How to Build a Three Rail Horse Fence

A properly built and maintained horse fence is the most effective way to separate pasture from areas where horses should not be. Horses are less inclined to run through a board fence because of high visibility. While this type of fence is more expensive than other options, it is easier to care for and will add value to a farm.

Things You'll Need

  • 1-by-6-inch oak boards (16 feet long)
  • 4-by-4-inch oak posts (8 feet long)
  • 6-by-6-inch oak posts for corners (8 feet long)
  • 16-penny ring shank nails
  • Hammer
  • Circular saw
  • 4-foot level
  • Tape measure
  • String line
  • Stakes
  • Concrete
  • Post-hole digger
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Instructions

  1. Building the Fence

    • 1

      Set up string line between stakes along the first side of the pasture to be fenced. The string line should be tight and no more than 12 inches off the ground. For curved sections, string line is not necessary.

    • 2

      Dig holes for corner posts at both ends of the string line. The holes should be 10 inches in diameter and 3 feet deep.

    • 3

      Dig post holes every 8 feet on center along the string line from corner to corner. All holes should be 3 feet deep and 8 inches in diameter.

    • 4

      Wet each hole with water, then place posts in each hole and level them. Add dry concrete and about 3 gal. of water to each hole. Allow concrete to dry for 48 hours before continuing.

    • 5

      Check the measurement from the center of the first post to the center of the second post and cut two 1-by-6-inch oak boards to that length. Install the first board no more than 18 inches and no less than 12 inches from the ground. Install the second board 4 inches down from the top of the posts. Nail the boards to each post with three nails.

    • 6

      Check the measurement from the first corner post to the third post and cut one board to that length. Install this board in the middle of the two boards installed in Step 5. This creates an offset of the joints which makes the boards harder for the horses to remove.

    • 7

      Continue down the line with full-length boards, cut to fit as in Step 6, for the rest of this line.

    • 8

      Repeat all steps for the remaining sides of the field. Be sure to measure and leave a space for a gate.

    Kick Boards

    • 9

      Measure from the bottom of the bottom board to the top of the top board at a post.

    • 10

      Cut a 1-by-6-inch board to this length.

    • 11

      Screw the board to the post over the rails to add security.