Wire Fences for Horses | Benefits and Drawbacks

When it comes to selecting fencing for horses, safety, durability, and cost are at the forefront of every decision.

Among the many types of horse fencing available, wood, vinyl, pipe, and steel board, wire fencing is one of the most commonly used. Wire fences are often chosen because of their affordability and widespread availability.

But before deciding whether wire fencing is the right choice for your horses, it’s important to examine the benefits, the risks, and how wire compares in cost to other fencing materials.

GET A FREE ESTIMATE NOW!

As a premium steel fence manufacturer, we’ve seen first-hand how different fencing systems perform in real-world equestrian environments. Wire fencing has a place in certain operations, but it’s critical to understand its limitations; especially when compared to safer, longer-lasting options like steel board fencing.

What Is Wire Fencing for Horses?

Wire fencing comes in several variations, each with its own characteristics:

Woven wire (also called “no-climb” fencing): Features tightly woven wire mesh with small rectangular openings, preventing horses from getting their hooves caught.
V-mesh wire: A higher-end woven wire that uses a diagonal “V” pattern, designed to prevent hooves from slipping through and to discourage climbing.
Smooth wire: Consists of plain, horizontal wires, usually tensioned between posts. Often used with electric fencing to increase visibility.
Barbed wire: Still used in some cattle fencing, but highly dangerous and unsuitable for horses due to the risk of severe lacerations.

Each of these types has different levels of safety and cost.

For horse owners, woven wire or V-mesh are generally the only acceptable forms, as smooth wire and barbed wire pose significant risks.

Benefits of Wire Fencing for Horses

Despite its drawbacks, wire fencing does have benefits that explain its popularity among horse owners:

1. Affordability

Wire fencing is one of the least expensive ways to enclose a pasture. The cost of materials and installation is significantly lower than wood, vinyl, or steel board fencing. For large properties with hundreds of acres, wire is often used to reduce upfront costs.

2. Coverage for Large Areas

Because it is sold in rolls, wire fencing is practical for fencing expansive tracts of land. Ranches with multiple paddocks or large pastures often use wire to divide sections economically.

3. Durability Against Weather

Galvanized wire is resistant to rust and can last many years with minimal deterioration from rain, snow, or sun. This makes it appealing for landowners who want low-maintenance materials.

4. Predator and Containment Benefits

Certain types, such as woven wire or V-mesh, provide an effective barrier against dogs, coyotes, and other predators. They also help contain smaller animals like foals that might slip through board fencing.

5. Customizable with Electric Lines

Wire fencing can be paired with a top strand of electric wire for visibility and to discourage horses from leaning or pushing against it. This adaptability makes it versatile for a range of setups.

Drawbacks of Wire Fencing for Horses

While wire fencing is common, it has notable risks and limitations that horse owners must take seriously:

1. Visibility Issues

Horses have limited depth perception and can struggle to see thin wires. A low-visibility fence can result in collisions, leading to injuries. Adding a top board or electric tape can improve visibility, but that increases cost and maintenance.

2. Safety Concerns

Are wire fences safe for horses? This really depends on the type of wire fence.

Smooth wire: Horses can easily tangle their legs in smooth wire, especially if they run into it. The tension of the wire can cause severe cuts or even permanent damage.
Barbed wire: Absolutely unsafe for horses, as it can cause deep lacerations. Unfortunately, it is still found on some properties originally fenced for cattle.
Woven wire: While safer, horses can still paw at or push against the mesh, loosening it over time. Poorly tensioned wire sags, increasing entrapment risks.

3. Maintenance Requirements

Wire fences require frequent inspection. Sagging, broken wires, or posts pulled out of alignment can compromise the fence’s effectiveness. A single break can create a gap that horses might exploit, leading to escapes or injury.

4. Shorter Lifespan Compared to Premium Fences

While galvanized wire lasts longer than untreated wood, it cannot match the decades-long lifespan of steel board fencing. Woven wire, in particular, is prone to stretching and requires retightening or replacement.

5. Aesthetics

Wire fencing lacks the visual appeal of board fences. For horse farms that value curb appeal and property value, wire does not present the polished, high-end look that many owners want.

Cost of Wire Horse Fences vs. Other Fencing Types

Cost is one of the main reasons horse owners consider wire fencing. However, cost savings in the short term may not hold up when considering maintenance, safety risks, and replacement cycles.

Here’s a breakdown of average installation costs per linear foot:

Fence Type	Average Cost Per Linear Foot	Lifespan	Safety for Horses	Maintenance Level
Smooth Wire	$0.10 – $0.25	10–15 years	Poor (high injury risk)	High
Woven Wire	$1.50 – $2.50	15–20 years	Fair (better if V-mesh)	Moderate
V-Mesh Wire	$2.00 – $3.00	20 years	Good	Moderate
Barbed Wire	$0.08 – $0.20	10 years	Unsafe (not recommended)	High
Wood Board	$3.00 – $5.00	10–15 years	Good (splinters possible)	High
Vinyl	$4.00 – $6.00	20–25 years	Fair (can break on impact)	Low
Pipe	$6.00 – $12.00	25+ years	Good	Low
Steel Board	$7.00 – $10.00	30+ years	Excellent	Very Low

Note: Prices vary by region, installation complexity, and material quality.

From the table, it’s clear why wire fencing is attractive to those seeking low upfront costs for their horse fencing. But the trade-off comes in safety, ongoing maintenance, and lifespan. Premium fencing options like steel board may cost more initially but ultimately provide unmatched longevity, aesthetics, and horse safety—making them the better investment over time.

