Foal-Proof Fencing

Share

Fence materials: Wood boards and rails, synthetic rails and certain types of woven wire are safest. High-tensile wire, monofilament and rubber-strip fencing can entangle your foal. 

Height: Use your mare’s eye level as a guideline. If she’s 15 hands high, your fencing should be about 5 feet tall to contain your foal safely.

Corners: Fence your enclosure with rounded (not square) corners to avoid injury.

Rail spacing: Space boards (or rails) 8 to 9 inches apart—close enough to keep your foal in, but far enough to prevent his head and legs from getting stuck. Set the bottom board or rail 1 foot off the ground. Fill in wide gaps with woven wire.

Woven wire: Use V-mesh or diamond-mesh wire; foals can wedge their feet into 2-by-4-inch–square (or non-climb) mesh. Make sure wire is woven, not welded, for longer wear and to avoid sharp edges.

Maintenance: Check for loose rails, wobbly posts, or sharp protrusions.

What did you think of this article?

Thank you for your feedback!

Share

Related Articles

Turquoise Circuit header Corey Whinnery and Mountain States heeler Cole Cooper won the 2023 Elizabeth Stampede in Colorado.
Full Circuit Standings Report Heading into the 2023 Summer Run
A look at who is leading each ProRodeo circuit as the summer run kicks off.
Untitled design-14
5 Things J.D. Yates Did to Raise a Winner in Trey
JD Yates qualified for his first NFR when he was just 15 years old, and he discusses the approach he took with his son, Trey.
Steer sitting in the chute getting the horn wrap taken off.
Make Your Steers Last Longer
Troy Shelley of Shelley Productions lists five ways you can make your cattle last longer.

EDITOR’S PICKS

Trending Article

Turquoise Circuit header Corey Whinnery and Mountain States heeler Cole Cooper won the 2023 Elizabeth Stampede in Colorado.
Full Circuit Standings Report Heading into the 2023 Summer Run
A look at who is leading each ProRodeo circuit as the summer run kicks off.