Why do horse farms have a double row of fences on the perimeter of a field?

Question

Why do horse farms have a double row of fences on the perimeter of a field?

Answer 1

The double-row fencing can serve several purposes:

*  It can keep horses from interacting across the fence.  Horses are absolutely notorious for finding ways of hurting themselves, and one way horses out at pasture can get hurt is by trying to fight/play across a fence.  A double row of fence keeps horses in different fields from being able to reach each other, which can reduce their ability (and desire) to bite, kick, or strike at each other across a fence, reducing the possibility of injury.

*  It creates an aisle or alleyway that can be used to drive vehicles in to access distant parts of fields without having to go into the field.  

*  It decreases the possibility of horses escaping completely from the fields and making their way out onto roads or streets where they could hurt themselves and hurt others.

*  Where fields are accessible to people who aren't farm personnel, it can keep the horses separated from people who might through malice or ignorance do something that could harm the horses in the field, or who might be harmed by the horses.  This is particularly important for any field that has a stallion or ungelded colts in it.

Answer 2

I was going to answer your questions, but Karin said it all. Good job!

Answer 3

Some horses tend to jump if they can get a running start. The second fence keeps them from getting away with it.

Answer 4

It would be my guess that it keeps the horses off the fence line where other horses may be on the other side, and knowing horses, some like to bite and kick at other strange horses to establish the herd pecking order.