What is the best type of fencing? I know of three common types: barbed wire, electric or wood. Do they all work the same? Which would be the most cost effective and easy to maintain?

I have electric. It is not turned on because my horse is trained to know that it is hot and not to touch it. If I go away for a vacation then I turn it on for the person who is taking care of her because I don't want her to test the wire.
I remember when I got the box for the electricity it cost quite a bit of money, but it is worth it. It lasts forever. I have never had anything go wrong with it.

Please do not use barbed wire for horses-ever.

It was made for cattle fencing, not horses. This is because its not really important if beef cattle gets caught up in the fencing, its just going to be slaughtered for meat. The ability to walk or keep all the limbs in tact isn't a high priority as much as weight. A horse that gets caught in barbed wire can cut tendons, nerves, and cause permanent damage. If the wire snaps it can lash back and cause deep cuts and scarring of the tissue.

Electric tape is the minimum fencing for safe horse keeping on budget. Tape on wood fencing is a step up from there, and tape on vinyl fencing is a step above that. There are other types of fencing, especially for the barn with lack of space, but for an average pasture electric tape with or without other fencing is standard for safety.

Thank you for speaking out about barbed wire, I was just about to do so myself. It is far too dangerous, and I wouldn't use it for cattle either personally. Sure they will be slaughtered by why allow them to suffer in the meantime?

Tape on wood always worked for us, and is what is up where my horse now is. She never tests it.

I agree, barbed wire is cruel and dangerous and should not be used for any animal. We use electric tape on vinyl fencing. It's a bit of output at the beginning, but it lasts a long time and the vinyl fencing lasts longer than wood and looks nicer, especially if you powerwash it from time to time.

My aunt sticks with a wire fence but its not barb wire. Its just flat/smooth type wire. I have never seen wooden ones though.

I don't think barb wire fencing should be used because of the potential for injury to the animals. Even for cattle a smooth wire fence four feet high is plenty. Sure a cow or horse can jump over that but they usually don't. Heck believe it or not an upset cow can easily clear a six foot fence. I like electric fences for most animals because horses, cow and sheep will usually only test it once. Goats on the other hand are a different ball game. Six foot fences are recommended and they will test your electric fence every single day at least once. If you have any significant power failure trust me they will be on the loose.

My neighbors have barbed wire on their cattle fence. One of our fences butts up to theirs. I do not like barbed wire at all. It is mean and fierce and can damage the animals.

I was just looking at a lovely electric braided rope in March's Horse Illustrated and reflecting on how far the technology has come from the plain wire fencing we used to use for electric fences. Vinyl with electric is very nice indeed, but anything other than barbed wire is good.

I can see how barbed wire can be harmful to the horses, but wouldn't they basically stay away from it. I could be wrong...not that I am planning on using barbed wire.

I have a barbed wire fence and have had for years. As long as you keep the fence in good condition there should be no reason for a horse to get caught up in it. A horse is smarter than you think and will stay away from the fence.

This question will probably show how new I am at this but here goes. What is electric tape and why would you use it on fences? I mean, I know what a roll of electrical tape is but is that what ya'll mean?

Most of the farms around my area keep their livestock and horses behind a barbed wire fence. I've never heard of them having any trouble with the animals getting caught in it. But I can understand some of the concerns it may cause.

Electric tape is simply the stuff that carries the current in an electric fence. It's often mounted on plastic or metal stakes that go into the ground.

I've heard arguments from every side. I've heard that the barbed wire fences can cause too many injuries to the animals, but I've also heard that the electric fences are cruel as well. I guess it's all a matter of opinion and personal preference. If I had to choose between barbed wire or electric, I would go for the electric fence.

For an animal as large as a horse, and for the amount of current that an electric fence carries I cannot see it really doing anything more than causing some discomfort. But smaller animals I can see potentially being hurt.

Barbed wire however will hurt anything that comes up against it.

That's a good point SaddleSore. I don't know specifically how the current in an electric fence differs for a horse and for a smaller animal, say a dog. It seems like a somewhat "mean" alternative for a dog, but if that same amount is applied to a horse I can see it being less serious. Does that make it any less effective though?