Horse Fence Height: The Minimum

Horse Fence Height Recommendations

Typical livestock fencing may not meet horse fence height requirements. Horses are very athletic. If they're spooked or herded, they can easily go over, under or through a typical livestock fence. The minimum height needed for horses is 5' (1.5 meters). This height should deter most jumpers. This height also keeps curious human visitors safely away from your horses.

For paddocks, corrals and stallion pens, a good fence should be at eye level with the horse's head when he's in his natural upright position (usually about 4 to 6 inches above the horse's withers). This will discourage your horse from leaning over the fence, although the very best solution to leaning and rubbing is an offset electric fence wire.

Fences that divide pastures can be somewhat less than 5 feet, but not less than 4 feet. Horses should not share fence lines because they may try to fight or play over the top of the fence, causing injury and damage. Space fence lines widely enough for any tractor or vehicle that will need access to your fields.

The bottom of the fence should be 6 to 8 inches off the ground, especially if your using wire mesh. Keeping the bottom at this height will discourage pawing and will help to keep the fence line grazed. This means less herbicide application and less mechanical grass trimming, and it adds 6 to 8 inches of no-cost height!

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