Farm Fencing for Multi-Purpose Use: Balancing Horses, Livestock & Crops

Running a farm that combines horses, livestock, and crop areas is no small feat. Every corner of your land has different needs, and the wrong farm fencing choice can quickly lead to costly repairs, injured animals, or damaged crops. The good news? With the right strategy, you can build farm fencing that keeps everything safe, contained, and productive. At Best Equine & Agricultural Fencing Ltd, we’ve seen firsthand how the right fencing can transform a farm into a well-oiled machine. Here’s what to consider when balancing multi-species and multi-purpose fencing.

Horses

Horses are natural athletes, and sometimes that means they’ll test boundaries -literally. For them, safety is the top priority and fence heights should aim for at least 4.5–5 feet to discourage jumping.

Horses don’t see the same colour range humans do. They distinguish yellows and blues more easily than reds and greens, which is why wide boards, woven wire with sight boards, or highly visible rails prevent accidents.

A post & rail fencing style is particularly popular in equestrian settings. The open structure allows for excellent visibility while keeping horses safely enclosed. Unlike solid fencing, post and rail reduces the risk of injury by minimising the chances of animals feeling confined or trapped. Please do not use barbed wire - it’s one of the leading causes of equine injuries.

Cows

Cows may not leap like horses, but they do love a lean! Strong, durable fencing is the key, with heights of around 4-4.5 feet being adequate. High-tensile wire works well, but corners are the weak spots so these areas will need extra bracing to withstand herd pressure.

Crops

When it comes to crops, the goal is to keep livestock and wildlife out. For example, to keep deer out requires fences at least 8 feet high to reliably protect crops. Good farm fencing choices for crops include dual-purpose lines: Woven or high-tensile fencing can separate pastures from crops while doubling as livestock control.

The Long-Term Payoff

Strong, well-planned fencing costs more upfront, but it saves thousands down the road. Fewer emergency vet visits, fewer escape repairs, and higher property value mean your investment pays off year after year.

Why Choose Best Equine & Agricultural Fencing?

We don’t just build fences - we design custom solutions that fit the unique demands of your farm. Whether you’re juggling horses and cow-herds, or protecting crops from hungry wildlife, our team knows how to create boundaries that are safe, durable, and built to last.

👉 Ready to upgrade your fencing? Contact us today for a consultation and let’s design a system that works as hard as you do.