When choosing between different types of fencing for horses, safety, longevity, and overall value are the top priorities. Two common options that horse owners consider are vinyl fencing and steel board fencing. At first glance, vinyl may appear attractive due to its clean look and relatively low maintenance, but when stacked against the performance, durability, and safety of steel board fencing, vinyl shows its limitations. In this post, we’ll compare vinyl fence vs steel board fencing for horses so you can make an informed decision.
The Appeal of Vinyl Horse Fencing
Vinyl fencing, also called PVC fencing, has become popular on many horse farms and ranches because of its glossy appearance and relatively affordable upfront cost compared to wood.
Advantages of Vinyl Fencing
- Low Maintenance: Unlike wood, vinyl doesn’t rot, warp, or require painting or staining.
- Clean Aesthetic: The bright white color and uniform rails give a neat, tidy appearance.
- Non-Conductive: Vinyl will not conduct electricity, so some horse owners use it alongside electric wire for reinforcement.
However, while vinyl seems appealing on the surface, there are serious drawbacks when considering it for horses.
Drawbacks of Vinyl Fencing
Some of the main drawbacks involve the safety of vinyl fences for horses. Some of these issues include:
- Lack of Strength: Vinyl rails are hollow and flexible. Horses can lean, push, or kick through them, creating a dangerous situation.
- Shattering Risk: In cold temperatures, vinyl becomes brittle and can shatter into sharp shards, creating a major injury hazard.
- UV Damage: Over time, sunlight can cause vinyl to fade and weaken, shortening its lifespan.
- Hidden Costs: Though the initial cost can seem lower, frequent replacements, repairs, and added electric fencing raise the true long-term expense.
Vinyl vs Steel Board Fence: A Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Vinyl Fence | Steel Board Fence |
| Strength | Hollow, flexible, prone to breakage | Solid steel, impossible to kick through |
| Horse Safety | Risk of shattering and breakage | Designed to flex safely on impact |
| Weather Resistance | UV damage, fading, brittle in cold | Powder-coated, no fading, no rot |
| Maintenance | Needs cleaning and frequent rail replacements | Nearly maintenance-free |
| Longevity | 10–15 years (with degradation) | 20+ years, often a lifetime |
| Overall Value | Lower upfront, higher long-term costs | Higher upfront, best long-term investment |
The Superiority of Steel Board Fencing
Steel board fences, on the other hand, is specifically engineered for horse safety and long-term durability. Unlike vinyl, it combines strength with flexibility to ensure a fence that is both horse-safe and nearly maintenance-free.
Advantages of Steel Board Fencing:
- Unmatched Strength: Steel rails cannot be chewed, broken, or kicked through. They provide a secure barrier that keeps horses safely contained.
- Flexibility and Safety: Despite their strength, steel rails are designed to flex on impact. This minimizes the risk of injury if a horse collides with the fence.
- Weather Resistance: Powder-coated steel is impervious to rot, insect damage, and UV degradation. Unlike vinyl, it will not fade, warp, or shatter over time.
- Low Maintenance: No repainting, no rotting boards, no warping rails. A simple wash keeps steel fences looking brand new for decades.
- True Longevity: A steel board fence is a long-term investment, often lasting a lifetime without replacement.
Which Fence Is Best for Horses?
For horse owners who prioritize appearance and low maintenance, vinyl may seem attractive; but its weaknesses make it a risky choice for containing horses. The potential for rails to break or shatter under pressure is a major liability.
Steel board fencing, by contrast, is designed with horses in mind. It provides the strength to withstand pressure, the flexibility to prevent injury, and the durability to last for decades with little to no upkeep. While the initial investment may be higher than vinyl, the lifetime cost is far lower, making steel board the clear winner for horse fencing.
Talk To A Buckley Fence Expert Today!
Your horses deserve fencing that keeps them safe while protecting your investment for the long term. Vinyl fencing may look polished at first, but its structural weaknesses and limited durability make it a poor fit for horse farms. Steel board fencing delivers the strength, safety, and longevity that horse owners truly need.
If you’re ready to invest in fencing that combines elegance with unmatched performance, steel board fencing is the solution.
Contact Buckley Fence today for a free quote and do right by your horses!
