Horse Fence Instructions

Measure the area to be fenced and decide where the corner posts will be placed. It is important for your horse to have enough room to run and exercise. A good rule of thumb is to allow 1 acre of pasture per horse; this also will help ensure that each horse has enough grazing area.

Start your post hole digger and dig the first corner post. If you have a tractor, you can save time buy purchasing or renting a post hole digger attachment. Otherwise, a gas powered post hole digger works well.

Dig down at least 1 foot to make sure the corner posts will be stable and secure. A good rule of thumb for post hole depth is at least 25 percent of the fence height, so a 1-foot hole would be adequate for a 4-foot fence. Set the post in place and replace the dirt that was removed to dig the hole.

Measure 8 feet from the corner post and dig the next hole. Be sure to dig down at least 1 foot. Place the next post in place and secure it with the dirt that was removed from the hole.

Hold the end of the first 8-foot board against the post near the top and nail it in place. A nail gun will make it easier to place the boards, but if a nail gun is not available, a nail gun can be used instead. Position the first board about a foot down from the top of the post. The boards should be attached toward the inside of the pasture.

Measure between 18" and 24" down from the first board and place the second board in place. Again, the board should be placed on the inside of the pasture. After the boards are in place, measure another 8 feet, then dig the next post hole. Continue to put the posts in place and attach the boards until the fence line is complete.