Horse Fence Comparison
We've put together fence comparisons to help you find a system that best suits your needs as well as your horse. Please note the costs listed are for fence options only and do not include posts, hardware or accessories. When calculating costs, also keep in mind the number of lines or rails you will use. For example, the HotCote wire is just 12¢ per foot but if you are using 5 line wires, the actual cost will be 60¢ per foot.
  | 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 galvanized (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. |
| Horse Rail – 4", 5", or 6" This has a great wooden board look with no need of paint, and you can expect over 20 years of life. The rail is composed of polyethylene molecularly bonded to pre-straightened, 200,000 minimum PSI, class 3 galvanized fence wire. 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 30 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 45¢ to 78¢ per foot (ie. A 3 rail fence cost would be $1.35 to $2.34 per foot.) Horserail is available in white, black and brown. The flexibility, smoothness and strength of this rail not only protects the horse and rider from injuries caused by conventional railing, but also provides a long lasting, attractive rail that requires little maintenance. |
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Board Fence 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.
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Safe Fence for Horses This fence is easier and quicker to build than many systems because the 1½" wide electric tape is hand tensioned. End posts do not have to be super strong. The tape has high visibility 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. |
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High Tensile Smooth Wire Long life, great strength and resiliency, low cost and easy maintenance all are reasons to consider this fence. Simple electrification gives superior control of animals inside and outside of the fence. Relatively poor visibility and risk of entanglement and injury must be considered when making decisions about installing this type of fence for horses. Closer post spacing, spacers, fence flags and/or electric tape all improve visibility for this product. Keeping the bottom wire higher off the ground, using fewer strands and depending on the electricity to do the actual control makes entanglement unlikely. High-tensile wire fence can cost 2¢ to 3¢ per foot of wire - 18¢ per foot for the recommended 6 lines (not including posts or electric supplies). |
 | 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. |
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KeepSafe Diamond Mesh (V mesh), Class 3 Galvanized 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. Available in 50" or 58" height |
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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. Ponyrail, with 14½ gauge Galfan coated wire, will last longer than the 12½ gauge galvanized wire in the 4 inch rail. |
