Creating a Safer Future for Horses in New Zealand: Smarter Fencing for Happy, Healthy Herds

Across New Zealand, horses are part of our lifestyle — from rural paddocks and smallholdings to racing stables and eventing arenas. Whether you’re riding for sport, farming, or simply enjoying life with your equine companions, one thing every owner agrees on is the importance of safety and freedom.

A secure, well-planned fencing setup isn’t just about keeping horses in; it’s about keeping them calm, healthy, and stress-free in every environment.

Understanding Horse Behaviour and Fencing Safety

Horses are naturally curious, social, and sensitive to their surroundings. They’ll test boundaries, graze right up to the fence line, and often use fencing to scratch or lean on — all reasons why fencing for horses requires a different approach to cattle or sheep.

Good fencing minimises risk by:

• Preventing leg and neck injuries caused by wire or sharp edges
• Reducing escape attempts due to poor visibility or uneven tension
• Supporting herd health and calm paddock dynamics

While we’d love to think all horse owners take safety and welfare into their own hands naturally, the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries makes it official through its Code of Welfare for Horses and Donkeys. This code reminds owners that proper restraint and containment — including safe fencing setups — are essential to meet a horse’s needs and prevent injury. It’s a clear sign that here in Aotearoa, horse safety isn’t just good practice, it’s part of how we care for our animals at a national level.

What Makes a Fence “Horse-Safe”?

Modern fencing has come a long way from traditional barbed wire. The safest setups combine strength, visibility, and flexibility. Popular choices across Aotearoa include:

• Electric tape fencing, which provides a clear visual barrier and gentle deterrent
• Flexible polymer rails, which absorb impact without breaking
• Smooth-coated wires, designed specifically for equine use
• Post-and-rail fencing, offering classic looks and long-term durability

Choosing the right option depends on your land, budget, and herd behaviour — but it’s always worth investing in fencing designed for horses, not just adapted from farm use.

Why It Matters for the Whole Property

Safe fencing doesn’t just protect horses. It protects pasture health, prevents damage to infrastructure, and reduces vet bills over time. Horses that feel secure are calmer, easier to manage, and less likely to injure themselves or others.

For many Kiwi horse owners, upgrading to a modern fencing system has transformed daily routines — less stress, fewer escapes, and a property that looks as good as it functions.

How to Build Safer Fences for Your Horses

Creating a safe fence is about more than just keeping horses contained — it’s about choosing materials and designs that reduce injury risks while blending into your property’s landscape. Here are some key points to help you get it right from the start.

1. Choose the Right Polytape Width and Colour

For most situations, 40 mm polytape strikes the best balance between visibility, flexibility, and safety. Horses are far less likely to run into or challenge a fence they can clearly see.

Narrower tapes (around 20 mm) suit smaller paddocks, internal divisions, or more decorative areas such as arenas or landscaped zones.

Colour matters too: blends like brown/green/brown or green/brown/green remain visible to horses while blending naturally into rural backdrops. For darker or premium fencing designs, Kiwi Black offers a sleek, subtle finish without compromising safety.

2. Add Outriggers or Offsets for Extra Protection

Installing electric outriggers or offsets helps protect your main fence lines and keeps curious horses from rubbing or chewing rails.

Space the electric line roughly 175 mm to 400 mm away from the post — this small detail can dramatically extend the life of your fence and prevent unnecessary injuries or wear.

Outriggers are especially helpful on timber or wire fences where contact and pressure points can quickly lead to breakage or shock inconsistencies.

3. Use High-Quality, Durable Hardware

Even the best tape won’t perform well without the right fittings.

Invest in UV-stabilised outriggers, reliable tape clamps, and robust insulators to keep your fencing secure and ensure consistent current flow.

Quality hardware also makes maintenance and installation easier, saving you time and frustration in the long run.

4. Regular Checks Keep Horses Safe

Inspect your fences regularly — especially after strong winds or storms — to spot sagging tape, damaged insulators, or loose posts before they become hazards. A few minutes of care can make a world of difference to your horses’ safety and your fence’s lifespan.

Final Thoughts

A well-fenced paddock is the foundation of every successful equine setup. It gives horses space to move freely, owners peace of mind, and the land a better chance to thrive.

Let's help lead the way in safer, smarter horse fencing solutions.