An Honest Review of Horserail Fencing. 

If you own horse property, chances are you’re familiar with Horserail®. You may have encountered it, looked it up, heard about it or been referred to it by another equestrian. If you’re researching different types of horse fencing solutions and are considering Horserail® for your property, this article is for you.   

At Stock & Noble, we provide equine properties with the finest fencing solutions across Australia and New Zealand. We offer the superior variant of the original Horserail® known as Hottop Plus®, complete with its original trademark embossed on the product. While we feature this product and are confident it to be the safest horse fencing in the world, however, we understand it might not be the right fencing for certain properties. 

In this blog, we will discuss everything you need to know about Horserail® – the product specifications, cost, availability, its advantages as well as disadvantages. You’ll also learn how to stay away from the imitations and get the original Horserail® for your property. 

By the end, you will have all the information to make the correct decision for your equine property based on your needs, vision, animals and budget. 

What is Horserail® fencing? 

Horserail® fencing is the most trusted rail by equine property owners across the world. In fact, due to its incredible performance over the years, Horserail® has become a generic term for “flexible plastic rails” and a plethora of brands use this term to describe their product. 

Horserail® is made from a 4-inch wide, Long-Life UV Stabilised Non-Conductive Medium Density Polyethylene. It mimics the appearance of a traditional timber rail from a distance and features three molecularly bonded high-tensile wires running through it. 

In simple terms, it’s a flexible plastic rail with distinct straight lines, evenly spaced, and reinforced with three high tensile wires in the middle. Available mainly in black or white, the Horserail fence is designed to be highly visible. 

In Australia, three types of Horserail fences are offered: 

Horserail® – A non-electric rail. 

Horserail® Hottop – A rail with an electric top wire. 

Horserail® Hottop plus – A rail with electric wire at the top and bottom of the rail. 

The popularity of Horserail® can be attributed, in part, to its electric variants. These fences are considered safe for horses and discourage undesirable behaviours like leaning over or cribbing. 

Advantages of Horserail® Fencing System 

When it comes to fencing solutions, Horserail stands out as a versatile and dependable choice, excelling in key aspects that prioritise safety, durability, ease of installation, and overall reliability. 

1. Safety at the Forefront

Horserail® takes safety seriously. Its exceptional flexibility serves as a protective barrier, significantly reducing the risk of injuries to both horses and riders. Unlike conventional railings, Horserail bends and moves, providing a safer environment for everyone involved. 

The key advantage of Horserail lies in its strong, smooth surface, which allows it to flex and slide upon impact. This design minimizes the risk of injury to horses in case of accidental contact, such as running into, kicking, or putting a leg through the fence. 

2.Proven Durability Over Time

With a remarkable track record of over 30 years in Australia’s challenging weather conditions, Horserail has earned a reputation for being a durable fencing solution. Its ability to withstand the elements without losing structural integrity makes it a reliable choice for those seeking a long-lasting fencing solution. 

3. Low Maintenance

Apart from its focus on horse safety, Horserail® boasts reduced maintenance costs. It eliminates concerns about broken boards, splintering, and the need for painting or mould treatment. Cleaning is also a straightforward process. 

4. Effortless Installation

Horserail® has simplified the installation process with its patented design. Stripping, crimping, or notching is not required, making the installation process straightforward and hassle-free. This innovative approach ensures that the fence is properly installed with no exposed wires, enhancing safety and ease of use. 

5. Enhanced Structural Strength

Featuring three high-tensile wires running through its middle, the Horserail is not just flexible but also structurally strong. This added strength contributes to the fence’s ability to withstand various pressures, making it a robust choice for containing horses and ensuring long-term reliability. 

6. Quality Material Composition

Crafted from long-life UV-stabilised non-conductive medium-density polyethylene (MDPE), Horserail® prioritises quality materials. This ensures that the fence remains durable over time, resisting wear and tear from environmental factors and maintaining its effectiveness as a reliable barrier. 

Disadvantages of Horserail Fencing System 

1. Rails Require Precise Tensioning 

Unlike Timber or Steel posts and Rail fencing, Horserail® needs careful tensioning during installation to maintain a straight appearance. Over time, it might lose tension due to weather changes or impact. 

