Wood Fencing

• Wood fencing, post-and-rail or post-and-board are the most traditional kinds of horse fencing. A post-and-rail fence has holes cut into the post that rails are fitted into. A problem with this fencing is that the ends can easily rot in the holes, and the rails are easy to break. Post-and-board fencing consists of flat boards nailed to wooden posts. These boards can break easily, but they are simple to replace by nailing up another board of the same length.
  
  

Wire Mesh

• Wire mesh can be a safe choice for horse fencing as long as it is a strong woven mesh. It can be easily maintained as long as you keep weeds from growing up the wire strands and it was installed correctly. When it comes to fixing the fence, you can cut away the broken section and cut matching wire to fit between the existing posts.
  Some people choose to install a sight board or electrified tape across the top of the wire fencing to help horses see the fences when running and keep them from leaning over the wire and breaking the strands.
  
  

Plastic Fencing

• Vinyl fencing can shatter easily, but newer versions of plastic fencing are on the market that hold up better. Plastic fencing has an advantage over wooden fencing in that it never needs to be repainted. Plastic fencing can break, though the break is a clean one and the rails are very flexible. Plastic boards can be replaced. Horses easily remove the caps on the posts, which need to be kept on to keep the posts from warping. Plastic fencing offers a traditional post-and-board look.
  
  

Pipe-and-Cable

• Pipe-and-cable is prevalent in Western states. This type poses some risk. Horses can get caught in the cable, which causes serious injuries. The pipe needs to be sanded down and repainted every few years to prevent rust. When the cable rusts, it becomes very brittle.
  
  

Electrifying the Fence

• All fences can be electrified. Often a single wire is installed just inside or above the rest of the fencing to prevent horses from touching or leaning over the fence. Using electrified wire on its own can pose safety issues. Horses don't see the wire, and they can get caught up in it easily. If you want a completely electric fence, choose one of the electric braid options on the market. Electric tape can be used with other fences or as a temporary fence by itself.