Pipe Horse Fences

Pipe fencing is typically built using steel pipes, often repurposed oilfield or drill pipe, welded together horizontally and supported by vertical posts. Depending on the design, the fence may use two, three, or four horizontal rails. Unlike wooden or vinyl fencing, which use prefabricated rails, pipe fences are custom fabricated and welded on-site.

Because of its all-steel construction, pipe fencing is extremely rigid and permanent. It is often seen on cattle ranches in the American West and South, where livestock containment is the primary goal. However, its suitability for horses requires careful consideration.

Powder-Coated vs. Galvanized Pipe Fence

When selecting a pipe fence for horses, the finish on the steel is just as important as the fence’s design. Two of the most common treatments are powder coating and galvanization, and each has distinct advantages and limitations.

Comparison of Powder-Coated vs. Galvanized Pipe Fence

Key Differences:

• Galvanized pipe provides strong rust protection but has a rougher, less attractive look.
• Powder-coated pipe offers a sleek, elegant appearance and horse-safe surface, but it requires more careful handling to avoid coating damage.

Both powder-coated and galvanized finishes are used to protect steel pipe fences, but they serve different purposes and create very different results. Below is a comparison of the two:

Pipe fence may be a good option, depending on your specific needs. Some of the benefits of pipe fencing include:

1. Strength and Durability

One of the main appeals of pipe fencing is its sheer strength. Welded steel pipe can withstand a great deal of pressure from large animals, farm equipment, and even severe weather. For cattle operations, this level of toughness is particularly important. Horses are generally less forceful against fencing, but the heavy-duty nature of pipe fencing still offers long-term containment.

2. Longevity

A properly installed pipe fence can last decades. Unlike wood, it will not rot, warp, or attract insects. With the right protective coatings (such as paint or powder coating), pipe fencing can withstand years of outdoor exposure.

3. Low Maintenance (When Coated)

Pipe fencing does not require the constant upkeep that wood fencing demands. Once painted or treated, it requires only occasional re-coating to prevent rust.

4. Security for Working Facilities

Pipe fences are widely used in training pens, round pens, and arenas where extra security is needed. Because of their rigidity, they provide a strong perimeter for high-traffic working environments.

Despite its advantages, pipe fencing has several significant drawbacks; particularly when used for horses instead of cattle.

1. Safety Concerns for Horses

Are pipe fences safe for horses? Horses are very different from cattle in how they interact with fences. Horses are more prone to spooking, running into fences, or pawing at them. Pipe fencing, being rigid steel, provides no flexibility or “give” when a horse collides with it. This lack of forgiveness increases the risk of injury. Horses can suffer cuts, bruises, or even broken bones if they hit a pipe fence at speed.

In contrast, modern steel board fencing is engineered with flex, rails that give slightly on impact, dramatically reducing the risk of serious injuries.

2. Welding and Construction Limitations

Pipe fences must be fabricated and welded on-site, which makes installation labor-intensive. If welding is not done correctly, sharp burrs or rough joints may remain, creating safety hazards for horses.

3. Rust and Corrosion

While steel is strong, untreated or poorly coated pipe fences are prone to rust over time. This is especially true for used oilfield pipe, which may already have internal corrosion. Rust not only weakens the structure but also creates sharp, unsafe surfaces for horses.

4. Aesthetic Limitations

Pipe fencing has a very utilitarian, ranch-style look. While this may suit cattle operations, it lacks the clean, elegant appearance that many horse owners want for equestrian properties, show barns, or estates.

5. Cost of Repairs

If a section of pipe fence is damaged, repairing it usually requires a welder to cut and replace pipe sections. This is more expensive and time-consuming than replacing a board in a wood or steel board fence system.

When it comes to cost, pipe fencing is often perceived as expensive; but the reality depends on location, material sourcing, and labor availability.

Let’s break it down compared to other types of horse fencing:

Pipe Fence Cost

While pipe fencing may be more expensive up front, it can make up with lower maintenance costs over the long-term.

• Material Cost: New steel pipe is costly, while used oilfield pipe is cheaper but comes with quality and safety concerns.
• Installation Cost: Welding is required, and labor costs can be high due to the time and skill involved.
• Typical Range: $20 to $40 per linear foot installed, depending on pipe size and coating.

Wood Horse Fence Cost

Wooden horse fence is often the cheapest option from the get-go, but maintenance costs will add up over time.

• Material Cost: Pressure-treated lumber is more affordable upfront.
• Installation Cost: Lower labor costs than welding.
• Maintenance Costs: High, due to rot, painting, and board replacement.
• Typical Range: $10 to $20 per linear foot installed, but long-term costs rise due to frequent repairs.

Vinyl Horse Fence Cost

Vinyl horse fences make a solid compromise between cost and longevity, but they are much weaker than other fencing options.

• Material Cost: Higher than wood but lower than pipe.
• Installation Cost: Moderate; requires setting posts and fitting rails.
• Maintenance Costs: Lower than wood but can crack in cold weather and sag over time.
• Typical Range: $15 to $25 per linear foot installed.

Wire Horse Fence Cost

Wire horse fences are fairly affordable, although they do have some serious drawbacks.

• Material Cost: Relatively low, especially for field fencing.
• Installation Cost: Moderate, requires posts and stretching wire.
• Maintenance Costs: Low, but sagging and breaks require attention.
• Typical Range: $5 to $15 per linear foot installed.

Steel Board Fence Cost (Premium Option)

Steel board horse fence comes with the highest up-front cost, but it is extremely durable and has very low maintenance costs.

• Material Cost: High-end engineered steel boards with coatings designed for horses.
• Installation Cost: Posts and rails fit together without welding; installation is straightforward.
• Maintenance Costs: Minimal—steel board fencing is designed not to rust, warp, or splinter.
• Typical Range: $20 to $30 per linear foot installed.

At first glance, both pipe fencing and steel board fencing share a critical advantage: they are built from steel, making them far stronger and longer-lasting than wood, vinyl, or wire alternatives. However, the similarities largely end there.

Pipe fencing was originally designed for cattle containment and has since been adopted in some horse facilities. Steel board fencing, on the other hand, was engineered specifically with horses in mind.

The difference lies in design, safety, and long-term value. Pipe fences rely on rigid welded steel pipes. While this rigidity makes them nearly indestructible, it also makes them unforgiving. If a horse collides with a pipe fence, the impact is absorbed entirely by the animal, which can lead to serious injuries.

In contrast, steel board fencing incorporates rails designed with a controlled amount of flex. When a horse leans, kicks, or runs into the fence, the steel boards give slightly and then return to place; dramatically reducing the chance of injury.

Maintenance is another key factor. Pipe fencing requires regular welding repairs, grinding, and repainting to prevent rust, especially if used oilfield pipe is involved. Steel board fences are pre-galvanized and powder-coated, ensuring rust protection and a smooth, horse-safe finish with minimal upkeep.

Finally, aesthetics matter! Pipe fencing projects a functional, ranch-style image. Steel board fencing provides an elegant, estate-quality appearance available in multiple colors, making it equally suited for working ranches and high-end equestrian properties.

Metal Pipe vs Steel Board Comparison Chart

This breakdown of pipe fence vs steel board fence should make the distinctions clear: