Equine fencing – where behaviour leads the way - FCANZ

Fencing for horses is not just about strength, durability or aesthetics, it’s about understanding the animal behind the fence. Horses are fast and powerful, so tailoring fencing to the temperament of each animal is crucial.

A well-built equine fence considers how horses see, move, and behave, and ensuring their safety depends on more than timber rails or wire tension – there are many factors that make an equine fencing system do its job, and do it well.

Why horses are different

Neil Robertson from Waikato-based fencing contractors, Fensin, explains that horses react quite differently to cattle or sheep.

“Horses are flighty animals, especially racing horses or bloodstock animals. If they get a fright, it doesn’t matter what’s in the way, they’ll run into it,” Neil explains.

For this reason, a coated equine fence wire is often put alongside wooden posts and rails so horses can clearly see the fencing. Best practice means prioritising visibility, eliminating sharp edges, and using electrification as a sensory barrier that the animals soon learn to recognise.

Horses also have a tendency to rub, lean, and test boundaries, and their social dynamics often lead to pacing or chasing along fence lines, and, as Neil explains, they can get bored easily, so often chew on the timber. “That’s where the electricity comes into it. They learn to respect the fence and keep clear.”

Contractors like Neil use the High Conductive Equine Fence Wire in high and low positions.

“With a wire up higher, they learn not to lean over the top,” he says. “And there’s usually a lower wire, so when they lean down to the ground their nose might get a bit close to the hot wire and they know to move away.”

Well-positioned wires are also beneficial for foals, who quickly learn to respect the pulse, often starting out in smaller paddocks designed to help them get used to fencing and the voltage currents.

Insights from the field

“One of the biggest mistakes I see is that people are not considering the horse’s behaviour,” Neil observes. “Poor visibility, or fences built too low or with sharp corners can all increase risks. Not using the right products for the type of animals you’re fencing can be dangerous – and you shouldn’t always go with the cheapest.”

Neil integrates equine-specific products like flexible equine wire, permanent wire strainers, and electric offsets.

“Timber can be expensive, so you want to make sure you’re building something that will last.”

Using these products often means he can have wider spaces between the uprights, which can help reduce some costs.

Fit for purpose solutions

Gallagher’s equine fencing systems are designed with horse behaviour in mind.

For example, the High Conductive Equine Fence Wire and its plastic insulated coating are thick, with benefits beyond having greater visibility.

“These equine wires have good give in them if a horse butts into them,” Neil explains, “and, because they’re not so thin, they’re not so sharp. No one wants pricey vet bills from wire cuts.”

If an animal does crash into a fence, the thickness of the equine wire means it won’t spring back and curl up so easily. “The equine wire has the advantage that there’s less risk of them getting tangled up in it.”

Neil sees the benefit of the insulated line posts for the calmer breeds, those whose temperament is a little less highly strung. He recommends them as a good alternative for a temporary solution for short-term grazing.

“Like a lot of things, it’s all in the planning,” Neil advises, as he reiterates the importance of well-considered design, from understanding the soils to make sure the posts are well-anchored, to planning for ongoing maintenance.

“You have to understand the natural temperament of your horses and how, from foal to adult, they’re likely to behave, because it definitely varies across the breeds.”

Top tips

Know your animals – be mindful of the temperament of your horses
Quality products fit for purpose – done well, fencing can last a generation or more
Design well – plan for how you work and for your land, power supply, and your routine
Use an expert – Get the help of a specialist, because there’s more to it than you might think

He highlights the importance of understanding how humans will use the space too, thinking about power distribution and how people will move between areas that can be isolated as they work.

Using an endorsed FCANZ Member is Neil’s ‘absolute must’ recommendation. “The training and accreditation means that you get smart advice from an expert – people who know how to get the best out of the products and keep you and your horses safe and happy.”

For safe, long-lasting equine fencing, choose FCANZ Accredited Fencing Contractors and explore Gallagher’s equine range. Find out more at www.am.gallagher.com/en-NZ/Solutions/Equine-Fencing

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