Expert Bryan Harnish

Questions (For answers, scroll down or click on question)

What type of fence material do you recommend for 5 acres? I want 3 rail split, but I am confused about the different types of wood, pvc, and all variations of the new pvc materials.

What is the best type of fencing, with regard to safety, price, low maintenance, and height, for horses that attempt, and have the capability, to jump over five feet?

What is the minimum type of fencing that would be required for two horses on a 2.5 acre pasture?  We currently have a standard split rail fence and are not sure if it's appropriate or safe for horses?

I am planning to add hot wire in the form of 1/2 inch tape to my current pasture fencing which is non-climb wire with metal t-posts. Is it safe to attach the tape/wire to the wire fence or do I need separate posts? The tape came with plastic insulators/holders that clamp onto the fence/posts. Any other safety tips?

I would like to purchase a dressage arena to be used in a grass field (for now) and some day to be moved to an arena with real footing. Our requirements are that it won't blow over in the wind, be durable, safe (no rope/chain) and portable. What are your recommendations for products? 

Are there outdoor mirrors or reflective panels available for our rainy, outdoor dressage arena? The sand footing in our outdoor arena is filing off the front toes of our dressage TB's hind hooves. Any ideas short of replacing the footing with a very expensive rubber type of footing?

Could you please tell me which is safest for horses, barbed wire or electric fencing? I know neither is ideal, but they're all I have access to right now. Are there any precautions I can take to help?

Questions and Answers

Q: What is the best type of fencing, with regard to safety, price, low maintenance, and height, for horses that attempt, and have the capability, to jump over five feet?

A: In our stallion paddocks, we use 4"x6"x8' posts with 2x4 inch woven wire which is run with one section above the other so it is 8 feet high. We also use 2x6 inch treated boards, one in the middle and one on top. You can also use v-mesh wire; it is a little safer so they cannot put a hoof through it as easy, but it is much more expensive. 

Q: What is the minimum type of fencing that would be required for two horses on a 2.5 acre pasture?  We currently have a standard split rail fence and are not sure if it's appropriate or safe for horses?

A: If they are quiet horses, you may not have any problems.  If they put their legs or head through the fence, the least expensive way to go would be to put electric wire around the field.  We use all 2"x3" woven wire with 4x4 posts with a 2x6 board across the top.

Q: I am planning to add hot wire in the form of 1/2 inch tape to my current pasture fencing which is non-climb wire with metal t-posts. Is it safe to attach the tape/wire to the wire fence or do I need separate posts? The tape came with plastic insulators/holders that clamp onto the fence/posts. Any other safety tips?

A: I have heard good things about the electric type of fencing. If it came with insulators, they should be OK as long as the tape does not touch any wire or metal. Grounding is always a problem so make sure your ground rod is deep enough. Sometimes when the ground is very dry, you may have some trouble with the electric fence working, so I would buy a tester and test it occasionally.  You can purchase inexpensive testers for electric fences.

Q: I would like to purchase a dressage arena to be used in a grass field (for now) and some day to be moved to an arena with real footing. Our requirements are that it won't blow over in the wind, be durable, safe (no rope/chain) and portable. What are your recommendations for products? 

A: PVC pipe works well and you can buy it at any hardware store with all the connectors. There are some companies that make them especially for dressage arenas. There are also cones made for the letters that stay up in wind well.

Q: Are there outdoor mirrors or reflective panels available for our rainy, outdoor dressage arena? The sand footing in our outdoor arena is filing off the front toes of our dressage TB's hind hooves. Any ideas short of replacing the footing with a very expensive rubber type of footing?

A: There are mirrors made for outdoor arenas. We do not have any, but a good contact would be your local glass dealer. They are used a lot in Florida. Your footing problem is one of the problems with using sand. If you have coarse sand, you may want to try a finer sand.

Q: Could you please tell me which is safest for horses, barbed wire or electric fencing? I know neither is ideal, but they're all I have access to right now. Are there any precautions I can take to help?

A: Electric fencing would be the better choice. The horses will not get caught as easily in electric fencing. If you choose electric fencing, it is a good idea to introduce the horses to the electric by purposely shocking them.

Q: What type of fence material do you recommend for 5 acres? I want 3 rail split, but I am confused about the different types of wood, pvc, and all variations of the new pvc materials.

A: We use 2"x3" woven wire fence so I don't have any experience with pvc. Here are a couple of good sources of information: Stockton Fence & Lumber (610-347-1730) - fencing supplier and Mt. Eden Fencing, Ed Thayer (717-529-2226) - They install fence so they should be able to give you the pros and cons of all types.