Uncapped T-posts, barbed wire, stock fence.

What DO we have here?

Looks like stock fence with holes big enough for a hoof to pass through, topped with a strand of barbed wire to keep the horses from riding it down, and an uncapped T-post.

The trifecta of unsafe horse fencing ... not to mention the nylon halters left on which may not break if the horse gets caught up on something.

No, there is no 100% safe horse fence ... but that is no excuse to use a combination of the most well known unsafe options available.

If removing the existing fence is not possible for whatever reason, consider installing an electric tape fence 2-3' inside the existing fence to keep the horses from coming in contact with the unsafe fence.

Electric tape fence.

Electric tape fence can look very nice when installed properly. Unfortunately, too many times I've seen it not well maintained, sagging, twisted (although I'm told twisting it helps by tape-enthusiasts) and overall appearing cobbled together.

Electric tape provides good visibility, which is one of the most important considerations for all horses, but especially the young and frisky. I also have not heard of many horse injuries involving electric tape in comparison to barbed wire, smooth wire or high tensile wire.

Tape fence will require use of a dependable electric fencer or "charger" as it is more of a psychological barrier than a physical one. If your power goes out, so does the effectiveness of your fence. Be careful!

Plastic/vinyl (PVC) rail fence.

Nothing looks as nice as properly installed PVC rail fence, IMHO. I wish I had it.

I don't, due to the oppressive cost of fencing four full acres, not including pasture dividers. But if money were no object, this would be my first choice.

One consideration when using this fence, is that horses can push and pop a rail out of place. To help prevent this, run a strand of electric wire along the inside of the top rail.

Another consideration is to be sure that the bottom rail is low enough that a foal (or clever pony) cannot roll under.

Low, sagging barbed wire.

1. Not tall enough.
2. Barbed wire.
3. Loose and sagging.
4. Uncapped T-post.

Recipe for disaster.

Why risk it?

Diamond mesh fence.

When installed and maintained properly, this diamond mesh no-climb fence may be one of the safest horse fences, especially for foals and other youngsters.

Many of them advertise that horses simply "bounce off" if they run into it. I have not seen this fence in use locally for first-hand information, but I am inclined to believe that it runs toward the expensive side as it seems to be used less often than it should.

(Like welded wire 2 x 4 inch mesh fence, there should be a sturdy board or at least an electric wire at the top to prevent the horses from "riding" the fence down.)

Loose barbed wire and young horses.

This is one of a series of several photos, with this young foal mouthing and "playing" with the loose barbed wire fence.

It makes me cringe. Every time.

Any horse—but especially the young or nervous—can crash into barbed wire and severely lacerate their skin, ripping flesh to the bone.

Permanent scarring and disabilities are common, and injuries may result in the horse being humanely destroyed.

Chain link fence.

This type of fence, chain link or cyclone fence, CAN be a safe and suitable horse fence, but it would require the use of both top and bottom supports that are sturdy enough to withstand 1,200 pounds of abuse.

A simple tension wire will not do, as you can see by the damage to the top of the fence in this photo.

(Sunblock might not be a bad idea, either.)

Low wood rail fence.

As much as I prefer wood fences to most other types, this fence is not tall enough for the size of the horses kept inside.

The top plank should be higher than the point where the horses' neck and chest meet, at minimum.

I like to see them higher, so that the horse has to LIFT its head to put it over the top rail. That way, if they push against it, they cannot throw their full weight into it like they could if it were chest-level.

Barbed wire and nylon halters.

Halter doesn't fit, and could easily get hung up on a barb. Right at eye level, too.

Nylon is not recommended for a turnout halter because it tends not to break in an emergency, but this one looks old enough that it might break if he stopped walking and you didn't.

Barbed wire: not intended for pets.

The grass is definitely greener on the other side of the fence.

If this mini spooked and threw her head up, she could become ensnared in the wire and horribly maimed. Not worth the risk.

Fraying nylon halters can also easily get caught on the barbs.