Can I Use Board & Rail Fencing for Horses or Cattle?
The answer is yes, but the construction method is vital. Unlike a residential privacy fence, a livestock fence must be built to withstand "pressure."
H2: Using Board and Rail for Horses
Horses are visual animals. They need a fence they can easily see to prevent them from running into it. Board and rail is excellent for this. We recommend using a 3-rail or 4-rail system with 1"x6" treated boards. Pro Tip: Always install the boards on the inside of the posts. This way, if a horse leans or pushes against the fence, the post supports the board instead of the nails or screws taking all the pressure.
H2: Using Board and Rail for Cattle
Cattle tend to "rub" and put massive amounts of pressure on a fence. While board and rail can work, we often recommend adding a single strand of electric wire or "hot wire" to the top or middle rail. This discourages the cattle from leaning on the fence and prevents them from breaking the boards over time.
