another fencing question

I'm going to be putting up a 3 board fence around my pasture in the spring and need a few questions answered. First what spacing from the ground to the top rail should I use? I was going to use 16ft 2x6, do I need to put a post every 8ft or can I go the full 16ft? I will be putting an electric ribbon along the top of the fence also. Should I put the posts on the inside or outside of the pen? I like the look of it inside better but not sure if it would be safe for the horses. Well I think that is enough questions for today, thanks for any help.

You sound like you have a great plan here... I suggest putting the posts no more than 12 feet apart.. for the main reason that the farther apart they are the less sturdy in the middle they will be.. especially if you are using 2x6's... I would put them about one foot from the ground... then a board.. one foot.. board... one foot... board.. one foot... electric fence.. that puts you at 5 1/2 feet high... and DO NOT put the boards on the outside of the pen... make sure that they are on the inside... main reason being... 1. the posts would be on the inside and be a hazard and 2. if a horse did hit the boards and they were nailed on the outside they could end up crashing right through it, breaking it and possible hurting themselves...

Countrygal is correct. Put your boards on the inside of your fence for more support. I would stay with the 8' spacing. "The grass is always greener on the other side!" Your horses will always try to stick their heads between the boards to reach the grass. I know it looks better the other way, but you will be replacing boards that are pushed out. Screws rather than nails. Also remember to stager your boards. You don't want all three boards stoping and starting on the same posts. Cut the top of your posts on a slope and make sure you seal the top to prevent moisture. Good Luck!