High-quality fencing is key to any farm or horse property, and plays an important overall role in the daily requirements of your horses by providing a safe enclosure so they can be outdoors to graze and exercise, keeping them healthy and happy. When making the decision as to which material you will be investing in, keep in mind that fencing will add to your property’s value both in aesthetics and functionality, so choose wisely.
If you are after classic country charm, oak board fencing is practical and gorgeous – but like all wood fencing it is also expensive and requires a lifetime of maintenance and upkeep. When I was researching horse owners’ opinions regarding wood fencing, I heard comments including, “Horses think pine is delicious,” and “Hands down, oak!” – and we would agree. Over the last 30 years of installing wood fencing, oak is our recommended wood of choice, as it is more difficult for horses to chew and will hold up better than most other wood. Oak board fencing will warp and crack somewhat, sometimes within days or over many years, but that is the nature of all wood. A well-maintained oak fence, if boards are replaced as necessary, should last 20-30 years.
Ash is an alternative hardwood for fencing, but we do not recommend hemlock, as the wood is unstable and can break or splinter if a horse runs into it.