Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Material
Most horse panels are made from either square, round, or oval steel tubing, usually 1⅝- or
2-inch stock. Oval steel tubing is round tubing that has been flattened. Oval tubing panels
require less storage space when stacked (such as on the side of a trailer), so would be a
good choice for a portable show or trail-riding pen. However, oval pipe panels can bend
more easily than round pipe panels of an equivalent dimension and gauge.
As with fence wire, the thickness of steel is described by gauge. Fifteen- or 16-gauge
steel is most commonly used for horse panels because it is the best compromise between
strength and weight. Fourteen-gauge steel is thicker and weighs more, so it is more suitable
for crowding cattle or housing rough stock. Eighteen-gauge steel is thinner and lighter and
can bend and dent fairly easily from normal horse activities.
Three examples of vertical reinforcements for panels: a horizontal cut to fit the ver-
tical and welded
