When choosing a fence for horses, safety is always the number one concern. Horses are powerful animals that can injure themselves on poorly designed fencing, which makes the type of material and construction critically important.
Among the many fencing options available, steel board fencing stands out as a premium solution that combines strength, longevity, and, most importantly, safety for horses.
What Is Steel Board Fencing?
Steel board horse fences are a modern alternative to traditional wood or vinyl horse fences. Instead of lumber or plastic, the rails are constructed from galvanized steel and coated with a durable powder finish. This design provides the traditional look of a wooden board fence with the unmatched strength of steel. The boards are engineered to flex on impact, ensuring the fence remains strong while reducing the chance of injury to the horse.
Why Safety Matters in Horse Fencing
Horses are naturally curious and energetic, and they often interact with fences by rubbing, leaning, or even running into them. A poorly designed fence can splinter, break, or create sharp edges—leading to cuts, punctures, or entanglements.
A safe horse fence should:
- Prevent escape without trapping legs or heads.
- Resist breaking under pressure.
- Withstand the elements without creating hazards like splinters or rust.
Safety Advantages of Steel Board Fencing
- No Splinters or Sharp Edges
Unlike wooden fences, steel board fences do not splinter, crack, or warp. This eliminates one of the most common causes of cuts and puncture wounds in horses. - Flexibility on Impact
Steel boards are designed with a controlled flex, so when a horse leans, kicks, or collides with the fence, the board absorbs the impact rather than snapping or creating jagged edges. - Smooth Powder-Coated Finish
The powder coating provides a smooth, even surface that prevents rust and corrosion while also eliminating sharp spots that could harm a horse. - Secure Fastening System
Steel board fencing uses internal brackets and hidden fastening systems, which means no protruding nails or screws. Horses cannot snag themselves on exposed hardware. - High Visibility
Horses need to clearly see their boundaries. Steel board fencing comes in colors like black or white, providing excellent visibility for horses to recognize and respect their enclosures.
Comparing Steel Board Fencing to Other Options
- Wood Fences: Traditional but prone to splintering, rotting, and breaking under pressure. Dangerous for chewing horses.
- Vinyl Fences: Attractive but brittle in cold weather and can shatter on impact.
- Pipe Fences: Strong but too rigid, increasing the risk of blunt force trauma if a horse collides with them.
- Wire Fences: Cost-effective but create high risk of entanglement and severe injuries.
Steel board fencing offers the best balance: the strength of steel with the safety flex of engineered design.
Long-Term Safety Benefits
Not only are steel board fences safer on impact, but their durability means they remain safe over time. Wooden fences degrade and become hazards as boards rot or nails loosen. Vinyl fences can crack under UV exposure. Steel board fences, however, are engineered to last for decades with minimal maintenance, ensuring consistent safety for horses year after year.
So, Are Steel Board Fences Really Safe For Horses?
Yes! Steel board fences are absolutely safe for horses. In fact, they are among the safest fencing solutions available today. With no splinters, no sharp edges, high visibility, and engineered flexibility, they significantly reduce the risk of injury while providing the strength needed to contain horses securely.
At Buckley Fence, we specialize in premium steel board fencing that combines safety, beauty, and longevity. If you’re looking for a horse fence that offers peace of mind and long-lasting performance, steel board fencing is the superior choice.
Talk To A Buckley Fence Expert Today
Contact Buckley Fence today for a free quote and get your horses the safest fence option available!
