We’ve all been there—that moment when you need a fencing solution yesterday. Maybe a storm took down your main paddock fence, you’re testing out a new grazing rotation, or you’ve got extra horses coming in for an event. Whatever brought you here, you need answers about temporary horse fencing that actually work.
When you need temporary fencing, you really need it, and it has to be reliable. We’ve spent decades in the horse fencing business, and yes, we’ll be straight with you: we believe steel board fencing is your best bet for permanent solutions.
Yet, we also understand that sometimes you need something temporary, whether it’s for a few days or a few months. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide on temporary horse fencing, drawing from real experience and countless conversations with ranchers, farm owners, and equestrian facility managers across the country.
We’re going to walk you through everything you need to know, from choosing the right type of temporary fencing for your situation to setting it up properly and maintaining it safely.
What Is Temporary Horse Fencing?
Temporary horse fencing is exactly what it sounds like: portable, non-permanent containment designed to keep horses safely enclosed for short periods. That might be anywhere from a few days to several months.
Unlike permanent fencing anchored deep in the ground with concrete footings or heavy-duty posts, temporary fencing typically uses lightweight materials and quick-setup designs. Think electric tape, portable panels, or rope systems that can be easily moved, stored, and reused.
While not meant to replace quality permanent fencing like steel board, it’s essential when flexibility and quick deployment matter most.
Why You Might Need Temporary Fencing
Sometimes, life throws you situations where permanent fencing just isn’t the answer.
- Emergency repairs often top the list. When a tree comes down on your wood fence at midnight or a vehicle takes out a section of your paddock, you need a reliable temporary solution while proper repairs happen.
- Smart operators use temporary fencing for rotational grazing, giving pastures time to recover while keeping their horses on fresh grass. It’s also invaluable when you’re testing new paddock layouts before committing to permanent fencing, or when you’re hosting events that require extra holding areas.
- Short-term property leases are another scenario we encounter often. If you’re renting land for a season or two, investing in permanent steel board fencing might not make financial sense yet. Temporary fencing bridges that gap until you’re ready for a long-term solution.
- And then there’s training. Working with young horses or setting up temporary round pens? Portable panels give you the flexibility to adjust your training areas as needed without committing to permanent structures.
Just remember: temporary means temporary. While these solutions serve their purpose, they’re not meant to be your forever fencing. But when used right, they’re a valuable tool in your horse management toolkit.
The Hard Truth About Temporary vs. Permanent
Let’s have a straight-up conversation about temporary versus permanent fencing—the kind of talk you’d have over the fence line with a neighbor who knows horses.
Truth is, temporary fencing has its place, but it’s a bit like using a backup horse. Sure, it’ll get you where you need to go when your main mount is out of commission, but you wouldn’t want to rely on it for the long haul. Electric tape and portable panels serve their purpose, but they simply can’t match the durability and peace of mind that comes with properly installed steel board fencing.
While temporary fencing might seem cheaper upfront, those costs have a way of adding up. Between regular maintenance, repairs, and eventual replacement, you could end up spending more than you would on a permanent solution. Not to mention the time you’ll spend checking and adjusting temporary fencing (and out here, time is money).
When it comes to safety, permanent steel board fencing is in a league of its own. Horses test fences, that’s just what they do. A properly installed steel board fence handles those tests without flinching. Temporary options? They require constant vigilance and more frequent repairs.
That said, we understand that sometimes permanent isn’t possible right away. Budget constraints, short-term land use, or immediate needs might point you toward temporary solutions. That’s okay—just go in with your eyes open about what you’re getting into.
Use temporary fencing when it makes sense for your situation, but think of it as a stepping stone, not a final destination. When you’re ready for the real deal, steel board fencing is worth every penny.
Types of Temporary Fencing That Actually Work
When it comes to temporary fencing, not all solutions are created equal. After years of seeing what holds up and what fails in real-world conditions, here are the options we trust when permanent steel board fencing isn’t possible.
1. Electric Tape Systems
The most common temporary solution we see on working ranches, and for good reason. Quality electric tape offers visibility and psychological barriers that horses respect. Look for wide tape (preferably 1.5 inches or more) in contrasting colors. A proper energizer and solid grounding system aren’t optional here. We’ve seen the best results when posts are spaced no more than 20 feet apart in straight runs.
2. Portable Panel Systems
These heavy-duty panels are about as close as you’ll get to permanent fencing in a temporary setup. They’re valuable for overnight containment or temporary paddocks where you need maximum security. The best ones have secure pin connections and are high enough (at least 6 feet) to discourage jumping. Yes, they’re an investment, but they’re versatile and can last years when properly maintained.
3. Electric Rope Systems
Think of these as electric tape’s stronger cousin. The rope design offers better durability and less wind resistance, which means fewer repairs after storms. We’ve found they work particularly well for larger temporary pastures where you need a more substantial barrier. Just remember: like any electric system, it’s only as good as its installation and maintenance.
4. Braided Poly Tape
For short-term, non-electric applications, heavy-duty poly tape can work in a pinch. It’s lightweight, easy to handle, and relatively inexpensive. It’s best used for supervised situations or as a visual barrier in addition to other fencing. We wouldn’t trust it alone for overnight containment of spirited horses.
5. Step-In Post Systems
These work well for quick setup in emergency situations or for temporary grazing areas. The key is using enough posts (we recommend every 8-10 feet) and choosing ones with good foot plates that won’t sink into soft ground. They pair well with electric tape or rope, but remember: they’re not meant to withstand serious pressure from horses testing the fence.
When to Make the Switch to Permanent Fencing
Temporary fencing serves its purpose, but there comes a time when you need to think long-term. Consider making the switch when:
- Repair costs outweigh value: Your temporary fencing repairs start rivaling your feed bill. We’ve seen folks spending good money after bad, replacing temporary materials every few months when that same investment could go toward permanent fencing.
- Daily fixes become routine: You find yourself out there every morning fixing something that worked loose overnight. Quality time with your horses should be spent in the saddle, not walking the fence line with repair tools.
- Property value doesn’t align: Your property’s value doesn’t match your fencing. Temporary fencing can make a prime piece of horse property look like a makeshift operation.
- Horse respect diminishes: Your horses have figured out the temporary fencing. Once they lose respect for it, you’re fighting a losing battle.
- Insurance concerns arise: Quality permanent fencing often leads to better rates and fewer liability concerns. They know what we know: proper steel board fencing means better security.
Invest in Permanent Fencing You Can Trust
We know temporary fencing serves its purpose, and we’ve outlined plenty of situations where it makes good sense. But when you’re ready to invest in something permanent, something that’ll stand the test of time and weather and horse sense, steel board fencing is the most obvious choice.
We’ve been in this business long enough to know that fencing isn’t just about marking property lines or containing horses. It’s about peace of mind. It’s about knowing that when you turn in for the night, your horses are safe in their paddocks. It’s about spending your mornings in the saddle instead of patching up temporary solutions that were never meant to last.
At Buckley Fence, we’re ranchers and horse people first. We know what works because we’ve lived it. When you’re ready to make the switch from temporary to permanent, we’re here to help you do it right with fencing that’s built to last generations, not just seasons.
