Dream Equine Property: The Top 9 Horse Fencing Design Factors to Consider in Australia

When it comes to designing a forever equine property, the devil lies in the details. Making sure your horse fences are safe and the look elevates the aesthetics of your property at the same time can be a real challenge. 

As you begin this journey, checking out the latest trends in the world of horse fencing can lead you in the right direction. The most important thing to remember is that the design should combine safety, beauty and functionality. After all, you want to build a property you’ll be proud of, gives you peace of mind and ensures the security of your horses. 

This is where the design becomes so important to the success of your entire fencing project. You don’t want to compromise the looks of your favourite animals, spend weekends on maintenance or have a tough time managing the property. 

At Stock & Noble, we provide the finest fencing materials to high-end property owners across Australia and New Zealand. Over the years we’ve helped numerous clients build their signature properties from start to finish. If you want the insider’s scoop on some key design mantras followed by signature equine properties in Australia, then keep reading. 

In this article, we will discuss the top 9 horse fencing design considerations that will help you achieve both safety and aesthetics on your equine property. You’ll have the key design tips in your pocket, to make sure your fencing creates a great first impression.  

Before we get started, it’s important to understand that every property is different. Each property has its land with unique characteristics and layout, as well as different behaviours and nature of the horses, varied terrain, diverse location, and varying property sizes. Additionally, the owner’s vision for the paddocks and overall property design will also differ. 

To meet the specific design needs of your signature property, we recommend connecting with a fencing professional for a personalised approach. 

 1. Make sure your fence has some “give” 

When you’re choosing a product or system, try to find one that can bend or flex a bit. This little feature is important because it can help you avoid spending a ton of money on vet bills and also reduce the time you spend taking care of horses that get hurt. So, look for something flexible to make sure your horses stay safe, and it can save you money and time in the long run. 

2. Use bold and wide rails for higher visibility of horses 

We should maximise the fence visibility as much as prossible as the defence mechanism of a horse is fight or flight, mainly flight. Therefore, it is ideal to use fencing products that are visually prominent to the horses. Consider using rail fences with bold and wide rails, as they provide a more distinct visual barrier compared to thinner strands of wire. This not only enhances the safety but also contributes to the overall aesthetics of your property. 

It’ll be worth finding out if horses prefer a particular fence colour and if that impacts their safety.  

 3. Invest in fencing with long-lasting beauty 

When investing in horse fencing, it is essential to choose products that are not only visually appealing but also durable. Avoid using materials that deteriorate quickly and visually decline over time. Go for fencing options that maintain their beauty and integrity in the long run while ensuring the safety of your horses. Like Premium Steel Post and Rail fencing or Horserail fencing. 

This is one of the 6 reasons why the Buckley Steel fence is the most expensive post and rail fencing in Australia.  

4. Pay attention to the corner designs 

The design of the corners of your paddocks can add a touch of creativity and flexibility to your overall fencing layout. Consider incorporating curves, octagonal shapes, or 45-degree angles at the corners. These design features not only enhance the aesthetics but in many cases also offer improved safety to your horses. 

5. Choose the right number of rails 

If you’re planning to have post and rail fencing on your property, the number of rails also plays an important role in the overall look and safety. The final decision depends on your vision. If you want to make your post and rail fencing stand out as a feature of your property, you can increase the number of rails used. A 4-rail fence not only adds a safety benefit but also provides an eye-catching design element. Conversely, if you prefer a minimalistic or blended-in look, you can reduce the number of rails to 2. 

Dive deeper to find out how many rails you actually need for your horse fence. It’ll help you make the right decision for the fencing design on your horse property. 

6. Go for the classic when it comes to colour 

While the colour of the fencing may not directly impact the safety of horses, it has its part in the overall appearance of your property. Consider choosing colours that complement the surrounding environment and aesthetic theme of your property. Whether you prefer bold or subtle hues, selecting the right colour can greatly enhance the visual appeal of your horse fencing. We recommend sticking to classic colours like black and white or the natural beauty of timber. 

Checking out some of the most popular fencing colours used by property owners across Australia, might give you more ideas.  

 7. Gate selection and positioning 

When designing your horse fencing, also consider the type and location of gates. If aesthetics are a priority, Premium Steel Gates like Buckley can be an excellent choice. However, if basic functionality and safety matter most to you, Marbo Gates may suit your needs better. Carefully consider the overall design and purpose of your gates to ensure they align with your vision for the property. 

Learn how to choose a horse gate, and the factors you must consider to avoid any issues later. 

8. The overall design based on your choice of fencing 

The look and feel of the horse fencing you choose should align with the desired aesthetic of your property. Consider whether you prefer a structural, symmetrical look or a flowing, curvaceous design.  

When using Premium Steel Post and Rail fencing, introducing curves can create a beautiful layout. However, with Horserail fencing, straight lines tend to be more suitable. It is always advisable to consult with a fencing expert to determine the best design approach based on your property’s overall appearance. 

9. Adapting fencing choices to suit various sections of your property 

If your property has different requirements for various areas, you can mix and match fencing options accordingly. Areas solely dedicated to aesthetics, such as certain landscapes, can feature less horse-safe options like the beautiful, morticed timber post and rail, depending on your desired look. However, for areas frequented by horses where aesthetics are not a priority, Horserail fencing could be considered to ensure safety. Mixing and matching these options allows you to create a cohesive vision for your property. 

Find out how to use multiple fencing solutions aesthetically on your equine property. 

Ready to start designing your equine property? 

In summary, creating an equine property that makes a big bold statement requires considering several design factors like tensioned fencing, wide big rails, corner configurations, rail quantity, colour choices, gate types, and the overall design of the fencing. Each of these elements plays an important role in enhancing both the safety and aesthetic appeal of your property. 

We understand it can get a little overwhelming. So, if you want to start the designing process, then exploring some interactive fencing tools can be quite helpful. They can guide you on mapping your fence, put your vision onto a screen and also provide an estimate for your horse fencing.   

In our experience, some clients have a super clear vision of what they want and can quickly navigate through different ideas. But others might find it hard to explain what they’re thinking or need a little help to picture it. For these property owners spending time discussing options or getting a landscaping artist onboard to pull everything together can be a game-changer. Or, they can have a conversation with us to work on creating their dream property. 

No matter where you are in your planning journey, we’re here to help you create a safe and beautiful equine property.