Barbed wire

I have heard some bad experiences with barbed wire, like this one horse that used to board at the stables I'm at called Invite. She wanted to get to the stallions on the neighboring farm and tried to jump the fence and ended up needing stitches in her chest, fore and hind legs.

I don't have anything against barbed wire fences, as long as the horses respect them. Most of the horses by our stables have respect for any kind of fences, but in case the horses do have a problem with barbed wire, we always have a few paddocks that have wooden railing.

Have you ever thought of just plain wire fencing? Our stables have been mostly replaced of the barbed wire for this fencing. I have a picture below that shows what it looks like. Ignore the horse.

I always wonder when people are talking about "respect" to the barbered wire. If there will be a dog attacking them, or something else scary, or other horses across they want to join all respect will be gone in a second. I've seen a horse who got stuck in barbered wire. I believe he pulled the leg thru and while fighting managed to get there other legs too. 3 legs were cut horribly bad: big chunks of skin were gone and the whole thing looked very nasty. After that case - big no-no to the barbered wire. Vet bills are very expensive you know...

Very true. I like the above post. That gives a person something to think about. I don't know what would happen in that situation. In my area, we never have to worry about other dogs and stuff like that, and an incident like that has never happened. Thanks kitten val. That fact completely slipped my mind.

We have TOO many scary things around: people shooting right on border of my horse field (even though it's forbidden), loose big dogs from several neighbors running around, etc. Generally I don't mind all that as it's an extra training, but I'm always over-concerned about first experience for them. Especially after my paint cleared really high wooden fence when I just brought her home. Lol!

Ouch! That sounds really hectic...and dangerous too. I'm really glad the place I board my one horse is nice and safe, besides the busy road next to three of the fields, but that isn't an issue because the fences are really secure near the roads. Stoeka also has a habit of jumping from field to field, but since it's her home, she never goes anywhere besides home. She has a good friend in the one field that she stays by now. So her jumping escapades are over.....for now.

First off to those that have suggested replacing the entire fenceline... Do you have any idea the cost involved in replacing 160 acres of fencing? WOW!

Second, the ones that suggested a smaller fenced in area of 3-4 acres with either wood or electric are probably the cheapest route for fixing it because as Kevin said, she may be one of those fillies that is going to figure out how to hurt herself even in the safest, cleanest environment...

Next, are there cows in or around this pasture? If there are cows involved then the barbed-wire is the safest route for the cows. The safety of all animals involved needs to be considered in this scenario.

The ribbon idea is a good one because it may be a matter of her not paying attention to what she's doing. Also, as many have stated Barbed wire can be a safe fence IF it is installed properly. Which means the entire 160 acres needs to be walked/driven on a regular basis to ensure it is taught and no loose peices are laying around.

And last... I like the bubble wrap idea!