How to Construct a Pasture Horse Fence

No matter what style of riding you prefer or how many horses you own, it is important to provide your horses with safe and sturdy fencing. Some fencing materials, like barbed wire, are completely inappropriate for horses and can be very dangerous. Wood fence can be an excellent and low cost choice, and best of all, you can install this type of fence yourself.

Things You'll Need

  • 2x8 lumber
  • 6" posts
  • Post-hole digger
  • Nail gun
  • Nails
  • Level
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Instructions

    • 1

      Begin by digging a hole for your first corner post. Use a post hole digger to make the hole at least 12" deep. A tractor-mounted post-hole digger is an excellent labor-saving tool, and these devices can be rented from many rental centers. If a tractor-mounted digger is not available, a gasoline powered hand-held model is a good alternative.

    • 2

      Set the corner post in place and refill the hole with the dirt you have excavated. Make sure the post is level, and ensure that the dirt is firmly repacked around the post.

    • 3

      Measure eight feet from the corner post and dig your next hole. Again, the hole should be at least 12" deep to ensure the posts stay firmly in place. Fill the hole with dirt after first making sure the post is level.

    • 4

      Hold a 2"x8' piece of lumber against the two posts. It is good to have a helper for this part of the process. The post should be at least a foot off the ground. Make sure the rail is sitting level, then use a nail gun to put the 2"x8' in place.

    • 5

      Measure a foot up from the first rail and move the second rail into place. Make sure the rail is level, and then nail it to the posts. Measure another foot up and place a third rail. Again, make sure the rail is level and then use the nail gun to set the rail in place.

    • 6

      Measure another eight feet from the second post, dig a post hole and set the post in place. Measure another eight feet, dig another hole and place another post in that hole. Make sure both posts are level and back fill them with dirt.

    • 7

      Nail the next set of rails into place, first making sure each rail is level. Continue the process until the fence is completed.