Fence Layout 101: How to Plan Your Cameo™ Horse Fence the Right Way
When it comes to building a safe, long-lasting horse fence, layout is everything. Before posts go in the ground or wire comes off the spool, having a clear plan saves time, money, and frustration.
In this first episode of the Cameo Installation Skill Builder series, Clayton from Cameo Fencing walks through the exact process used to create accurate material lists and fence quotes. Whether you’re building a small paddock or fencing an entire property, this step-by-step approach ensures your fence is designed correctly from day one.
Why Fence Layout Matters
A well-planned fence layout helps you:
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Order the correct amount of material (no guesswork)
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Place gates where they’re actually useful
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Identify corner and gate posts upfront
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Avoid costly changes mid-install
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Get an accurate, upfront material cost
Fence layout isn’t about drawing something pretty — it’s about giving your fence practical structure, strength, and longevity.
Step 1: Start With an Aerial View of Your Property
The easiest way to begin is with a satellite image.
Use Google Earth or Apple Maps to pull up your property and take a screenshot. From there, you can draw directly over the image to show where your fence will run.
Once finished, simply email the image to info@cameofencing.com and the Cameo team can help create a complete material list for your project.
PRO-TIP: This works just as well whether you’re fencing an arena, pasture, paddock, or full property perimeter.
Step 2: Sketch Your Fence (It Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect)
Clayton emphasizes that your drawing doesn’t need to be fancy.
You can:
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Draw on a printed satellite image
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Use a white sheet of paper
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Sketch it on a napkin
What matters is clarity, not perfection.
Your sketch should show:
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The full fence outline
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Gate locations
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Corners and turns
Step 3: Mark Gates, Corner Posts, and End Posts
Once your fence path is drawn, the next step is identifying post types.
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Circle your end posts and gate posts
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Mark corner posts with an X
This helps determine how many structural posts your fence will require, which directly impacts cost and material quantities.
Step 4: Measure Total Fence Length
Next, calculate the total linear footage of your fence.
In the example from the video:
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Total fence length: 2,500 feet
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Corner posts: 7
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End / gate posts: 6
Knowing the full perimeter length allows Cameo to calculate:
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Line post quantities
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Line amounts
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Insulators, collars, and hardware
Step 5: Choose Line Post Spacing
Cameo recommends 12-foot line post spacing, which offers the best balance of strength and tension for horse fencing.
Consistent spacing ensures:
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Proper line tension
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Clean visual lines
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Long-term durability
Step 6: Select Your Post Type
Next, decide what type of line posts you’ll be using:
Each option has its own benefits depending on terrain, budget, and long-term maintenance preferences.
Step 7: Decide on Line Configuration
For optimal horse safety and visibility, Cameo strongly recommends:
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6 total lines
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4 lines of Cameo™
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2 lines of Cameo Pulse™
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This configuration provides:
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Clear visual boundaries for horses
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Consistent electrical deterrence
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Reduced risk of entanglement or injury
Step 8: Plan Your Power Source
Your fence layout should also account for how the system will be powered.
Let Cameo know:
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Distance from the barn or power source to the fence
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Approximate footage needed for lead-out wire
Even a rough estimate (50 feet vs 200 feet) helps ensure the right components are included.
Step 9: Choose Your Fence Hardware Color
Cameo currently offers hardware in white or black, including:
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Accessories
What Cameo Needs to Build Your Material List
To summarize, here’s everything needed for an accurate quote:
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Total fence length (linear feet)
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Number of corner posts
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Number of end/gate posts
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Line post spacing
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Post type
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Number of Cameo and Cameo Pulse lines
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Power source (solar or plug-in)
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Distance to power source
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Hardware color choice
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Property address (for shipping)
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Phone number and email
Once you have this information, simply email it to info@cameofencing.com and the Cameo team will respond within 48-36 hours.
Want to Calculate Your Own Material List?
If you’d prefer to build your material list yourself, Clayton covers that in Video #2 of the Installation Skill Builder series — walking through the process step by step.
Final Thoughts
Fence layout is the foundation of every successful Cameo™ Horse Fence System installation. Spending a little time upfront ensures your fence is safer, stronger, and easier to install — with no surprises along the way.
Whether you sketch it on a napkin or draw it digitally, a clear plan is the first tool you need.