Farm, ranch and horse fencing
Fencing for hobby farms, horse properties and pasture across the irrigated farm country of the upper Snake River valley.
Step outside town and the fencing job changes. Around Ucon, Iona, Rigby and Shelley, fences hold horses, cattle, sheep and 4-H animals, close off pastures and corrals, and follow canals and field edges for long distances. The right fence depends on the animal, the length of the run and how often you want to work on it.
Common rural fence types
- Barbed wire. The standard cattle fence on larger pastures. Not recommended for horses.
- Woven wire and no-climb. Tight mesh that keeps horses from getting a hoof through and keeps smaller stock in.
- Pipe and steel rail. Strong and long-lasting for corrals, arenas and driveways.
- Post-and-rail. Wood or vinyl rails along frontage and horse paddocks.
- Electric and high-tensile wire. Lower material cost over long runs; needs a charger and regular checks.
What is a "lawful fence" in Idaho?
Idaho Code 35-101 defines a lawful fence as one at least 4 1/2 feet high, with the lowest wire, rail or board no more than 20 inches off the ground and the space in between sufficiently subdivided with wire, rails or boards. That definition can matter if animals get out or a neighbor disputes a shared fence, so ask your contractor how the fence they're proposing compares.
Corners, braces and gates
On a wire fence, the corner and brace assemblies do most of the work. Long runs need solid H-braces at corners, gates and line changes, or the wire loosens within a season. Wide pipe gates for equipment need heavy hinge posts set deep enough to stay plumb through freeze and thaw.
Canals and ditch banks
Many properties border an irrigation canal or lateral. Under Idaho Code 42-1209, fences and gates on an irrigation entity's easement need its written permission, and unapproved fences that get in the way can be ordered removed at the owner's expense. Talk to the canal company before fencing along a ditch.
Every fence is priced after the contractor walks the line, checks the ground, counts gates and corners, and talks through what you want. We don't quote prices. A figure given over the phone before anyone has seen your lot is only a rough starting point.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
What's the safest fence for horses?
Fences horses can see and can't get a hoof through, such as no-climb wire, pipe or rail fencing, are generally preferred over barbed wire. Talk through your horses' habits with the contractor.
Can I fence along the irrigation ditch?
Only with the irrigation district's or canal company's written permission if the fence would be on their easement. Ask them where the easement line is.
Related services
More background: Idaho Falls fence guide.
Panels blown out by the wind, or a bare backyard waiting for a fence?
Call now and a local fence contractor will come look at the job and quote it directly.