The Fence That Failed: A Heartbreaking Reminder of Why Safe Horse Fencing Matters 

Sheena Avison never imagined she’d be sharing her horse’s story as a cautionary tale. But here we are, with a story that is as heartbreaking as it is important – a story that should make every horse owner stop, think, and take a hard look at the fences surrounding their animals. 

Sheena reached out to us with a simple question: Would you consider rusted welds on cattle rail fencing safe for a horse? A valid concern, one we hear often. But what followed was devastating. 

Sheena’s horse was agisted at a well-known lodge. The owners assured her their welded cattle rail fences were safe. The property cost her $45 per day for spelling, and safety was a key selling point. She trusted them. But one day, a weld broke. A single failure in a rusted, decades-old fence. The rail snapped and pierced her horse’s neck. He didn’t survive. 

The fence was older and badly rusted. The welds designed to hold, had been compromised over time. And when they failed, the consequences were irreversible. Horse safety is our top priority, and we have taken up the mission to educate and inform horse owners to invest into safe fencing solutions. 

In this blog, you get to learn from Sheena’s experience about what happened when her horse visited an agistment property with rusty fencing. You’ll realise the importance of choosing a safe horse fencing for your property and how to make the right decisions.  

Zorro’s Story: A Beautiful Horse’s Life Cut Short 

Sheena lives in Brisbane. Here’s the story of her horse in her own words. “Zorro was exceptionally well-bred, a horse full of potential. He was having a spell at a well-known lodge, a place that claimed safety but had either taken advice from the wrong person or had failed to research thoroughly what a safe horse fence looks like.  

His paddock was out of sight, so he had to be brought up to the stall. They sent a photo of him after he died. A warning came from the other men: Don’t look at it. 

One of them described what it showed – a hole in his neck, the exact shape of the rail.” 

The likely scenario? He leaned on the rail, the weld snapped, and he fell forward. When he tried to pull back, the broken rail went deeper, cutting his artery. 

The fencing by industry standards, even today, was suitable for them to call safe. Many properties particularly across Queensland and NSW currently deem welded cattle rail as a safe horse fence. And yes, it is better than say wire, but can you truly claim it is safe? In this case, when it failed, it was Zorro who paid the price for this misconception that he was safe in this paddock of cattle rail fencing. 

It’s been 18 months, but the heartbreak remains. Because this was preventable. 

Fence Failures Happen More Than You Think 

Sadly, Sheena’s story isn’t unique. We hear about fencing injuries far too often. And while some horses walk away with cuts or bruises, others, like Sheena’s, don’t get a second chance. The worst part? This accident could have been prevented. 

Horses are powerful, fast-moving animals. They don’t always see a fence before they hit it. When they do, it needs to be strong enough to protect them without becoming a lethal hazard. 

Don’t Ignore Your Fencing—Check, Research, and Upgrade 

As horse owners, we check feed, water, hooves, and even the weather. But fencing? Too often, it gets ignored—until it’s too late. 

• A fence is your horse’s first line of protection. It’s not just about keeping them in—it’s about keeping them safe.
• Rust, wear, and weak points are silent dangers. Just because a fence looks sturdy doesn’t mean it is.
• Periodic inspections should be routine. Walk the paddock, run your hands along the rails, check the posts. Look for rust, loose fastenings, or anything that could become a hazard.

If you’re looking to have steel fences on your horse property, it’s extremely important to know which steel post and rail fences are ideal for horses and their performance against rust. 

If you already have cattle rail or other steel fences on your property, then learning to manage rust will be a useful read.  

Horse Safe Fencing – Why Good Quality Fencing Matter? 

When it comes to fencing, not all solutions are created equal. The cheapest option often ends up costing far more – in injuries, vet bills, and heartbreak. Investing in a premium, safe fencing system is not an expense. It’s a responsibility. 

No matter which fencing supplier you choose, do your research. Not all fencing marketed as ‘horse safe’ meets the highest safety standards. Ask your supplier: 

• Is this fencing proven to be safe for horses?
• Is it designed with impact absorption in mind?
• Has it been approved by veterinarians or equine experts?
• How long has it been proven in Australian weather conditions?

At Stock & Noble, safety is our top priority. Our flagship solutions, Premium Steel Post & Rail and Horserail® fencing systems, are designed and proven to have some of the highest safety standards across the globe. We understand how precious horses are and make every effort to ensure their safety. 

Our Premium Steel Post and Rail Fencing is a powder coated system with no weld to break. It’s designed with a bend, buckle and release system. When a horse runs into it, the fence buckles and gives way to the horse, avoiding any serious injuries.  

This fencing is trusted by the largest equine hospital in the Southern Hemisphere (Scone Equine Hospital, a testament to its safety and reliability. When the experts who treat injured horses choose a fencing system to keep their patients safe, it says a lot. 

You can dig deeper and find out more about whether Premium Steel Post and Rail fencing is safe for your horses.  

Our other key product that ensures peace of mind for horse owners is Horserail® – a flexible rail fencing system. Tensioned well, it simply bounces back if a horse runs into it. Made in the USA, this fencing system has been keeping horses safe at some of the biggest horses studs, riding schools and equine properties across 40 countries. It’s been the trusted and proven horse fence in Australia and NZ for the last 30 years. 

Here’s a quick video to show what happens when a horse runs into a safe fencing

Are Your Fences Safe for Horses? 

This isn’t just about Sheena’s experience. It’s about every horse owner who has faced or could possibly face a similar situation. If you own or manage a property, don’t wait for an accident to happen before you upgrade your fencing. If you agist your horse elsewhere, demand transparency. Inspect the fences yourself. Question the safety measures in place. 

Fencing injuries are a truth, whether it’s a rusty rail or a brittle PVC. It’ll be worth learning more about different types of fencing injuries in horses and the way to prevent them. 

We understand not every aspiring horse owner has the budget for premium, top-of-the-line fencing. And if that’s you, reading this right now, don’t get discouraged. Seriously. Take a deep breath.  

What does matter? Making the most of what is within the reach of your budget 

Put everything you can into maintenance and make small, strategic improvements with products like Hotcote, Horsecote and other lower cost, but safe, solutions.  

And if you’re looking after someone else’s horse? Transparency is everything. Be upfront about your fencing and safety measures. If you do have inferior fencing don’t over-state the safety of your operation as it could work against you in the long run. Trust is the foundation of any good horse-care relationship, and misrepresenting your facilities can backfire fast. 

Bottom line: Do the best you can with what you have, invest in smart improvements where possible, and always, always be honest. Your horses – and your reputation – will be better for it. 

So, to every horse owner out there – whether your horse is in your backyard or at an agistment property – take a moment today to check those fences.  

Let’s ensure no other horse suffers the same fate. If you have concerns about your fencing or are looking for a safe horse fencing system reach out. We’re here to help. Our fencing experts will discuss your need and help you create a safe space for your favourite animals for your horses where they can beautifully thrive.