Choosing which farm fence to install depends on what you’re trying to keep in. Horses, goats, sheep, and cattle each need something a little different, and the two most common options, woven wire and board fence, each come with tradeoffs.
Woven Wire Fence for Horses, Goats, Sheep, and Cattle
A woven wire fence is a common choice for horses, goats, sheep, and cattle. The size and pattern of openings can vary, and the right wire depends on the animal:
- Horses need non-climb wire with 2″ x 4″ openings so their hooves can’t get caught.
- Goats need 4’’x4’’ or smaller openings so they can’t get their heads stuck in the wire.
- Sheep use the same wire as goats, which also helps protect them from predators.
- Cattle do well with graduated wire, which has smaller openings at the bottom that get larger toward the top.
Almost any wire works for cattle, but not for other animals. If you’re keeping more than one kind of animal in the fence, choose the wire for the one with the strictest requirements. For the height of wire fence, 4 foot is okay for most applications, however 5 foot is sometimes better for larger more athletic horses.
Advantages of woven wire
- Posts can be spaced farther apart than with board fence, up to 20 to 30 feet, depending on the wire and terrain. On larger runs, that can mean significant cost savings.
- The coating on the wire we use is rated for 30 to 40 years.
- It’s durable, with high breaking strength.
- Once you learn how to make common repairs, it’s simple to keep up.
Potential disadvantages of woven wire
- Bracing is required and can be less attractive, especially where fence lines are short, like holding pens.
- Wire isn’t very visible, which can be dangerous for some animals. To solve this, some owners add a strand of electric tape or white wire. You may also opt to add a fence board along the top, but this can be more expensive.
- If installed incorrectly, cut ends can leave sharp points that injure animals. Every cut end should be trimmed close to the post or wire and pointed away from the animal side of the fence.
- An electric strand requires trenching under each gate to carry the current from one side to the other.
- Animals that paw or push on the fence can bend the wire at the bottom or top. Goats are notorious for this.
Board Fence for Horses and Livestock
Board fence is what most people picture on a horse farm, and it’s a common choice for our customers with paddocks and pastures.
Advantages of board fence
- It looks good, and is effective even in small areas.
- It’s highly visible, so animals can clearly see the fence line.
- No bracing is required.
- Posts are set 8 feet on center, typically using square posts.
- Wire can be added for animals that are harder to keep in.
Potential disadvantages of board fence
- It’s more expensive than wire for long fence runs.
- Boards can warp, splinter, or crack.
- Animals can reach through or under the fence, putting pressure on boards and posts. Over time this can lead to broken boards and/or a fence that leans. .
- Nails can back out of boards over time and potentially cause injury at those locations.
- It needs regular maintenance and attention to prevent injuries.
How to Choose the Right Fence for Your Animals
Your answers to these questions will narrow your options and help you choose:
- How big is the area you want to fence in?
- How important are looks?
- Are you willing to do maintenance?
- What animals are you fencing in?
- Do your animals need something visible, and do they test fences?
Many properties end up with a combination: board fence around paddocks and holding areas, where looks and visibility matter most, and woven wire across larger pastures. If your main concern is keeping wildlife out of a garden or orchard, deer fence is a different setup. For a closer look at pricing, our guide to what goes into the cost of a new fence walks you through the main factors.
Gates for Horse and Livestock Fencing
Farm gates are typically tube gates or wire-filled steel gates, and the width depends on what you need to get through them. Horse fences can have matching wood gates, but tube gates are generally used for their strength and reliability.
Planning a Farm Fence in Orange County NY or Sussex County NJ
Whether you’re fencing a new pasture, replacing an old fence line, or setting up for new livestock, we’re happy to talk through your options and help you choose a fence that makes the most sense for your animals. Reach out for a free fence estimate or call us at (845) 726-3849.
