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The Biggest Horse Fencing Issues in Australia and How to Address Them 

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If you have an equine property, you know that a solid horse fence is not just a mere boundary but a reason for pride and long-lasting peace of mind. Being a horse owner, you’re always concerned with the safety of your horses and at the same time aesthetics must be right since a fence could be forever. 

 

In Australia and New Zealand, horse property owners face some common problems with fencing. From choosing the right kind of horse fence to figuring out where to put it can be a real challenge. Horses like stallions need something different than quiet ones. Sometimes, builders don’t follow the instructions, which can mess up the fence and even cancel warranties. Money issues, like unexpected bills or trying to save cash, can also get in the way. And then there are natural challenges, like salt near the coast, reactions with the ground, rocks making holes harder to dig, termites in Australia, and risks of floods or bushfires. It’s a lot to deal with, but finding solutions is key to making sure horses stay safe and happy in their spaces. 

 

At Stock & Noble, we provide the finest fencing solutions to horse property owners across Australia and New Zealand. We have years of experience and expertise in helping our clients create safe and beautiful properties for their equine friends. In this blog, we will share some key insights into the most common problems with horse fencing and the best ways to tackle them. 

 

You will be well-prepared for the challenges that you might face with your horse fence and will also have the solutions to manage them. Thus saving your precious time, money and energy. 

 

1. Choosing the Right Location 

 

Problem:

Selecting the ideal spot for horse fencing isn’t as simple as drawing lines on a map. Poor planning can lead to headaches down the trail. 

 

Solution: 

Try a temporary fence first 

Deciding where to put your fence is super important. If you’re not sure, try using temporary fencing first. This way, you can test it out. We had a situation where someone did this and found out it wasn’t right. Now, they’re trying a new setup before making their final decision. 

 

Avoid Problems with Good Planning 

Before you start putting up your fence, make a plan. Map out where you want it carefully. Double-check where things like buried utilities and property lines are. Also, think about things like how high the floodwater gets during different seasons and what the soil is like both on the surface and three feet below. 

This careful planning helps make sure your fence project goes smoothly. 

It’ll be worth checking out how you can create a horse-fencing layout in 7 simple steps. 

You can also try and map your fence digitally using interactive mapping tools. 

 

MAP MY FENCE

 

2. Inadequate Research 

 

Problem: 

Ever heard of horses being particular about their living arrangements? Turns out, they are. Using the wrong type of fencing for their personalities can lead to unnecessary issues. 

 

Solution:

Do a thorough research

Let’s keep it simple. Horses have their preferences. For example, stallions need stronger fences compared to calm geldings or broodmares with foals. Each horse deserves fencing appropriate to suit their behaviour and size—tailored and secure. It’s the responsibility of an equine property owner to provide that. 

Dain Rakestraw, the marketing manager for Red Brand, points out that many people make the mistake of using the wrong fences for horses. Fencing like high-tensile smooth wire cattle fencing, barbed wire, or wooden posts that are too small or spaced too far apart is not suitable. 

Choosing the wrong fence can be disappointing. Clients have shared their regret, expressing that they wish they knew about better fencing options before starting their projects. 

There are enough resources that can help you make the right choice. Here are a few to get you started: 

The biggest mistakes to avoid while choosing a horse fence. 

The safest fencing for horses. 

Which is the best fencing for stallions? 

 

3. Contractor Compliance Issues 

 

Problem: 

Imagine carefully selecting the perfect fence, only for a contractor to install it without paying heed to the manuals or instructions. 

In Australia and New Zealand, getting some of the contractors to think outside the traditional fence post and adopt new products and installation methods could be a problem. 

 

Solution:

Communication is key 

Make sure your fencing dream team—aka contractors—follows the installation manuals and guidelines provided by the manufacturer or supplier. 

In one of our recent experiences, a property owner in North Auckland selected beautiful, safe fencing. However, the contractor had their ideas. They installed the fence without following the manufacturers’ instructions. This led to voiding the limited lifetime warranty, which was unfortunate for the client. 

Find out some pro tips on how to get the best fencing contractor for your project. 

 

4. Financial Setbacks 

 

Problem:

Just when you thought you had the funds lined up for the perfect fence, unexpected bills threaten your fencing goals. Unexpected bills, including vet costs, house construction priorities, and industry downturns, have consistently disrupted budgets intended for fencing. Environmental factors like flooding and personal health battles add to the financial strain. 

 

Solution:

Deposit payment to hold the stock

Paying a deposit is like reserving the best horse in the stable—securing your fencing materials. It not only guarantees supply but also shields you from potential price hikes. 

Going cheap is like riding a horse without a saddle—risky business. 

Attempting to save money by using fewer posts, whether for wood, electric, polymer, or mesh fencing, can lead to serious issues. According to experts, these cost-cutting measures result in sagging and unsafe fences, posing a threat to valuable investments. 

Polymer materials, while durable, are susceptible to damage from the sun. It’s crucial to ensure that they incorporate UV inhibitors to withstand prolonged exposure. 

According to Rakestraw, sufficient corner bracing is the linchpin of any fence. Neglecting this crucial element can compromise the entire structure, emphasizing the importance of proper installation. 

5. Geographic Challenges 

 

Problem:

Mother Nature throws her own set of challenges into the mix. From salty coastlines to geothermal reactions, horse fencing tends to face a lot of issues. The issue arises when equine property owners overlook them. 

 

Solution:

Factor in the geographical challenges prevalent in your location 

 

Coastal Areas: Salt Damage 

When fencing near the coast, be mindful of salt’s corrosive impact on various fence types. It can wear down materials faster than usual. 

 

Geothermal Regions: Sulphur-Copper Reaction 

In geothermal areas, the sulphur present can react with copper in electric fencing, potentially affecting its functionality. Consider alternative materials resistant to this reaction. 

 

Rocky Foundations: Digging Challenges 

Properties with rock foundations require additional time for digging holes during fence installation. Plan accordingly to avoid delays. 

 

Australian Properties: Termite Threat 

In Australia, termites pose a significant risk to wooden fencing. Choose termite-resistant materials or alternative options. 

Learn how to manage termites on your horse property. 

Flood and Fire Prone Areas 

Areas prone to flooding or bushfires require careful consideration in fence planning. Choose fencing materials resistant to water damage or fire, ensuring the longevity of your fence. 

Find out how wet weather can impact your horse fencing and the way to tackle this issue. 

 

Ready to tackle your horse fencing problems? 

Every horse property owner dreams of creating a beautiful property that’s safe for their animals and provides them with a strong, sturdy and long-lasting home. With the right fence, you build trust and provide a secure space for your horses to thrive. In Australia and New Zealand, where numerous fencing challenges arise, finding practical solutions is crucial. 

 

Now you know addressing common fencing issues, from choosing the right location to managing contractors, financial setbacks, and geographic challenges, ensures a durable and effective fence. 

 

You also learned that practical solutions involve 

  • Trying temporary fencing for trial 
  • Planning carefully with consideration for buried utilities 
  • Understanding horse preferences for suitable materials 
  • Ensuring contractors follow guidelines 
  • Securing materials with a deposit to avoid financial surprises 
  • Addressing geographical challenges like salt damage, reactions in specific areas, rocky foundations, termite threats, and water or fire-prone regions. 

 

If you’ve already chosen your horse fencing and are about to start the project, digging deeper into the biggest problems that could happen during your fencing project will help you be better prepared for the next phase. 

 

If you’re yet to decide on your fencing, we would recommend speaking to a professional who can understand the specific needs of your property as well as animals, discuss your vision in detail and guide you to create a safe and beautiful property. Hopefully without any hurdles. 

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