Horse and Farm Fences in West Chester, PA

The country west and south of West Chester, PA still carries a lot of horses. Along the Brandywine in East Bradford and Pocopson, out toward Marshallton in West Bradford, and in the estate land of Birmingham and Willistown, you see board fences running along the contours and post-and-rail lining the lanes. A horse fence has to do something a backyard fence never does: hold a 1,000-pound animal that leans, rubs and occasionally panics, without injuring it. 76 FENCE West Chester builds board, post-and-rail and mesh pasture fencing with that in mind.

Which fence is best for horses?

Board fencing is the most common choice because horses can see it, it gives when struck rather than cutting, and it suits the look of the area. Post-and-rail and mesh fill specific roles.

For a side-by-side look at the two main options, see split rail vs. board fencing.

White board or black board?

White is the classic farm look and shows up well at dusk. Black, common across hunt country, recedes into the landscape and hides weathering better, which is why many estate owners prefer it along long road frontage. Painted wood needs repainting over time; vinyl board holds its color with washing. Either way, horses see the boards, which is the point. See wood fencing and vinyl fencing.

What gates does a farm property need?

Wide ones. A walk gate is useful, but every paddock needs at least one gate that a tractor, mower or horse trailer can pass through without scraping posts. We size gates from the equipment you actually use.

On long lanes, an automatic gate across the drive saves getting out of the truck in the rain and keeps loose horses off the road. Our automatic gate service covers power, keypads and safety sensors, and gate installation covers manual farm and drive gates.

Do local rules apply to pasture fencing?

Yes. Township fence permits still apply in many places: Pocopson’s FAQ says fences and walls require permits, and Thornbury requires a permit for any fence. West Bradford’s code goes the other way and states that grazing and pasture areas shall be fenced (§ 450-62I(2)).

Corner lots and lane entrances also run into sight-triangle rules. In West Bradford nothing taller than 2½ feet may sit within a triangle with 75-foot legs from the intersection of street centerlines, which affects board fences at road corners.

What about creeks, floodplains and preserved land?

Many horse properties front the Brandywine or Pocopson Creek. East Bradford and Chadds Ford prohibit new construction within 50 feet of the top of the stream bank, and fences in floodways are restricted because they can trap debris during floods. That often means the pasture fence stops short of the creek and horses water elsewhere.

Much of the land around the Brandywine is also under conservation easement; the Brandywine Conservancy has helped conserve more than 158,000 acres in Chester County. Easements can restrict new structures, including fences, so read yours or ask the holding organization before planning a new line. See fences near streams and conservation easement fencing.

What about shared lines with a neighboring farm?

Pennsylvania has an old partition fence law under which adjoining owners historically shared the cost of a division fence, with county surveyors acting as fence viewers in disputes. It grew out of farm use and how it applies today is a question for an attorney, but on farm lines it is worth a conversation with your neighbor before replacing a shared fence. Our fence viewers guide explains the history.

Our crew handles the permit and the PA One Call request, and asks about private lines like well, septic and water lines to troughs, which 811 does not mark. Rules change, so confirm with the township. When you hire us, we pull the permit. Call or text 484-999-0965 to walk the property.