Horse Fence Comparison

KeepSafe Diamond Mesh (V mesh), Now Class 3 Galvanized in 50" or 58"

KeepSafe diamond mesh spacing prevents hooves and legs from becoming caught in the fence. Diamond weave pattern forms a strong but flexible mesh construction. 12 1/2 gauge horizontal and 14 gauge vertical Class 3 galvanized wire will increase the fence life expectancy. Made in US with 100% American steel. Diamond mesh has long been recognized as the safest woven wire for horses, alpaca and other high value livestock. This fencing option can be one of the more expensive options, but the long life and safety makes it a valuable investment.

Board Fence

Kencove stocks plenty of posts and boards for your next job. If you want a rustic wood fence look - this is the way to go. Drawbacks are the high costs of wood products which make up most of the fence materials. With a three rail fence (of CCA treated posts), cost can be 52¢ per foot of rail. ($1.56 per foot for three rail). Call for quotes on ACQ-treated posts.

Plastic Horse Rail -- Now in 4, 5, and 6"

This has a great wooden board look with no need of paint, and you can expect over 20 years of life. It is safer than wood because it flexes rather than breaking on impact. It has a lower risk of injury than wire as it is hard to get caught or cut with the smooth, wide plastic rails. Post spacing of up to 12 feet is common. Each rail has over 3000 pounds breaking strength which is backed with a 12 year limited replacement warranty. This rail requires well braced ends which take time to build properly (particularly if you don't have a hydraulic post driver). Cost is about 48¢ to 75¢ per foot (ie. A 3 rail fence cost would be $1.44 to $2.28 per foot.) Manufacturer provides a 30 year limited warranty

End buckles and splicer buckles make this fence type much easier to install. The buckles are a way to terminate the rail at ends and corners.
 

Coated Wire--Horsecote

Compared to standard high tensile fence wire, this 12½ gauge plastic coated wire is more attractive, safer and more visible. This wire costs about 10¢ per foot, (50¢ per foot for 5 lines) and can be installed with up to 50 foot post spacings when electric wire is also used on the fence. Horsecote High-Tensile core is Class 3 zinc coated for an expected life of 30 to 60 years.

HotCote - Electrified Coated Wire for Horses

This wire adds electric, visibility, safety, and good looks to any fence. HotCote is made with our high strength USA 210 Class 3 12.5 gauge wire as the core. Overall thickness is about .3", making it the most visible coated wire on the market. The lifetime of coated wire products is increased by adding electric. The electric keeps animals from working against the fence, wearing the plastic at points of attachment. At 12¢ per foot, this high-visibility wire is a great alternative to smooth high-tensile wire.

Safe Fence for Horses

This fence is easier and quicker to build than many systems because the 1½" electrified ribbon is only hand tensioned. Ends do not have to be super strong. The rail is very visible and it is hard for horses to get injured if they become entangled in it. The electric tape is about 14¢ per foot. Because 15 stainless steel conductors are woven into the tape, there is no need to run other electric wires. This product comes with a 5 year limited warranty.

High Tensile Smooth Wire

Long life, great strength and resiliency, low cost (1¢ to 2¢ per foot of wire - 12¢ per foot for the recommended 6 lines) and easy maintenance all are reasons to consider this fence. Simple electrification gives super control of animals inside and outside of the fence.

Relatively poor visibility and risk of entanglement and some injury must be considered when making decisions about installing this type of fence. Closer post spacing's, spacers, fence flags and/or electric ribbon all improve visibility for this product. Keeping the bottom wire relatively high, using fewer strands and depending on the electricity to do the actual control makes entanglement unlikely.
 

Electric Twine and Ribbon (Hot Tape) - Portable Horse Fence

This is very quick and easy to install. Visibility is good and it is easy for an animal to break away if it becomes entangled. It is useful for intensive grazing management to get the most feed from the pasture. This system is also excellent for temporary fences (portable corral) on trail rides. Cost is from 1¢ to 9¢ per foot of twine or tape. Electricity is a must, but do not use a weed burner charger. Sunlight will cause this material to need to be replaced within about 10 years.

Electric Rope- Portable Horse Fence

Rope makes an electric fence that is much more visible than wire or twine. It does not require braced end posts and it's easy to hand knot. Round rope doesn't whip in the wind as much as electric ribbons, so post spacing can be wider. The higher breaking strength allows it to handle much more abuse. Depending on thickness and conductivity, rope generally costs 5¢ to 10¢ per foot.

One inch PonyRail

Excellent visibility at a much lower cost (18¢ to 30¢ per foot of rail) than four inch rail. Little to no bracing is required since lighter gauge wire is used with lower tensions. Rolling ground is easier to fence than with the 4" rail, and 20 foot post spacing is possible when using electric wire(s) with the rail. The rail with 14½ gauge Galfan coated wire will last longer than the 12½ gauge galvanized wire in the 4 inch rail.

The 1 inch rail with 16 gauge galvanized wire will not last as long as our other plastic coated wire products.