How to Install a Wood Horse Fence

A wooden fence is a safe and secure way to enclose a horse. This fence design keeps even the rowdiest horses from escaping. Use two or three rails, depending on needs. A horse fence should be about 5 feet high. No matter what shape or size the area is, a wooden fence will work. The color of the fence does not matter, but it is traditionally white. It requires upkeep, but when a wooden fence is properly built and maintained it makes a safe and reliable home for a horse.

Things You'll Need

  • Fence posts
  • Fence boards
  • Gravel
  • Quick-drying concrete
  • Nails
  • Nail gun or hammer
  • Post-hole digger or auger
  • Level
  • Chainsaw
  • Spray paint
  • Twine or string
  • Landscape stakes
  • Tape measure
  • Extra boards
  • Outdoor paint
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Instructions

  1. Preparation

    • 1

      Make a map of the area that is going to be fenced. Draw a line on the map for the fence. Keep the fence line as straight as possible.

    • 2

      Put garden stakes along the place that needs fence. Keep them in a straight line. Run string or twine along the garden stakes. Make sure the string is straight.

    • 3

      Use spray paint to paint a straight line under the twine. This, along with the twine, will be the guide for building the fence.

    Installation

    • 4
      White is the traditional color for wooden fences.

      Starting at corner posts, dig a hole about 3 feet deep. Put gravel in the bottom of the hole for drainage. Place a fence post in the hole. Pour concrete around the post, being sure it is level. Use the extra boards as supports on the corner posts. Continue down the fence line, digging holes and setting posts. Use twine and spray paint as a guide. Place the posts 6 to 8 feet apart.

    • 5

      Remove the stakes and twine. Make sure the posts are level. They should be set in within two to three days.

    • 6

      The boards should be nailed to the inside of the posts. Start from the bottom about 8 inches from the ground. Allow no more than 1 foot between each board. Use a chainsaw to cut off the remaining boards.

    • 7

      Paint the posts and boards with a high-quality outdoor paint. Make sure no wood pieces or nails are left on the ground.