Planning Your Equine Fence the Right Way

When it comes to equine fencing, it pays to get it right the first time around. Thinking about how your horse fence integrates with the property should be a priority from the outset. Too often do we see great properties weighed down by sub-par fencing that’s simply tacked on to the property at the very end.

Here at Stock and Noble, we believe that horse fencing should integrate smoothly with your land and property, and a good fencing plan is one that helps the whole property meet its range of purposes. Below are primary factors to consider that will help you plan your fencing the right way.

Efficiency

Imagine what it will be like to use your land with the fencing in place, and think about where you want everything to be located so it’s secure and at hand when you need it. You will also need to factor in access, both for you and your potential suppliers or contractors. In both cases, a fence in the way can make a small job become much more of an ordeal.

Another great element to factor in is the actual day-to-day usage of these gates. For example, which access points do you need to be able to use with one hand? It pays to know what sort of work you do where to save yourself time later. Before you move on, make sure you know where you want every last access road and laneway.

Aesthetics

The perimeter you put on your property also plays a big role in presentation, so you need to consider how it looks. Whenever you invest in your property, consider how it might impact resale value several years (or even decades) later.

When establishing an equine fence plan, means thinking about the practical needs of each fence line. Different areas of your property may need different types of fencing, but it all needs to look cohesive. You don’t want to end up with uneven posting, or materials that look mismatched. Choosing materials that work across a variety of applications is a great way to mitigate a patchwork look to your fencing.

Purpose

Always remember that the core purpose for your fencing is protecting your livestock, so a good fencing plan isn’t complete without answering some critical questions about the horses that will be living on the property. For instance, how many horses do you plan to house? Do you plan to turn them out to pasture together or one at a time? These sorts of considerations impact your paddock sizes, which can completely change your fencing strategy.

Making sure your fencing is horse-friendly also involves isolating problem areas on your property, and there are plenty of these once you know what to look for. The clearest examples are natural dangers, such as steep inclines or waterways, which will need to be fenced off.

It also pays to be aware of tight corners when planning your fencing. You don’t want to accidentally create spaces in which dominant horses can push less-dominant horses and trap them. This can also include hidden areas behind or between sheds. In some cases, it can be most economical to plant trees in these areas rather than try to twist your fencing plan to exclude them completely.

Horses are also prone to injuring themselves around dividing fences between paddocks. When horses meet at dividing fences, they can startle each other, so it’s best to consider this while planning the layout of your property. Trying to space paddocks out with roads or laneways is a great way to reduce this danger.

Budget your fence plan

Finally, every fencing plan needs a budget! This isn’t always easy, as the costs can be hard to calculate with so many variables involved. That’s where we come in—the Stock & Noble Fence Planning Estimator is the best way to put together a plan and get a quote for your fencing at the same time. Whether you’re looking for steel board horse fencing, sighter wire, or electric fencing, our estimator can help you plan from start to finish. Simply search for your address, draw over the property, and fine-tune the details. Your dream fence awaits!

If you are considering the investment, then you can request a full installation quote. Once we receive your request, one of our consultants will call you to explore your unique needs, desires, and possible challenges. Get an estimate today!