Wire Fence vs Steel Board Fence For Horses

Wire Fence vs Steel Board Fence: Which Is Better for Horses?

Choosing the right fencing for horses is one of the most important investments you will make as a property owner. The type of fence you choose impacts not only your horses’ safety but also the long-term value and appearance of your farm. Two of the most common options, wire fencing and steel board fencing, offer very different benefits and drawbacks.

Wire fencing is popular for its affordability and wide availability, while steel board fencing has emerged as the premium solution for horse owners who prioritize safety, durability, and aesthetics. In this article, we’ll examine the strengths and weaknesses of each option, so you can make an informed decision about which fence best suits your needs.

Understanding Wire Fencing for Horses

Wire fencing comes in several forms:

• Smooth wire: Multiple strands of plain wire tensioned between posts.
• Woven wire (“no-climb”): Wire mesh with small rectangular openings to reduce hoof entrapment.
• V-mesh wire: A higher-end woven style with diagonal patterns that prevent hooves from slipping through.
• Barbed wire: Sometimes used for cattle but highly unsafe for horses.

Wire fencing is often chosen because it covers large areas at low cost. It can also be paired with electric strands to improve visibility and discourage horses from leaning against it. However, visibility and safety remain major concerns with wire fencing, particularly when horses are turned out in large pastures where they may run or play near the fence line.

Understanding Steel Board Fencing

Steel board fencing is a modern innovation designed specifically with horse safety and longevity in mind. It combines the beauty of a traditional wood board fence with the strength of galvanized, powder-coated steel. The result is a fence that delivers the classic “estate look” horse owners want while eliminating the constant maintenance and safety concerns associated with wood or wire.

Steel boards are flexible enough to absorb impact without breaking, and they feature smooth surfaces with no sharp edges. They never rot, warp, or splinter, and unlike wire, they cannot sag or entangle horses. With a lifespan of 30+ years and minimal upkeep, steel board fencing is considered the premium standard in equine fencing.

Benefits of Wire Fencing

Despite its drawbacks, wire fencing offers some practical benefits:

1. Low Cost: Wire fencing is one of the cheapest options available, making it appealing for large properties or secondary pastures.
2. Predator Control: Woven or V-mesh wire creates an effective barrier against dogs, coyotes, or other predators.
3. Foal Containment: Smaller mesh openings prevent young foals from slipping through or getting their legs caught.
4. Weather Resistance: Galvanized wire is resistant to rust and can last years before weakening.
5. Flexibility: Wire can be used across uneven terrain where board fencing may be more difficult to install.

Drawbacks of Wire Fencing

However, the affordability of wire fencing comes with trade-offs. One of the most common questions we hear is “are wire fences safe for horses?” and this is one of the major downsides of this type of fencing.

• Safety Concerns: Horses can easily become tangled in wire, leading to serious injuries. Smooth wire is especially risky, and barbed wire is considered completely unsafe.
• Low Visibility: Horses may not see wire clearly, increasing the chance of collisions.
• Maintenance Demands: Wires loosen, sag, or break, requiring frequent inspection and repair.
• Shorter Lifespan: Even galvanized wire cannot compete with the multi-decade lifespan of steel board fencing.
• Appearance: Wire fencing lacks the curb appeal of a board fence and does little to increase property value.

Benefits of Steel Board Fencing

Steel board fencing was designed to solve the problems associated with traditional fencing. Its benefits are significant:

1. Unmatched Horse Safety: Smooth, highly visible rails prevent cuts, entanglement, or splintering.
2. Superior Durability: Steel boards last 30 years or more without sagging, breaking, or rotting.
3. Low Maintenance: No painting, no retensioning, no warping. Once installed, it performs reliably for decades.
4. Classic Aesthetic: Delivers the timeless beauty of a painted board fence while eliminating wood’s drawbacks.
5. Increased Property Value: Enhances curb appeal and resale value, making it a smart investment.
6. Eco-Friendly Longevity: With fewer replacements needed, steel fencing reduces resource use over time.

Cost Comparison: Wire Fence vs. Steel Board Fence

Cost is a major factor when comparing these two horse fencing options. Wire fencing is far cheaper to install initially, but it cannot match the long-term performance of steel board fencing.

Which Fence Should You Choose?

The choice between a wire fence and a steel board fence depends largely on your priorities:

• If your primary goal is low upfront cost, wire fencing is an economical choice for covering large acreages.
• If your priority is horse safety, appearance, and long-term value, steel board fencing is unquestionably the better investment.

For small paddocks, training areas, and properties where horses are frequently near the fence line, steel board fencing eliminates the risks of entanglement and injury. While it costs more initially, its longevity and low maintenance make it more economical over decades of use.

Get the Right Fence For Your Horses and Needs

Wire fencing may have a place in certain operations, particularly for large pastures where cost is the deciding factor. However, for horse owners who demand safety, durability, and beauty, wire fencing falls short. Steel board fencing stands as the superior option, providing peace of mind that your horses are secure and your property looks its best.

In the long run, steel board fencing isn’t just a fence; it’s an investment in safety, value, and the future of your farm.

Contact Buckley Fence today for a free quote and get the best possible fence for your farm!