Raising goats, cows, horses, and sheep together requires a strong, escape-proof fence that works for all four animals while keeping predators out.
Each species has different fencing needs:
- Goats climb and squeeze through small gaps.
- Horses require safe fencing without sharp edges.
- Cows need sturdy, visible barriers.
- Sheep can slip through large openings.
So, what’s the best fence for goats, cows, horses, and sheep? This guide will help you choose the right fencing solution for your mixed herd!
What to Look for in a Multi-Species Fence
✔ Height: At least 48 inches to contain goats & sheep, 5 feet for horses.
✔ Small Openings (4 inches or less): Prevents sheep & goats from slipping through.
✔ Strong & Durable: Must withstand cows leaning, horses kicking, and goats climbing.
✔ Safe for Horses: No barbed wire or sharp mesh edges.
✔ Predator-Resistant: Keeps out coyotes, dogs, and other threats.
🛑 Avoid barbed wire—it can injure horses, goats, and sheep!
Best Fencing Options for Goats, Cows, Horses, and Sheep
1. Woven Wire Fence + Electric Wire – Best Overall
✔ Height: 48–60 inches
✔ Wire Spacing: 4” x 4” mesh
✔ Durability: Strong & long-lasting
🔹 Why It’s Great:
- Works for all species—small openings prevent escapes.
- Withstands cows leaning & goats climbing.
- Safe for horses—no sharp edges.
- Keeps predators out.
🔹 Best For: Permanent fencing on farms with mixed livestock.
🔹 Top Pick: Red Brand Woven Wire Horse & Livestock Fence
2. Electric High-Tensile Wire Fence – Best for Large Pastures
✔ Height: 42–60 inches
✔ Wire Type: 5–6 strands of high-tensile wire
✔ Power Needed: 5,000–7,000 volts
🔹 Why It’s Great:
- Works well for large pastures.
- Affordable compared to woven wire fencing.
- Effective for keeping animals contained & predators out.
🔹 Best For: Large acreages & rotational grazing setups.
🔹 Top Pick: Gallagher S400 Solar Fence Charger
3. Horse-Safe No-Climb Fence – Best for Horses & Goats
✔ Height: 60 inches
✔ Wire Spacing: 2” x 4” mesh
✔ Durability: Strong, flexible wire
🔹 Why It’s Great:
- Safe for horses (no sharp edges).
- Small openings prevent goats & sheep from escaping.
- Strong enough to contain cattle.
🔹 Best For: Mixed pastures with horses & smaller livestock.
🔹 Top Pick: Red Brand Horse No-Climb Fence
4. Electric Netting – Best Portable Option
✔ Height: 35–48 inches
✔ Wire Type: Polywire mesh with electric strands
✔ Power Needed: Solar, AC, or battery-powered charger
🔹 Why It’s Great:
- Keeps goats & sheep contained while allowing pasture movement.
- Easy to set up & move (great for rotational grazing).
- Protects against predators like coyotes & dogs.
🔹 Best For: Temporary fencing or dividing pastures.
🔹 Top Pick: Premier 1 Electric Netting Fence
How to Build an Escape-Proof & Predator-Proof Fence
✅ Step 1: Choose the Right Fence Type
- Woven wire + electric wire for permanent fencing.
- High-tensile electric fence for large pastures.
- Electric netting for temporary enclosures.
✅ Step 2: Install Strong Fence Posts
- Use wooden, metal T-posts, or fiberglass posts.
- Space posts every 8–10 feet for stability.
✅ Step 3: Ensure Proper Fence Height
- Goats & Sheep: At least 48 inches to prevent climbing.
- Horses: 60 inches for safety.
- Cattle: 42 inches minimum.
✅ Step 4: Secure the Bottom of the Fence
- Bury 6 inches underground to stop digging animals.
- Add an electric wire at the bottom to deter predators.
✅ Step 5: Train Your Animals to Respect the Fence
- Introduce goats & sheep to the electric fence while supervised.
- Use visual barriers (like flags or ribbons) for horses & cows.
Electric vs. Non-Electric Fencing for Goats, Cows, Horses & Sheep
| Feature | Electric Fence | Woven Wire Fence |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Large pastures, predator protection | Permanent enclosures, small pastures |
| Escape Prevention | ✅ High | ✅ High |
| Predator Protection | ✅ Excellent | ✅ Excellent |
| Cost | 💰 More affordable | 💰 More expensive |
| Ease of Installation | ✅ Easier | ❌ Harder |
🔹 For small farms? Woven wire fencing works best.
🔹 For large acreages? Electric fencing is cost-effective.
Common Fencing Problems & How to Fix Them
🚧 Goats Climbing the Fence?
✔ Increase fence height to 5 feet.
✔ Use angled top wires to make climbing harder.
🚧 Horses Getting Tangled?
✔ Avoid barbed wire or loose fencing—use no-climb horse fence.
🚧 Sheep & Goats Slipping Through?
✔ Use 4-inch wire spacing to prevent escape.
✔ Add an electric wire strand at nose height.
🚧 Cows Leaning on the Fence?
✔ Install electric strands to discourage pushing.
✔ Use sturdy wooden or T-posts for support.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Fence for Mixed Livestock
A strong, escape-proof fence keeps your goats, cows, horses, and sheep contained, safe, and protected from predators.
Quick Recap:
✔ Best Overall? Woven Wire Fence + Electric Wire
✔ Best for Large Pastures? High-Tensile Electric Fence
✔ Best for Horses & Goats? No-Climb Horse Fence
✔ Best Portable Option? Premier 1 Electric Netting
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