When it comes to keeping your horses safe and secure, the fence you choose isn’t just a boundary—it’s peace of mind. We’ve all seen what can happen when a curious stallion or a spirited mare decides to test their limits. A good fence isn’t just about keeping your horses in—it’s about keeping them safe from outside dangers (and themselves).
High-tensile fencing has been making the rounds as a cost-effective option for horse owners. Sure, it’s got its selling points—it’s cheap, it’s quick to put up, and it can take a beating from the weather.
However, is it the right call for your four-legged investments?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of high-tensile fencing, let’s get one thing straight: when it comes to your horses, cutting corners on fencing is like skimping on good tack. It might seem fine at first, but sooner or later, you’ll wish you’d done it right the first time.
Below, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about high-tensile fencing and how to choose the best fencing options for your horses.
What Is a High-Tensile Wire Fence?
High-tensile fencing is essentially a series of tightly strung wires—usually anywhere from five to twelve strands—stretched between sturdy posts. These aren’t your granddaddy’s rusty barbed wire fences. We’re talking about smooth wire that’s engineered to have serious backbone.
The secret’s in the name: “high-tensile.” This wire is typically made from steel with a tensile strength of around 200,000 PSI. That means it can take one heck of a beating without snapping. We’re talking about wire that’s two to three times stronger than your run-of-the-mill soft wire.
The gauge of this wire usually runs from 12.5 to 14, which is thicker than traditional fencing wire. It’s often coated with zinc or a zinc-aluminum alloy to ward off rust and corrosion. After all, a fence that can’t stand up to the elements isn’t worth the posts it’s strung on.
When it comes to putting this fence up, it’s a bit of a different rodeo than traditional fencing. You need fewer posts—they can be spaced further apart thanks to the wire’s strength. However, you’ve got to keep that wire tight. Real tight. We’re talking about 150 to 250 pounds of tension.
That’s where things can get tricky.
You’ll need special equipment to get that tension right—inline wire strainers, spinning jenny dispensers, and crimping tools aren’t your everyday farm implements. And those posts? They’d better be set deep and rock solid, especially on the corners and ends.
Pros and Cons of a High-Tensile Fence
Now, we’re not here to tell you high-tensile fencing is all bad. Sure, we’re biased, but we believe for some situations, it might be the right option. However, when it comes to keeping your equine partners safe and secure, you need to weigh these pros and cons carefully.
Pros:
- Light on the Wallet: Fencing isn’t cheap. High-tensile can be easier on your bank account, especially if you’ve got a lot of ground to cover. It’s like buying a dependable quarter horse instead of a fancy warmblood—it’ll get the job done without breaking the bank.
- Tough as Nails: This fence can take a beating. Wind, rain, snow—Mother Nature can throw her worst, and high-tensile will likely still be standing.
- Low Maintenance: Once it’s up, you’re not going to be out there every other week fixing broken boards or tightening loose wires.
- Flexible in a Pinch: When something hits this fence hard, it’s got some give to it. That can mean less chance of a solid impact doing serious damage—to the fence or the horse.
Cons:
- Safety Concerns: That wire, even if it’s smooth, can be a real hazard to horses. If they run into it full tilt or get tangled up, you could be looking at some nasty cuts or worse.
- Invisible Menace: Horses don’t always see these fences well, especially in low light. And a horse that can’t see a fence might as well not have one at all.
- Tension Troubles: Keeping the right tension on these fences is non-negotiable, and it’s not always easy. Too loose, and it’s not doing its job. Too tight, and you risk wire breaks that can be downright dangerous. It’s a balancing act, like trying to find that perfect contact with a sensitive horse’s mouth.
- Installation Headaches: Setting up a high-tensile fence right isn’t a job for the faint of heart. It requires specialized tools and know-how. Get it wrong, and you’ll be fighting an uphill battle with your fence for years to come.
- The Sag Factor: Over time, even with proper installation, these fences can start to sag.
Remember, a fence is an investment in your horse’s safety and your own peace of mind. Sometimes, what seems cheaper up front can cost you a whole lot more down the line—in vet bills, repairs, or sleepless nights worrying about your horses.
Is High-Tensile Fencing Right for Your Horses?
The right fencing depends on your situation. Here’s what to consider:
1. Consider Your Herd
What kind of horses are we talking about? If you’ve got a bunch of seasoned ranch horses who’ve seen every type of fence under the sun, they might do alright with high-tensile. But if you’re dealing with young stock, flighty breeds, or horses that haven’t been around this type of fencing before, you might be asking for trouble.
2. Think About Your Land
How much acreage are you fencing? If you’ve got vast pastures that’d take a king’s ransom to fence with traditional materials, high-tensile might start looking mighty appealing. But if we’re talking about smaller paddocks or areas where horses will be in close contact with the fence, you might want to think twice.
3. Factor in Your Climate
High-tensile can stand up to some pretty rough weather. If you’re in an area that sees a lot of high winds or heavy snow loads, it might have an edge over some other options. But remember, extreme temperature changes can affect wire tension, so you’ll need to stay on top of maintenance.
4. Consider Your Budget
Sure, high-tensile can be easier on the wallet up front. But don’t forget to factor in potential costs down the line. Specialized tools for installation and maintenance, possible veterinary bills if a horse gets tangled or cut—these can add up quickly.
