choose the colour for your horse fencing? 

You wanted to choose the right colour for your horse fencing that could help you achieve the look you want for your property. 

Now you know the main factors that should drive your decision are – the surroundings, maintenance, visibility and climate. Consider the structures on your property and the overall aesthetic you’re aiming for and select a colour that complements or matches these. 

In our experience, Black and white are the most common colours used on horse fencing properties across Australia and New Zealand. If you too are considering either of these colours, dig deeper to know whether black or white would be ideal for your horse property. 

So, while the colour of your horse fencing is important, it’s just one aspect to consider. You should also think about the material, height, and other factors when selecting a fence for your horses. It’s essential to choose a fence that is safe, secure, and durable to protect your horses and give you peace of mind.

Our fencing experts can help you find a solution that matches the requirements of your animals, your property and your vision. So reach out for a free personalised consultation and build your dream equine property.