the South West · agricultural & equestrian

Horse fencing in the South West

Horse fencing is judged on one thing: does it keep the horse in, and can the horse hurt itself on it? Across the bridge into the South West — Bristol, Somerset and the Forest of Dean side — there is plenty of equestrian and smallholding work, and for the right job Ben travels for it.

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Horse fencing · the South West

Horse fencing done properly

Across the South West, BP Contracting takes on horse fencing as rural and agricultural work on the kind of runs that justify the trip. Across the bridge into the South West — Bristol, Somerset and the Forest of Dean side — there is plenty of equestrian and smallholding work, and for the right job Ben travels for it.

The South West — over the Severn into Gloucestershire, Somerset and the Bristol fringe — is rich equestrian and smallholding country, with a lot of horse paddocks, liveries and hobby farms wanting safe post and rail, paddock divisions and ménage work. The Prince of Wales Bridge puts a good slice of it within practical reach of Bridgend, so for the right job the travel makes sense.

The safe standard is post and rail giving a visible barrier the horse respects, backed by horse-safe stock wire (Tornado Torus and similar) on the inside so there is no gap to get a leg through and no loose strand to catch on. Ben never puts barbed wire at horse height. Electric tape can run along the top as a deterrent to leaning and cribbing where that suits.

Rail count and height are set for the horses — three rails is the usual paddock standard, four for foals, stallions or anywhere extra containment matters. Gateways are hung wide and clean for leading and machinery, with no traps for a head collar or a hoof. The whole line is run true and the timber set deep so a horse leaning over the top rail does not work it loose.

From a single pony paddock to a full livery boundary, the work is the same: safe, solid, and a finish the owner is happy to look at every day.

Whether your horse fencing job in the South West is a single boundary or a large run, the approach is the same: Ben surveys it, quotes a fixed itemised price, and builds it to a spec that lasts. Get in touch with the location and a rough idea of the job and he will tell you straight whether he can travel for it.

Good to know

Horse fencing questions, answered

Is barbed wire safe for horse paddocks?

No. Barbed wire at horse height is a serious injury risk and Ben does not use it on horse boundaries. The safe approach is post and rail backed by smooth horse-safe stock wire (such as Tornado Torus), with electric tape as a deterrent if needed.

What height should horse fencing be?

Typically around 1.2–1.4m (4–4.5ft) to the top rail for general horses, higher for stallions or known jumpers. Ben sets the height and rail count to suit the horses and the field on the site visit — the goal is a barrier the horse respects without trying to test.

Can you add electric tape to existing post and rail?

Yes. A run of electric tape along the inside top of existing post and rail is an effective, low-cost deterrent against leaning, cribbing and reaching over. Ben can add it to a new build or retro-fit it to a fence you already have.

Do you cover the South West and across the bridge?

For the right job, yes — Gloucestershire, Somerset and the Bristol fringe are within practical reach over the Prince of Wales Bridge, and there is plenty of equestrian and smallholding work there that suits BP. Tell Ben the location and the job and he will confirm whether he can travel for it.

More on our common questions page.

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