5. What’s Your Comfort Level?
Be honest with yourself. Are you willing to learn the ins and outs of maintaining a high-tensile fence? Can you sleep easy knowing your horses are behind wire fencing? Some folks can, and some folks can’t. There’s no shame either way, but it’s important to know where you stand.
6. Think About Aesthetics
While it’s not the most important factor, how your place looks matters. High-tensile fencing can be pretty inconspicuous, which some folks like. But if you’re dreaming of that classic horse farm look, it might not fit the bill.
Here’s the bottom line: High-tensile fencing can be a good option in certain situations. If you’ve got calm horses, a lot of land to cover, a tight budget, and you’re willing to put in the work to maintain it properly, it might be worth considering.
But—and this is a big but—when it comes to our horses, “good enough” often isn’t good enough. These animals are our partners, our athletes, and in many cases, our family. They trust us to keep them safe, and that’s a responsibility you likely don’t take lightly.
The Better Alternative: Steel Board Fencing
While we’ve examined the pros and cons of high-tensile fences, they aren’t the only options for horse owners. Yes, we’re biased, but we believe steel board fencing is the ultimate alternative. Here’s why:
1. Safety First, Always
When it comes to your horses, safety isn’t just a priority, it’s the whole rodeo. Steel board fencing is like having a seasoned cowhand watching your herd 24/7. It’s visible, it’s sturdy, and it doesn’t have any of those sneaky risks that come with wire fencing. Your horses can see it plain as day, even in low light, which means fewer surprises and fewer accidents.
2. Tough as Nails (Without Nails)
You know that old saying, “They don’t make ’em like they used to”? Well, with steel board fencing, they make ’em even better. This stuff is built to last. It laughs in the face of weather that’d make other fences quiver. Sun, rain, snow, or wind—steel board fencing stands its ground like a seasoned ranch horse in a storm.
3. Low Maintenance, High Performance
Now, I’m not saying you’ll never have to lift a finger once it’s installed. However, compared to constantly checking wire tension or replacing broken boards? Steel board fencing is like that trusty old truck that just needs an oil change now and then. A little bit of care goes a long way, leaving you more time to actually enjoy your horses instead of playing handyman every weekend.
4. Looks Good. Really Good.
We all want our place to look good. Steel board fencing doesn’t just do the job; it does it with style. It’s got that classic, clean look that’ll make your property stand out like a champion at a county fair. Whether you’ve got a handful of acres or a sprawling ranch, steel board fencing gives your place that touch of class.
5. Versatility and Flexibility
Got different animals to keep in (or out)? Steel board fencing is like that multi-tool you can’t live without. It’s great for horses, sure, but it’ll do just as well for cattle, sheep, or keeping predators at bay. You can even adjust the spacing to suit your needs.
6. Long-Term Value
We won’t sugarcoat it—steel board fencing isn’t the cheapest option up front. However, “Buy cheap, buy twice.” The durability, low maintenance, and added safety of steel board fencing mean that over time, it can actually save you money. Not to mention the peace of mind, which, in our book, is priceless.
7. Simple and Easy Installation
Unlike some fencing options that require a degree in engineering to install, steel board fencing is straightforward.
High-Tensile vs. Steel Board Fencing
You wouldn’t buy a horse without comparing it to a few others first, right? Same goes for fencing. We’ve talked about both high-tensile and steel board fencing, but sometimes seeing things side by side can help clear things up:
| Factor | High-Tensile Fencing | Steel Board Fencing |
| Safety | Moderate – Risk of cuts, less visible | High – Highly visible, no sharp edges |
| Durability | Good – Resistant to weather, but can sag | Excellent – Stands up to weather and impact |
| Maintenance | Moderate – Requires tension checks | Low – Minimal upkeep needed |
| Visibility | Poor – Hard for horses to see, especially in low light | Excellent – Clearly visible day and night |
| Aesthetics | Fair – Subtle, but not traditionally attractive | Excellent – Classic, attractive appearance |
| Initial Cost | Low to Moderate | Moderate to High |
| Long-term Value | Good – May require more repairs over time | Excellent – Long-lasting with fewer replacements |
| Ease of Installation | Moderate – Requires special tools and knowledge | Easy – Straightforward assembly |
| Versatility | Good – Can be used for various animals | Excellent – Suitable for all livestock, adjustable spacing |
| Impact on Property Value | Minimal impact | Can increase property value |
Choose the Best Option—Choose Buckley Steel Board Fence
High-tensile fencing has its place, but when it comes to keeping your hoses (and your sanity) safe, nothing beats steel board fencing.
Here’s what you get when you choose Buckley:
- Peace of Mind: Our fences are built to last, with safety as the top priority. No more midnight worries about horses getting tangled or hurt.
- Value for Money: Yeah, it might cost more upfront, but this is an investment that pays off. Less maintenance, fewer repairs, and a longer lifespan mean you’re saving in the long run.
- Curb Appeal: Let’s face it, a Buckley fence just looks good. It’ll have your place standing out like a champion stallion at a county fair.
- Expert Support: Our team knows fencing like you know horses. From planning to finding installers, we’re here to make sure you get the perfect fence for your needs.
Don’t wait for a fence failure to make you wish you’d done things differently.
Let’s chat. Give us a call or send us a message to talk about your fencing needs.
