A horse fence is a significant investment that should be done correctly the first time. A good fence is not only a monetary investment but a way to secure the investments you place into your horses. For years people have been transforming open space into fenced paddock where horses can be securely pastured. Typically you’ll find a brown wooden, vinyl or PVC horse fence as the normal style. This gives a rustic appearance whereas properties with a white horse fence provides the impression of a higher end ranch or property.

No matter what horse fencing style or type you choose, the fencing needs to be tall, sturdy, and able to resist rubbing from horses. There should be no sharp corners (like nails or splinters) that could hurt your horse. In this article we provide you with all the necessary information related to horse fencing choices, horse fencing cost, fence style, and other related factors.

Cameo horse fence is the best thing you can do for your horses.

So what is the cost of a horse fencing?

The cost of installing a horse fence depends on the type of fencing you choose. It also depends on the amount of land you want to cover and the required fence height. Below we have a summery about the costs of major fencing types.

1. Electro Braid Fencing:

Cost: The average cost of electro-braid fencing installation is $1.54 per foot.

• Electro Braid fencing, which comes with a 25-year warranty, is a durable, affordable alternative to traditional fencing that acts as both a reliable physical barrier and a potent psychological deterrent.
• Depending on the terrain, it only needs posts every 30 to 50 feet while conventional horse fencing needs them every 8 to 10 feet and that’s why it is less expensive.
• Almost anyone can self-install Electro Braid with hand tools, just like hanging a clothesline.
  
  

2. Electric Wire Horse Fencing:

Cost: The cost of installing high tensile fencing per foot is $1.93 whereas the price per foot for coated high tensile installation is $1.94.

• Steel that has been coated with a specific polymer to prevent injuries is used to make high-tensile non-electric horse fences.
• Although traditional high-tension wire alone is not advised for horses due to the possibility of cutting and puncturing wounds when broken through by an agitated or spooked horse.
• A high-tensile electric wire fence is the least costly fencing choice.
• The expected lifespan of electric wire horse fencing is 10 to 15 years.
  
  

3. Electric Tape/Ribbon Fencing:

Cost: One of the most affordable high-quality fencing solutions is electric tape fencing. The cost of installing Equi tape 1-1/2" wide per foot is $2.02.

• The average life expectancy of electric tape fencing is 3- to 5-year.
• Even if it is visible to horses, it merely acts as a psychological barrier and cannot stop a running horse.
• In windy conditions, the wires break easily because they bear the majority of the stress and tension.
• Temperature variations and sunlight can also cause wire breakage, necessitating replacement.
  
  

4. No Climb Horse Fence:

Cost: The installation cost of no-climb horse fencing is from $3 to $5 per foot.

• A unique type of fence called a no-climb horse is made to stop horses from walking through, climbing over, or stepping over it.
• No climb fences are quite affordable and very well-liked by novice or inexperienced horse keepers.
• The expected lifespan of no-climb horse fencing is approximately 10 to 15 years.
• Although a no-climb horse fence is a less expensive physical barrier fence option but you will need to regularly tighten it.
• One disadvantage is that horses may not be able to see it well, and collisions may result in cutting wounds.
• But your horse won't suffer an injury when it comes into contact with the fence because it is made to flex when hit.
  
  

5. Wood Horse Fencing:

Cost:  Wood horse fencing has an average installation cost of $5 to $10 per foot.

• The expected lifespan of wood horse fencing is of 10 to 15 years.
• It is a classic option for horse fencing that is lovely and reliable.
• It is also very customizable, available in several designs like feather board or slatted.
• Horses that run or lean through the fence risk injury from splintered boards of the fencing.
• Also, some horses are adamant about cribbing the boards, which results in damage.
• Compared to other fencing materials, wood fences require more maintenance, raising the overall cost.
• Wood shrinks, warps, and splits, require further maintenance, and increase expenses in addition to the expense and labor of painting or staining.
  
  

6. Vinyl Horse Fencing (PVC):

Cost: The average installation cost of vinyl horse fencing is $7 to $12 per foot.

• Vinyl fencing is increasingly becoming popular among horse owners day by day.
• Approximately 10 to 15 years is the average lifespan of vinyl horse fencing.
• Vinyl fence components that are already designed and ready for installation are available from any hardware shop nationwide.
• PVC fencing offers the classic appearance of wood horse fencing with the added advantage of requiring little to no upkeep.
• It is a reliable fencing substitute that creates a physical barrier.
• But it can be easily damaged when horses try to lean against it and they risk getting hurt if they try to climb over or through it.
• Also vinyl fencing has the disadvantage of being challenging to replace. It cannot be repaired in portions; if one vinyl slat is broken, the entire board must be replaced.
  
  

7. Metal Pipe Fencing:

Cost:  The average installation cost of pipe fencing is from $10 to $15 per foot.

