How to Stop a Horse From Jumping a Fence

When a horse jumps a fence and gets away, it is not only frustrating for you, it is also dangerous for the horse. When horses get loose they can become entangled in things that may hurt them or they can run into the road and be hit by a car. Take the time to build proper fencing for your horses to prevent them from escaping. The result will be safety for your horse and peace of mind for you.

Things You'll Need

  • Fence built to specification
  • Electric wire
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Instructions

    • 1

      Build fences that are tall enough to contain your horse. According to the website Practical Horsekeeping, the minimum height of a horse fence should be 5 feet If you have tall horses or stallions. Build fences that are level with your horse's head as it stands in its natural upright position. This height is usually 4 to 6 inches above the withers.

    • 2

      Electrify fences if your horse has disrespect for the fence line. Horses who do not respect fence lines tend to kick and lean on the fence, which can break. Horses will then jump over the broken fence. An electric fence will teach your horse to respect the fence and stay away from it.

    • 3

      Build fences to specifications. Bob Kingsbery, a fencing expert, notes the following on the Equisearch website: "People who buy prefabricated fencing can get themselves into trouble by skimping on materials or ignoring the manufacturer's advice. If the specs call for six strands of polycoated wire, for instance, anything less may be putting your horses at risk for escape and injury."

    • 4

      Check your fence regularly for broken barriers or gates. Bad weather can blow down fence planks or blow open gates. Check to see if any trees have fallen on the fence and created an opening for your horse to jump over or slip through.

    • 5

      Take away temptation. Bob Kingsbery advises that horses will be tempted to jump a fence if there is something worthwhile on the other side, like green grass. Try to fence your horse on lush pasture. If you cannot, then make sure they have plenty of access to hay and grain. If a horse gets hungry, it will try jumping fences to find food.