How to Plan Your Horse Fencing: A Step-by-Step Guide for Horserail  

Building a fence for your horses can feel like a tough task. You want it to be safe, sturdy, and practical, but knowing where to start isn’t always easy. Maybe you’re worried about getting the layout wrong, or perhaps you’re concerned about the time and effort involved in getting it just right. You’re not alone—it’s something every horse owner thinks about when creating a secure space for their animals. 

If you’ve compared all the different options of flexible plastic fences available in Australia, and chosen to go ahead with Horserail, this article is for you.  

Whether you are a Fencing Contractor or a DIYer, it will prove to be very helpful in your planning and building a beautiful and safe horse fence.  

At Stock & Noble, we specialise in premium fencing solutions for equine properties, so we know exactly what works and what doesn’t. This blog is designed to help you plan and execute your fence line with confidence, making sure you get it right the first time. 

In this blog, you’ll learn 4 steps with graphics to plan and install your Horserail or Hotop Plus fencing. On top of that, we have also added a PDF for you to download and keep in your back pocket for a quick reference while choosing the materials, gathering your tools and building a strong and beautiful horse fence.  

Download the Horserail – Fence Line Planning and Tools Checklist 

(This pdf is based on the guidelines provided by Horserail US. To plan your fencing in Australia, it’s best to refer to it along with the info given in this blog.) 

Step 1: Define Your Horse Fence Line 

Before you break ground, you need to have a clear vision of where your Horserail fence will go.  

This is the first step in ensuring a successful installation and long-term performance. 

a) Start by marking out the proposed fence line with stakes and visible string, ensuring that it’s straight and follows the layout you want.

You’ll need to consider a few key details: 

• What are the overall dimensions of your fence? (width x length) 

• How many sides or sections will your fence have? 

• How many corners? Are they 45° corners, curved, or 90° corners? 

• How many gates will be included in the design? 

• Are there special needs areas, such as wet crossings or perpendicular fence runs? 

• What’s the design of your paddocks and how many do you want? Have you considered the aesthetics as well as the safety aspects? 

Make sure to answer these questions first to build a complete picture of your fence design. 

Tip – While planning your fence layout, allow enough space for machinery and equipment to access your gates and laneway. 

b) Once you’ve done that, flatten the fence line as much as possible.

Sure, hills and dips are natural, but excessive rises or dips can compromise the stability of the fence. Take the time to smooth out any uneven areas— it’s worth it in the long run! 

c) Next, clear any vegetation, rocks, or debris along the fence line.

Mowing the area before installation can help you get a better view and make your work easier. 

d) Layout working gates.

Walk through and test gate placements, ensuring they’re conveniently located for regular use and future needs, ideally, all gates will be on level ground. 

Step 2: Gather Fencing Materials Based on Horse Property, Needs and Design 

Once you’ve defined your fence line, it’s time to gather the materials you’ll need. This step is all about being organised, so you don’t end up halfway through the job and realise you’re short on something crucial. 

Fence Posts:  

Calculate the number and size of posts needed: 

• Corner Strainer Assemblies: Typically made up of 3 x 3m 100NB Gal posts and 4 x 3m lengths of Cattle rail 

• Line Posts: 2.1m – 2.4m long posts depending on fence height and ground conditions. 90 – 120mm in diameter is typical 

• End Strainer Assemblies: Typically made up of 2 x 3m 100NB Gal posts and 2 x 3m lengths of Cattle rail 

Horserail Fence material:  

Decide between Horserail®, Hottop®, Hotcote®, or a combination of each.

a) Use Chart B to determine how much material you’ll need based on pressure  

When it comes to fence design, one size does not fit all. Depending on your property, the pressure on the fence, and the animals you’re containing, your design may need to vary.  

• Heavy pressure (e.g., large groups of horses in smaller yards: Closer post spacing around 2.4 meters is needed. 

• Medium pressure (e.g., a few horses in small paddocks): You can have more relaxed post spacing with around 3 meters, but ensure that all connections are tight. 

• Average pressure areas, like in typical paddocks, post spacing could be up to 3.6 meters. 

• Light grazing or minimal pressure: You have more flexibility with post spacing (up to 6 meters) and material choice here, but don’t sacrifice quality for the sake of savings. A well-built fence is an investment in your property’s value and safety, and we’d typically avoid going past a 4m post spacing.  

CHART B 

b) Use Chart C to calculate fencing material based on horse fencing design. 

Or create your design, determine the length of the fence, the number of meters of the chosen material and then the number of rolls. 

c) Gather the required accessories. 

Buckles, brackets, spoolers, tek screws, and hardware bolts to secure your rails or wire to the posts. Remember, the quality of your hardware directly impacts the durability and level of maintenance of the fence. 

Step 3: Tailor Your Horse Fencing Design to Your Terrain 

Your fence design needs to account for the specific terrain of your property. For each section of your fence, consider the following: 

• Length of the section. 

• Terrain type: Is it flat, rolling hills, or steep hills? 

• Soil conditions: Is the ground solid clay, rocky, wet, or loose sand? Soil conditions can affect the spacing and depth of posts. 

• Post requirements: Based on the terrain, determine the number and size of posts needed. Strainer assemblies are required for corners, ends, curves or significant change of angle. 

Your fence might also require different types of wire or rail materials depending on the section. For example, in wet or difficult terrain, you may want to use coated wire or rails that are more resistant to weathering. Additionally, you’ll need to consider whether the fence needs to be electrically capable and plan for the necessary wiring and accessories. 

Step 4: Complete Material Check for Horserail Installation 

Before final installation, check that you have all the materials needed for each section. 

Some areas to consider are: 

• Are you painting your strainer assemblies or posts? 

• Are you welding your strainer assemblies (cold gal paint) or using ezy ends? 

• What gate latching system are you going with  

• Horserail® or Hottop® rolls for rail systems, or Horsecote® or Hotcote® rolls for wire fencing. 

• Insulators, lag screws, buckles, and spoolers in the correct sizes and quantities. 

Refer to the PDF document for a complete list and comprehensive steps. 

Ready to Build Your Horse Fence? 

You want to start your horse fencing project, and this blog has given you the right tips and techniques to build a safe and long-lasting fence for your beautiful animals.  

In summary, by taking the time to carefully plan your fence line, select the right materials, and tailor your design to your property’s unique needs, you’ll ensure your fence installation process is smooth, successful and stands the test of time. 

While this blog is the first step of planning your horse fence, the next one is to learn the detailed process of Horserail installation.  

With the right plan and complete knowledge in place, you will be able to make the best decisions and enjoy peace of mind. Knowing your horses are safe, your property looks stunning, and your fence will stand strong for years to come.  

For any further questions, feel free to reach out to our fencing experts. They will help you on every step of your fencing journey. From choosing the perfect horse fence to providing expert installation tips, we’re committed to making your fencing project a success.