Horse fencing is judged on one thing: does it keep the horse in, and can the horse hurt itself on it? Ben builds it across South Wales and travels for the right job.
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.
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.
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.
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.
More on our common questions page.
Paddock boundaries and divisions — post and rail, stock wire and gates for horses and livestock.
Paddock fencing →Traditional timber post and rail for paddocks, horses and entrances — morticed, strong and squared off.
Post and rail fencing →Horse-safe paddock fencing, post and rail, and ménage / arena construction — built by someone who has done it.
Equestrian fencing →See all the areas we cover, or read our common questions.
No call-out fee, no obligation. Tell Ben what you are after and he will arrange a free site visit, then quote you a fixed price.