Ensure expert installation with proper tensioning initially. Regularly check and adjust tension, especially after initial installation and in case of any impact, to keep the rails taut. 

2. Electric Fence Might Malfunction

For Horserail fences electrified with Hottop or Hottop Plus, overgrown grass or cobwebs around insulators and supply lines can compromise the electric system’s effectiveness. 

Maintain the fence by regularly trimming grass under the fence, clearing cobwebs, and promptly fixing any electric system issues. 

3. Attracts Spiders and Dust 

Dust and spiders are more visible on the surface of the Horserail due to its plastic material, affecting the fence’s appearance. 

Periodically wash the fence with clean water to maintain its appearance. Consider using insecticides if spiders persist. 

4. Costly Replacement

In rare cases of severe damage, replacing parts of the Horserail® can be expensive due to minimum quantity orders. 

Order additional material during the initial purchase to have spare parts available for replacements without the need to buy in bulk. 

5. Mesh Attachment Difficulty

Attaching mesh to Horserail® is challenging without an option to fasten fixings directly to the rail. 

The best option in this scenario is to have a Horserail top rail fitted and mesh below. 

6. Maintenance of Intensive Timber Posts 

When using Timber posts with Horserail, maintenance becomes crucial due to timber cracking and warping as it dries and weathers. 

Choose Plastic Posts, which require minimal maintenance, match the Horserail aesthetically, and have a longer lifespan, offering a durable and hassle-free fencing solution. 

Addressing these challenges with proactive solutions can maximise the benefits of Horserail® fencing while mitigating potential drawbacks. 

Availability of Horserail® 

Due to its consistent performance, Horserail® has become a common term used by various brands to describe their flexible plastic rails. 

When you search for Horserail in Australia, it’s common to find different products claiming to be the best. However, not all products labelled “Horserail” are genuine. The first step is to find out where you can buy the original Horserail fencing  – a product with a 25-year history, patented installation technology, and manufactured in America. 

In Australia, initially, there were a couple of suppliers, but from August 2024 the original Horserail® is exclusively available at Stock & Noble. 

Cost of Horserail Fencing 

Horserail Hottop Plus: $1683.00 for a 200-metre roll. 

Cost of Horserail Hottop plus fittings:  

Horserail® Top Rail Insulator Bracket $7.50 

Horserail® Line Post Insulator Bracket $6.05 

45-degree end buckles $31.90 

Tensioning Spoolers $31.90 

It’ll be worth checking out the cost of installation and a comparison with other flexible plastic rail fencing solutions. 

Is Horserail® the Right Fencing For Your Equine Property? 

You are considering the much talked about horse fencing solution and wanted to know if it’s perfect for your property or not. Now you know Horserail® isn’t your typical plastic rail; it’s a safety-first solution. With a 4-inch width, UV-stabilised non-conductive material, and three high-tensile wires, it prioritises the well-being of horses and riders. This is why it’s known as the safest horse fencing solution and is imitated by brands across the globe. 

We’ve highlighted the advantages, from safety features to durability, low maintenance, easy installation, and quality materials. However, transparency is key, and every solution has its challenges. You also learnt the concerns like precise tensioning, electric fence care, dust and spider attraction, replacement costs, mesh attachment nuances, and timber post maintenance. 

But fret not; for every challenge, we’ve provided solutions, ensuring that the benefits of Horserail® overshadow any hurdles. 

Overall, the blog serves as your comprehensive guide, offering insights into product details, cost breakdowns, pros, and cons, and the assurance of acquiring the authentic Horserail. 

If budget is your biggest consideration Horserail® might not be the right fit for your property, however, if achieving high horse safety and a beautiful-looking property with big bold rails is your priority then this flexible fence will be a perfect match.  

Learning about the planning and installation of Horserail. will further lead in the right direction. Check out a step-by-step process for installing Horserail fencing on your property, making it accessible for both DIY enthusiasts and those considering professional help. 

If you have more questions on the original, proven and practical horse fencing, then speak to our fencing experts. They will answer all your questions in detail and help you create a safe and good-looking equine property.