Layout & geometry
Module 6: Post Spacing & Layout Engineering
Spacing is driven by the fence type's rigidity: a rigid material like board or vinyl rail needs posts close enough that the rail doesn't sag or flex under a leaning horse, while a tensioned wire or tape system can span much further because the wire itself carries tension between anchor points.
| Fence type | Typical line-post spacing |
|---|---|
| Wood board / vinyl rail | 8–10 ft |
| Pipe/continuous panel | Per manufacturer, often 10–12 ft |
| High-tensile electric wire (straight run) | 25–40 ft, with a non-conductive stay every ~10–12 ft between posts on long spans |
| Electric tape/rope, temporary | 15–25 ft (step-in posts) |
On curves, spacing tightens considerably — a rule of thumb is to halve the straight-run spacing on any bend to keep tensioned wire from cutting the corner and losing the line. On sloped terrain, posts are set perpendicular to the ground rather than vertical to true plumb, so the top wire/rail line stays at a consistent height above the animal's back rather than following the slope.
Gate placement should avoid corners (horses get crowded trying to funnel through a gate near a fence corner) and should be wide enough — generally 12 ft minimum for equipment access, 4–5 ft for a walk-through — with the gate opening away from the direction horses will naturally move when let through.
Halve your straight-run post spacing on any curve to prevent tensioned wire from pulling straight and cutting across the intended line.