How to Keep a Horse in the Corral

by MaryH

Overview

Every horse farm, boarding stable or ranch has had one. The horse that doesn't want to stay put. They'll jump the fence, go underneath or even through it. They'll do anything to get out. A few simple tools, tricks and techniques should help you help your horse stick around, ensuring everyone's safety. As always, use caution when introducing your horse to something new.
Use Common Sense

Step 1

Make sure you always close, latch, chain or lock the gate after you leave the paddock or corral. If you have an electric fence, make sure it's plugged in. Make sure your horse has enough room to move around and isn't confined to a small area for hours on end. Don't make it easy for your horse to do the wrong thing.
Step 2

Try stabling your horse, room permitting, with one or two other compatible equines. This will solve what could be a problem with a "buddy sour" horse--one that feels threatened when removed from the herd. Such a social situation may be enough to keep her where she belongs.
Step 3

Make sure your horse can see the fence. Take the plastic strips and tie them to the top line of fence so that they flutter and blow in the wind. By making his enclosure's perimeter more visible, your horse might pay more attention to his surroundings, making him less likely to disregard the fencing.
Step 4

If the horse jumps over a wooden paddock fence, consider adding additional boards to increase its height. Jumping over enclosures isn't a sport or a display of athleticism, it's a perfect way for a horse to injure himself. Increasing the height of the enclosure can be as easy as nailing another row or two of boards above those already in place.
Step 5

Consider whether the escaping horse is dealing with hormone-related issues. Make sure a stallion is kept as far as possible from mares. Make certain foals are kept close to their broodmares.

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1 or 2 horses that get along with your horse 1-inch by 8-inch boards Nails Hammer 15- to 18-inch strips of orange plastic, 1 to 2 inches wide
1 or 2 horses that get along with your horse
1-inch by 8-inch boards
Nails
Hammer
15- to 18-inch strips of orange plastic, 1 to 2 inches wide