• As suggested by the name, a metal pipe horse fence is made of metal pipes connected by a network of poles that are arranged horizontally and parallel to one another.
• Aluminum, steel, iron, or any other metals may be used to make metal pipe horse fences.
• The average life expectancy of pipe fencing is generally 20 to 30 years.
• The most durable option for equestrian fencing is likely metal pipe fencing.
• It is an expensive fencing solution but has a longer lifespan so in that way it can be low costly compared to other fencing solutions.
• It is a fantastic option for short-term use because it is simple to remove and reinstall.
• Pipe fencing is also quite strong and prominent, so your horse wouldn’t stumble into it.
• While it gives your horses a durable physical boundary, it is unforgiving if they lean against the rails or gallop into it when startled.
  
  

Which horse fence is the best long-term option?

Steel or hardwood is the best material to choose if you want to create and invest for the long term in your horse stable or paddock, giving it the best appearance with the least amount of effort and money. If you aren't fully satisfied with acquiring the traditional aesthetics of timber, you are advised to choose steel.

Which horse fence is the most effective in the short term?

The finest options for post and rail fences are pine or plastic if you're looking for a temporary solution on a tight budget. We recommend horse rail if you want protection and style together, and Pine if you admire wood.

What does the Average Horse Fence Labor Cost?

Along with the price of the fencing itself, you will also need to pay for the labor involved in installing the fence. Depending on the style of fence and other considerations, the average labor expenses for installing a horse fence range from $500 to $1500. Thus, the typical labor cost per linear foot to install a basic horse fence ranges from $2 to $5. Horse fences have a variety of uses and must be constructed with the utmost care to keep the animals safe. Therefore, it is recommended not to put up the horse fence yourself, and hire a professional to do it.

Factors Affecting Horse Fence Cost:

Your budget for a horse fence will be influenced by several factors, such as:

1. Type:

The price will vary depending on the kind of fence you select. Typically, wire mesh fencing or split rail is used for horse fencing. Out of these two fence types, wire mesh fences are the least expensive to purchase, set up, and maintain, but they are also the least durable and not aesthetically beautiful. On the other hand, split rail and post & rail fencing are both excellent long-term solutions for horse fencing, they will both be more expensive, frequently costing around $20 per linear foot as opposed to $5 per linear foot for wire fencing.

2. The size & lie of the land:

The size of the area to be enclosed matters greatly because when enclosing a large area (more than an acre), costs can reach double digits. Also, you can anticipate higher labor costs if the field is difficult to work on and requires a lot of digging.

3. Cost of materials:

The materials you use will depend on the type of fence you select and according to the material the cost varies greatly. It's important to bear in mind that there will be significant pricing fluctuations even within split rail fencing, because of the material it is composed of. Usually, vinyl, pine wood, and cedar wood are your choices; out of which, vinyl costs the most but also requires the least amount of care. Therefore, if you don’t require a specialized fence, then do not spend too much money on fence installation because in most cases a basic wooden or tape fence will probably be sufficient.

4. Costs of installation:

It is another important cost element in fencing but do not try to minimize or eliminate it by installing a fence yourself because; it will be hazardous for the animals and can cause you great monetary damage.

5. Length of Fence:

It is a significant factor while installing fences. As, the more fencing you need, the more expensive it will be because labor and fencing are priced per linear foot.

6. Height of the Fence:

The standard minimum height requirement for horse fencing is 5 feet. Therefore, installing a fence for 3 or 4 feet will cost less, but it might not keep the horses in the field.

DIY horse fencing Vs hiring a professional:

Before choosing between a DIY horse fencing or a professional fence installer you should take into account the following few factors for both options.

DIY horse fencing:

Advantages:

• It is less expensive because of no installation fees.
• You have more freedom to work at your own speed.
  
  

Disadvantages:

• Time-consuming because it could take more time as you gain experience while doing the work.
• You may waste a lot of materials by working on a trial-and-error method.
• In contrast to expert installers, you are not covered for accidents that might happen while the installation is being done.
• If you lack expertise or the necessary instruments, you risk making expensive blunders.
  
  

Professional fence installer:

Advantages:

• Skilled workmanship
• Reduced waste
• Less time consuming
• Skilled guidance
• Having access to expert equipment sake the work perfect and easy.
• Insured personnel help with any mishaps during the installation.
  
  

Disadvantages:

• Increases the cost of installing a fence.
• Possibility of recruiting unreliable or fraudulent personnel.
  
  

Last words:

Equine fencing is essential whether you have recently purchased new horses or are updating your outdated fencing. The goal is to get fencing that is secure for horses, durable enough to stand the test of time, beautiful to look at, and safe for your animals. Despite the best intentions to keep the prices low, the cost is a crucial consideration that ultimately affects all decisions, regarding fence type, material, and installation. At Cameo Fence, we provide the best and most affordable fencing options that match your needs and give you long-term satisfaction at the same time.

At this point, you might be clear about the fence you intend to purchase. But if you're still looking for information and want to know how much posts and rails might cost specifically for your place, talk to our professional now at 800-822-5426. Our experts are always there to help you make the best decision that suits your needs, location, and budget.