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The Best Shape of Corner Assembly at a Horse Property and Key Considerations.

Corner assembly shape - 90 degree corner assembly, 45 degree - octagonal assembly - horserail assembly

When it comes to horse fencing systems that require tension, the corner assembly plays a crucial role in ensuring both safety and aesthetics. 

 

If you’ve already understood, the role and importance of a corner assembly in building a safe horse rail system then the next step is to choose the right shape. 

 

Corner assembly is relevant to any horse fencing system that requires tension, and it is commonly associated with fencing materials like Horserail, electric rope, sighter wire and mesh. The choice of corner assembly shape can have a significant impact on your horse’s safety, your budget and the overall look of your property. 

 

At Stock & Noble, we offer premium fencing solutions for high-end properties in Australia and New Zealand. Our tensioned fencing systems like Horserail, Equine Mesh, EquiRope and Border Line are top choices among horse owners. With years of experience, we’re experts in guiding our clients to build successful and safe fencing systems using corner assemblies. 

 

In this blog post, we’ll explore the different factors to consider while building your corner assemblies and delve into the best shapes to ensure both the safety and visual appeal of a tensioned fencing system. 

 

In the end, you will have all the information you need to build safe and beautiful fencing on your horse property and avoid wasting time, effort or money on wrongly built corner assemblies. 

 

The Best Shape for a Corner Assembly 

There are three popular shapes when it comes to building a corner assembly on your horse property – 90-degree, 45-degree and Octagonal. Let’s dive into the details of each to understand which is best suited for your equine property and why. 

 

90-Degree Corner Assembly: Safety Concerns 

 

90 DEGREE CORNER ASSEMBLY

 

The most important factor at an equine property is the safety of horses. A 90-degree corner presents certain risks when it comes to horse behaviour. 

 

Conflict Zones in Paddocks: 

In scenarios where a dominant horse and a smaller horse share the same paddock, the sharp 90-degree corner can be problematic. Dominant horses may use the corner to trap the other horses and bully or harass them. 

 

Potential Injury at Perpendicular Corners: 

Moreover, when horses get spooked and start galloping uncontrollably, they can often run along the fence line. In such situations, the presence of an octagonal or 45-degree corner is advantageous.

Horses are more likely to navigate around these curved corners, reducing the risk of injury by avoiding contact with the fence. In contrast, a flat 90-degree corner increases the likelihood of a horse running straight into the perpendicular fence, potentially resulting in injury.  

 

 45-Degree Corner Assembly: Aesthetic Appeal 

 

45 DEGREE CORNER ASSEMBLY

 

A 45-degree corner brings an aesthetic touch of sophistication and design to the property. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with a 45-degree corner, opting for an octagonal corner with added curves and angles can enhance both the visual appeal and functionality of the fence. 

 

Tip: Another cost-effective approach is utilizing a gate to create a 45-degree corner, allowing you to achieve an improved system without incurring any additional expenses. 

 

Octagonal Corner Assembly: The Best Choice 

 

OCTAGONAL CORNER ASSEMBLY

 

The clear winner among the three is the octagonal corner assembly. Its superiority lies in the degree of curvature it can offer, with more curvature equating to greater advantages. Octagonal corners prioritise both aesthetics and horse safety, albeit at a higher cost. 

 

Curvature is Key to Safety:

Octagonal corners offer a unique advantage by allowing for a more pronounced curvature. The curved corners offer improved safety for horses by allowing them to manoeuvre around the corner rather than colliding with it head-on. 

In our experience, most of the signature equine properties feature octagonal corner assemblies. Next time you spot this shape at an equine property, know that the owner has left no expense in creating their property as beautiful as it can be.  

 

Ideal Choice for Vast Equine Properties:

In the context of extensive equine properties featuring multiple paddocks and interconnected laneways, the choice between 45-degree and octagonal corners can significantly impact vehicle access. These corner configurations enhance manoeuvrability, enabling the vehicle to turn around the corner much more easily as compared to sharp 90-degree corners. 

 

Key Considerations for Corner Assembly 

Building a corner assembly for your horse property can require careful planning and attention to detail. Here are essential points to keep in mind: 

 

1. Choose the Right Material

Opt for steel as the primary material for your corner assembly. It offers durability and strength, ensuring long-lasting performance. 

 

2. Prioritise Strength and Integrity

Given the need for tension with these fence systems, it’s crucial to construct a robust corner assembly. These corners serve as the backbone of your entire fencing system, so ensure they remain strong, and straight, and maintain their structural integrity. 

 

3. Paint Before Fence Attachment

If you plan to paint your corner assembly, including posts, make sure to do so before attaching the fence. This approach ensures a clean finish and professional appearance and saves a lot of frustration as compared to doing it afterwards! 

 

4. Focus on Safety

Safety is paramount, particularly in areas prone to horse accidents, such as corners. Use materials with rounded edges, like round posts and cattle rails for horizontal components, to minimize injury risks. Additionally, inspect the finished work to eliminate sharp edges or protruding elements that could harm horses. 

 

5. Plan Carefully

Thorough planning is essential to ensure your corner assembly aligns precisely with your fence lines, maintaining their straightness and overall functionality. 

 

A CAD design would help you visualise the design of your horse property and the location of corner assemblies. 

 

Request my CAD Design

 

6. Avoid Angled Braces

In the traditional agricultural fencing industry, angled braces or stays are common in corner assemblies. However, these should be avoided in equine properties as they create potential leg traps and might result in a horse injury. Instead, opt for horizontal rails that run level with your fencing material. 

 

7. Consider Topography

Property topography plays a significant role in corner assembly choice. In flat areas, square corner assemblies may suffice. However, in hilly or undulating terrain, where corners are in the bottom corner of a paddock, consider upgrading to 45-degree or octagonal corners. These designs make it harder for horses to stop abruptly when running into corners, reducing the risk of injury. Curved corners allow horses to bounce off rather than collide head-on, promoting safety. 

 

8. Personal Preference

In the end, choosing your corner design, like favouring octagonal, 45- or 90-degree corners, is all about what you like. Think about what’s important to you, considering all the different factors that might sway your decision. It’s essential to make sure your choice matches your property’s goals and your vision. 

 

Ready to Choose the Shape of Your Corner Assembly? 

You are building a corner assembly on your equine property and wanted to know the best shape. Through this blog, you learnt that it’s essential to prioritise both safety and visual appeal when selecting the right shape for your corner assembly. 

 

While the 90-degree corner has its drawbacks in terms of safety, the 45-degree corner adds a touch of elegance, and the octagonal corner emerges as the top choice for its superior curvature and safety features. However, the choice ultimately depends on your specific property and preferences. 

 

You now also know the top factors to consider while building your corner assembly and have a checklist ready to refer as you begin the project. The next step is to dive deeper into the correct process of installing a corner or end assembly on your horse property. Learn the detailed guidelines and pro tips to make sure your fencing project is a success. 

 

In conclusion, your corner assembly is the foundation of your horse fencing system, so make it strong, secure, and visually appealing. If you need assistance with design and cost estimation, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional guidance. Our fencing experts are there to help you at every step to create a safe and beautiful equine property. 

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