How to Layout Horse Pens

Whether you plan to board horses for the public or just take care of your own animals, you need to lay out the various pens and corrals properly. Dividing your property into several different pens, corrals and pastures is one of the best ways to keep all the horses in the herd safe and protected. As herd animals, horses have a pecking order, and the horses at the low end of that pecking order need to be protected from their more aggressive herd mates.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • Stakes
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Instructions

    • 1

      Determine how many horses you need to keep on your property. If the horses are already in residence, watch those animals when they are turned out in the pasture. You will quickly see which horse is in charge of the herd, and how they interact with one another. If any horses are getting short shrift when it comes to food and hay, those horses will need separate pens to protect them from an overly aggressive herd leader.

    • 2

      Consider the needs of your boarders if you board horses for the public, or your own needs if you are working with your own horses. Some owners prefer their horses have their own turnout areas in order to avoid bites and blemishes caused by other horses. This is a particular area of concern for owners who plan to show their horses.

    • 3

      Use the information you gather to determine how many separate areas you will need to accommodate the horses on your property. In order to be comfortable and have room to move around, the minimum amount of space each horse should be allotted is 30' x 40'.

    • 4

      Measure the size of your property and use stakes to mark off the various areas for each horse or group of horses. Measure each one of these areas and use it to order your fencing materials.