Good Fencing, Safe Horses

By Caren Crane – Business Process Analyst, Equine Farm Commercial Lines Underwriting

A spooked horse can turn into a 1,200 lb flight risk in seconds, and a weak fence is all it takes for that moment to turn into someone yelling “Loose horse!” - something no one ever wants to hear. Good fencing is the first line of defense against those stressful situations. Here are some helpful reminders to share with your insured’s when it comes to fence safety.

A quick walk along fence lines can stop most problems before they start. Look for rotting boards, wobbly posts, wire that’s lost its tension, and gates that don’t latch the way they should. Debris clearing, trimming back anything leaning over the fence, and reminders of making a habit of closing the gate every time it’s open go a long way in preventing unwanted excursions by the equine inhabitants.

Wood fencing and no climb wire with a top board are two of the safest choices for horses. Wood is highly visible and sturdy, giving horses a clear boundary they’re less likely to challenge. No climb prevents hooves from slipping through and holds up well when properly tensioned. Other fencing types, like field fencing or barbed wire work for cattle, but the larger openings or sharp edges make them risky for horses who might spook, lean, or paw at the fence.

A few minutes of attention will potentially save hours of stressful searches, anxious horses, and dangerous situations on the road. Strong, well kept fencing keeps the bad out, the horses in, and everyone sleeping a little easier.