Metal Wire Fence Compared to Other Types of Horse Fencing

When choosing fencing for horses, wire fencing is often considered because of its affordability and wide availability. However, when compared directly to other popular options (wood, vinyl, and pipe fencing) its limitations become clear.

Wood Fence vs. Wire Fence

Wood fencing has been a traditional choice for horse farms for generations. It provides strong visibility and a classic appearance, something wire fencing lacks. However, wood requires constant maintenance—painting, repair of rotted boards, and replacement of broken rails. Horses can also chew on wooden boards or splinter them, leading to injuries.

Wire fencing, on the other hand, costs far less upfront and requires less aesthetic upkeep. But it poses greater safety risks if the wires sag or break, and horses may not see it clearly. In short: wood offers more visual presence but demands high maintenance, while wire is inexpensive but compromises both safety and appearance.

Vinyl Fence vs. Wire Fence

Vinyl fencing is often marketed as a low-maintenance alternative to wood. It resists rot, never needs painting, and creates a bright, attractive boundary. However, vinyl rails can become brittle in cold weather and may snap on impact, creating sharp edges.

Wire fencing is stronger under pressure, but again, it is much less visible to horses. While vinyl raises property value and provides a clean, modern look, wire sacrifices aesthetics and long-term durability in exchange for lower cost. For farms that prioritize appearance and safety, vinyl is a more polished option, though steel board fencing far outperforms both.

Pipe Fence vs. Wire Fence

Pipe fencing, common in the western U.S., is extremely durable and secure. It can withstand direct pressure from horses without breaking, and its smooth, rounded surfaces reduce the risk of injury. Pipe fencing also creates a highly visible boundary line, making it safer for horses.

Compared to pipe, wire fencing is far less reliable. Horses can push through sagging wires, get legs tangled, or fail to notice the fence until it’s too late. While pipe fencing is significantly more expensive to install, it offers superior strength, safety, and longevity. Wire fencing may suit large, low-budget pastures, but it cannot compete with pipe fencing’s durability.

Wire Fence vs. Steel Board Fence

When it comes to wire fence vs steel board fence, wire fencing is often chosen for its affordability, but when horse safety, longevity, and aesthetics are considered, steel board fencing is in a class of its own. While both options can be used to enclose horses, the differences in performance and long-term value are striking.

Wire fencing—whether smooth wire, woven wire, or V-mesh—can contain horses but poses visibility and safety concerns. Horses may run into or get tangled in wire, and sagging or broken sections require constant monitoring. By contrast, steel board fencing combines the timeless appearance of a painted wood fence with the strength and safety of modern steel. Its smooth surface, high visibility, and unmatched durability make it the premium choice for discerning horse owners.

Wire Fence vs. Steel Board Fence Comparison Table

Feature	Wire Fence	Steel Board Fence
Cost (per linear foot)	$0.10 – $3.00 depending on type	$7.00 – $10.00
Horse Safety	Moderate to poor; risk of entanglement and injury	Excellent; smooth rails, no risk of cuts or tangling
Visibility	Low (horses may not see wires clearly)	High (resembles traditional wood board fencing)
Durability	10–20 years; wires sag and require retightening	30+ years; will not sag, warp, or splinter
Maintenance	Moderate to high; requires regular inspection	Very low; no painting, no retensioning needed
Aesthetics	Utilitarian, farm-like appearance	Premium, classic wood look without upkeep
Property Value	Minimal impact	Increases curb appeal and resale value
Predator Control	Effective if woven or V-mesh	Moderate (designed primarily for horses, not small predators)

When safety and long-term investment are the priority, steel board fencing far surpasses wire fencing. It eliminates the risks of injury, adds lasting beauty to the property, and delivers decades of reliable performance with minimal upkeep.

When Wire Fencing May Be a Practical Choice

Wire fencing may be appropriate in certain circumstances:

Large acreages where cost is the primary concern.
Secondary enclosures for cattle, goats, or sheep, with horses housed in safer paddocks.
Temporary fencing or cross-fencing within a property.
Foal containment when using V-mesh wire to prevent small hooves from slipping through.

Even in these cases, many owners pair wire with a top rail or hot wire to improve safety and visibility.

Why Steel Board Fence Outperforms Wire Fencing

While wire fencing is common, it cannot match the performance of steel board fencing in critical areas:

Safety: Steel boards provide a smooth, highly visible barrier that prevents entanglement or laceration.
Longevity: Unlike wire, steel boards do not sag, break, or require retensioning. With proper installation, steel board fences last for decades.
Aesthetics: Wire fencing looks utilitarian, while steel board fencing delivers the classic beauty of painted wood with none of the drawbacks.
Property Value: A well-built steel board fence enhances curb appeal and increases property value far more than wire fencing ever could.

For serious horse owners who prioritize safety, durability, and long-term value, steel board fencing is the premium choice.

Wire fencing may serve as a budget solution, but it remains a compromise in both performance and appearance.

Talk To A Buckley Fence Expert Today!

Wire fencing for horses remains a widely used solution because of its affordability and practicality, particularly for large acreages. Options like woven wire and V-mesh can provide reasonably safe containment when installed properly and maintained regularly. However, wire fencing also comes with significant drawbacks—low visibility, higher risk of injury, and a shorter lifespan compared to premium fencing systems.

While the lower upfront cost of wire is appealing, horse owners must weigh these savings against the potential risks to their animals and the long-term maintenance expenses. In comparison, steel board fencing offers a safer, more durable, and more visually appealing alternative that pays for itself over decades of reliable use.

GET A QUOTE

Use our easy and helpful fence drawing tool or call us at 866-604-4076 for a free quote!