The Benefits of Non-Climb Horse Fencing: What You Need to Know

Non-climb horse fence is a popular option used for horses and other types of livestock. Known for its horse-friendly design, this fencing style is trusted by equine owners for its ability to keep animals safely enclosed. With tightly woven wire that prevents hooves from getting caught, non-climb fencing offers the safety and durability for any horse operation.

What Is Non-Climb Horse Fence?

Non-climb horse fencing wire refers to a specific type of wire that features mostly 2″ x 4″ rectangular openings, making it tricky for a horse’s hooves to step through. This design drastically decreases the risk of leg injuries and entanglement, which are common fears when working with traditional wire fences or field fencing that is not designed for horses.

Unlike traditional field fence, non-climb horse fencing uses smooth knots rather than sharp barbs or wraps, reducing the chance of cuts and scrapes. The tight wire spacing also helps keep out unwanted animals and prevents foals or small animals from slipping through.

This style of non-climb horse fence is most commonly used with treated round wood posts and wire, offering a perfect blend of safety, durability, and rustic charm. The treated wood posts provide a sturdy foundation, while the non-climb wire ensures livestock safety. This combination creates a secure, long-lasting enclosure that not only protects your horses but also enhances the natural, farm-style aesthetic of your property. Not only is this style fence used for livestock farms and horse pastures, but it is also a great option as a residential fence, enclosing your property lines.

Proper Installation Is Crucial

When installing non-climb fence wire—tight, well-tensioned wire is key. A loose fence can sag, become unsafe, and allow horses to lean, push, or paw at it, leading to injuries or costly damage. To ensure long-term durability and resistance to rot and insects, always choose pressure-treated wood posts—especially for fences that will be exposed to the elements or set directly into the ground. Wood fence posts are typically driven 3-4 feet deep into the ground and set at proper intervals (usually around 8 feet apart). It’s essential to use bracing and larger post diameter sizes at corners, ends, gates, and severe grade variations. Wire should be stretched extremely tight. If improperly installed, this can cause the fence to sag or stretch out over time. Lastly, horses may lean over the fence, putting pressure on the structure. To help prevent this, consider adding a top hot wire or an oak board along the top rail for added deterrence and security. A properly installed non-climb fence not only increases longevity but also improves safety and peace of mind for horse owners.

The height of your horse fence ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. How tall you want the fence to stand will determine how deep the posts need to be driven and which type of wire configuration you’ll need. Most horse fences range from 4 to 6 feet in height.

Tip: Avoid using 4” x 4” non-climb woven mesh wire for horse pasture enclosures as hooves can slip through these openings and cause injury. 4” x 4” wire spacing can be considered the preferred fence for sheep and goats.

Why Choose Us and Bekaert Horseman® Horse Fence?

At West Branch Wood Treating Sales, we take pride in providing high-quality wire to our customers, which is why we directly source from Bekaert. As one of the most trusted names in wire manufacturing, Bekaert offers exceptional products that are designed for durability, longevity, and reliability.

Bekaert manufactures Horseman® wire,  which is considered a top choice for both hobby farmers and large equine operations. Here are some reasons why this is a go-to pick:

• Horse-Safe S-Knot Design: Bekaert’s Horseman® fencing uses a smooth “S” knot, which protects animals’ skin and coat, offering superior safety for animal enclosures, including horses.
• Sturdy & Reliable: Made from high tensile 12.5 & 13.5 gauge wire, Horseman® fences are built to last. The high-tensile strength resists sagging and maintains its shape, even with heavy animal pressure.
• Long-Lasting:Bekaert Horseman Wire is corrosion resistance. It is available in Bezinal® (zinc-aluminum) coating or black-painted finish, these fencing resists rust significantly better than traditional galvanized fencing and is guaranteed to last 30+ years.
• Versatile Dimensions: There are several different Horseman wire configurations. One of the more common fence designs is 1348-2 – perfect for pasture, equine fencing or property boundaries. Let’s break down what these number mean: 
  13 – number of horizontal wire lines
  48 – fence height in inches (48”)
  2 – stay wire spacing in inches (2”)

Other Non-Climb Horse Fence Options

While Bekaert’s Horseman® fence is a top-tier option, there are other reputable brands that manufacture similar fencing, including:

• OK Brand Max-Tight Horse Fence – Designed with a special horse-safe knot and strong vertical stay wires.
• Red Brand Non-Climb Horse Fence – A well-known name with decades of reliability in the horse fencing world.
• Stay-Tuff Horse Fence – Known for high tensile strength and extreme durability, especially in high-pressure environments.

Each brand may have unique knot styles, coatings, or tensile ratings, but all share the main benefits of non-climb design: safety, containment, and durability.

Key Takeaways

When it comes to building a safe and effective horse fence, selecting the right wire brand and configuration is essential. There are many unique designs to this type of wire fence, preventing hoof entanglement or other injury risks. Combine properly spaced non-climb wire with durable pressure-treated fence posts will create a safe enclosure for your horses and fewer replacement costs later.

If you’re investing in fencing for horses or opting to secure your property with a traditional look, don’t settle for general livestock wire or basic welded mesh. West Branch Wood Treating Sales gives yourself the peace of mind that comes with a purpose-built solution for your next fence.