Stock & Noble
Creating the Best Paddock for Your Property: Fencing Design Ideas
- BY Tripti Kakkar
Creating the best paddock for you and your scenario involves more than just enclosing a space; it requires thoughtful consideration to ensure the safety, well-being, and functionality of both horses and property. One of the key elements in this process is the paddock fencing.
At Stock & Noble, we provide the finest fencing solutions to properties across Australia and New Zealand. Horse fencing is our forte and we’ve helped numerous clients build beautiful paddocks on their property using our Premium Steel Post and Rail Fencing, Horserail and other premium fencing products. We believe design and planning is an important part of achieving the look you desire for your property.
Through this blog, we’ll explore crucial factors to consider when designing paddock fencing, from material choices to terrain adaptation, and we’ll dive into the specifics of entry and exit points, along with the importance of well-designed gate latches. We are aware there are a number of specific paddock management systems for managing equine properties.
In this blog, we have not shown a leaning in any particular direction but have provided general thought-provoking commentary.
As you scroll through the gorgeous images of these thoughtfully built paddocks, we hope you will be inspired to create a safe and beautiful space for your favourite beings.
Factors to Consider in Paddock Fencing Design:
1. Purpose and Livestock
Clearly understand the purpose of your paddocks – whether it’s for turnout, training, or breeding or are you hoping to use the area for several purposes?
Tailor the fencing design based on the type and number of horses in the paddock and how often the pasture can be rested. Consider your approach for both wet winters and the dry summers.
Larger open paddocks can work with light stock holding and less rotation or more paddocks of smaller size can work with more rotation to avoid wrecking your pastures.
The approach largely depends on how you intend to manage your property and the annual climate you’re dealing with.
2. Number of Paddocks
Think about how many paddocks you want for your horses. While designing multiple paddocks for your property consider choosing a colour and layout style that doesn’t make the property seem overwhelming and dense.
Black is a suitable option in our opinion. Classic, beautiful and ever-lasting. You can learn more about which fence colour would be perfect for your property. It’ll give you an overview of with pros and cons of both fencing colours and help you make the right decision.
Here are some ideas you can use for your layout. The fencing in these images are Premium Steel Post and Rail Fencing from Stock & Noble.
3. Fencing Material for Paddocks
Choose fencing that prioritises the safety of horses. Paddock fencing is typically highly interacted with, so you need a strong visible fence that can bear the potential impact. It’s recommended to choose durable materials to withstand weather conditions and horse interaction.
3. Height of Your Fence
Determine the right fence height based on the size and breed of your horses.
Choose designs that allow for clear visibility, preventing collisions and ensuring easy monitoring.
Our recommendation for fence height for paddocks: Typical fence height ranges from 1350mm high to 1500 high for the top rail. For stallion yards, it may pay to go higher again.
If you have the finest and strongest horses on your property, it’ll be worth exploring the best fencing for stallions.
4. Terrain and Landscape of Your Paddock
Design the paddock layout to work with the natural terrain, minimising steep slopes.
Ensure proper drainage to prevent muddy areas, especially around gates and feeding spots.
In our experience, a lot of premium properties if have the opportunity, they grade the paddocks to make a smooth, safe-flowing terrain to maximise aesthetics and paddock management.
The image below is of a beautiful property created with Premium Steel Post and Rail Fencing in Mt. Macedon.
The fencing in the above image is of Horserail USA supplied by Stock & Noble and installed in New Zealand by Otago Fencing.
5. Social Interaction and Security
Design fencing to allow horses to see and interact with companions in adjacent paddocks.
Implement features to prevent horses from escaping, considering additional security against predators.
Adding electrics for horse safety
You can also consider adding an electric fence like EquiRope to your existing fence or use Hosrerail HotTop Plus. It will help teach the horses to respect the fence and also enhance the security of your paddock fencing.
6. Loafing and Feeding Areas
Designate areas for shelter or shade within the paddock.
Establish specific areas for feeding, separate from loafing or resting spots to reduce aggression.
7. Ease of Maintenance
Choose materials and designs that facilitate routine cleaning and repairs.
Schedule regular inspections to identify and address issues promptly. Check out the easiest fence to maintain in Australia.
8. Gates and Entry Points
Gates are an important part of paddock fencing that ensures the safety of your horses, prevents escape and impacts the management of the property.
Consider multiple entry and exit points for flexibility in managing horse movement.
Place gates strategically and wide enough to allow easy access and movement of horses and equipment.
Design gates and pathways to avoid creating choke points, allowing horses to move freely.
We recommend digging deeper into different types of paddock gates before choosing the right one for your property.
9. Use a Safe Latching System for Your Paddocks
Choose gate latches that are secure and horse-proof.
It’s a good idea to opt for latches that are easy to operate for convenience while ensuring security. EZ Latch from Stock & Noble can be operated even while riding a horse and can not be opened by a horse under any circumstance.
Check out a complete review of EZ Latch and why it’s more expensive than traditional latch.
10. Multiple Fencing
If you’re considering using multiple fencing for your paddocks, look for fencing that has a similar design. For example, the fencing in the image below is our Premium Steel post and Rail used along with Horserail. They both are black and demonstrate a premium post and rail look.
This thoughtful selection of fencing helps create a cohesive look for your paddock and your property.
11. Corner Assemblies
In horse fencing setups where tension is necessary, the corner assembly holds great importance. Solid corner assemblies are the backbone of the entire fencing system and when done correctly, they not only ensure a neat appearance but, also guarantee safety. There are three popular shapes when it comes to building a corner assembly on your paddocks – 90-degree, 45-degree and Octagonal.
If you want, you can dive into the details of each to understand which Corner Assembly is best suited for your equine property and why
Are you Ready to Design Your Horse Paddocks?
Designing paddock fencing is a multifaceted task that demands careful attention to various factors.
In this blog, we’ve talked about how to make your paddock just right. It’s not only about picking materials and where the gates go; it’s about making a safe and comfortable space for your horses. From choosing the right materials to considering terrain adaptation, social interaction, and entry and exit points, each element contributes to the overall safety and functionality of the paddock.
Gate latches play a crucial role in ensuring secure access points. By addressing these factors, you not only create a secure environment for your horses but also contribute to the efficiency and aesthetics of your farm. Always prioritise safety and usability to make your paddock a haven for both horses and their caretakers.
In summary, the perfect paddock is one where horses can be safe and you can enjoy being with them. Hope the pictures of our gorgeous steel fencing gave you some interesting ideas for your own paddock. If you are inspired by their beauty and durability, find out why Premium Steel fencing is one of the most expensive post and rail fencing systems in Australia. So, have fun planning your paddock – let it be a special place where your horses can be truly happy! If you have any more questions on how to choose the right fencing for your equine property or wish to discuss your fencing designs with our experts, book a free consultation. They will help you every step of the way to create a property of your dreams.