Choosing the right fence for your horses is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a property owner. The right type of fence needs to balance strength, safety, longevity, and aesthetics. Two common steel options are pipe fencing and steel board fencing. While both are built from steel, they are very different in design and performance.
This article will explore the differences between pipe fence and steel board fencing, including safety considerations, maintenance requirements, costs, and long-term value.
What Is Pipe Fence?
Pipe fencing is built from welded steel pipes, often repurposed oilfield pipe, with horizontal rails welded to vertical posts. This style of fence is especially common in cattle ranching operations because of its sheer strength and permanence. Pipe fences are usually two, three, or four rails high, depending on the livestock being contained.
For horses, pipe fences provide durability and visibility. They create a strong barrier that is unlikely to be knocked down or destroyed by large animals. However, this same rigidity can become a safety concern in equestrian applications.
Benefits of Pipe Fencing
- Strength: Virtually indestructible when properly welded, pipe fencing is extremely resistant to force and impact.
- Longevity: With a protective finish, pipe fences can last decades without replacement.
- Low Upkeep: Once painted or galvanized, pipe fencing requires less maintenance than wood fencing.
- Security: Commonly used in arenas, pens, and working ranches where maximum containment is needed.
Drawbacks of Pipe Fencing
- Horse Safety: Are pipe fences safe for horses? Pipe fencing is rigid with no flex. If a horse collides with it, the impact is absorbed entirely by the horse, increasing the risk of injury.
- Welding Hazards: Poor welding can leave sharp burrs and rough edges, which are dangerous for horses.
- Rust Concerns: If not properly galvanized or powder coated, steel pipe can rust, especially in wet climates.
- Aesthetics: Pipe fences look industrial and functional, but they lack the elegant appearance many equestrian properties desire.
- Repair Costs: Any damage requires a welder, making repairs more expensive and less convenient.
What Is Steel Board Fencing?
Steel board fences are a modern, premium alternative engineered specifically for horses. Unlike pipe fences, steel board systems are designed to look like traditional wood board fencing but are manufactured from galvanized, powder-coated steel.
The rails and posts interlock securely without welding, and the rails are designed with a small amount of controlled flex. This means if a horse leans or runs into the fence, the rail gives slightly, reducing the chance of serious injury.
Benefits of Steel Board Fencing
- Horse Safety: Designed with flexibility in the rails, protecting horses from impact-related injuries.
- Durability: Galvanized and powder-coated steel provides unmatched resistance to rust, weather, and wear.
- Low Maintenance: No repainting, no welding, and no board replacement like wood fences require.
- Elegant Appearance: Available in classic black or white, steel board fencing offers an estate-quality look that elevates any horse property.
- Ease of Installation: Posts and rails fit together precisely, with no welding required.
Pipe Fence vs. Steel Board Fence: Key Differences
Below is a side-by-side comparison of the two horse fencing options:
| Feature | Pipe Fence | Steel Board Fence |
| Material | Welded steel pipe, often repurposed oilfield pipe | Engineered galvanized and powder-coated steel boards |
| Safety | Rigid; no flex; higher risk of horse injury | Rails flex slightly on impact, reducing injuries |
| Installation | Requires welding; labor-intensive | Posts and rails fit together; no welding needed |
| Maintenance | Needs repainting, welding repairs, and rust treatment | Low maintenance; built-in coatings resist rust |
| Durability | Strong but prone to rust if uncoated | Extremely durable with long-term rust resistance |
| Appearance | Utilitarian, ranch-style | Elegant, estate-quality; available in black or white |
| Cost (Installed) | $20–$40 per linear foot | $20–$30 per linear foot |
Which Fence Is Better for Horses?
While both pipe fencing and steel board fencing share steel’s unmatched strength, steel board fencing is purpose-built for horses. Pipe fencing excels in cattle ranches and working facilities, but its rigid, unforgiving design presents safety risks for horses. Steel board fencing combines the durability of steel with the flexibility and smooth finish horses need.
For horse owners who value both safety and aesthetics, steel board fencing is the clear choice. It offers peace of mind, reduced maintenance, and a premium appearance that enhances the beauty and value of your property.
Is Pipe Fence Right For Your Horses?
Pipe fencing has a place in livestock management, but when it comes to horses, steel board fencing provides superior safety, elegance, and long-term performance. While both are investments, steel board fencing is engineered specifically to protect horses while delivering the strength and longevity ranch owners demand.
Talk To A Buckley Fence Expert Today
If you’re planning fencing for your equestrian property, investing in steel board fencing ensures that your horses are safe, your property looks stunning, and your fence will last for decades.
Contact Buckley Fence today for a free quote and get the absolute best for your farm!
