5 Things you need to know before buying a Horse Fence in Australia

Building your horse property is a dream and buying a horse fence is an integral part of making it come true. It’s an exciting experience but the whole process of searching, choosing, finalising and purchasing a horse fence that matches your vision can be a little overwhelming.  

It would be great if buying the right horse fence was as easy as imagining your picture-perfect property with horses running along the beautiful fence in the backdrop. In reality, there are things every horse property owner should know before deciding their horse fence. If you want to save time, stress and money, it’s important to head out in the market well-informed and armed with a proper plan.  

At Stock & Noble, we provide our partners with the finest fencing solutions across Australia and New Zealand. It’s a part of our mission to educate people and help them find the fence that’s perfect for them, their horses and their property. 

 In this article, you will learn:  

1. 5 things you should consider before buying your horse fence. 
2. The process you should follow to choose a horse fence for your property. 

What are the top 5 factors to consider before buying a horse fence? 

Before you take the final call, you must look at the steps below. As you tick them off your list, you will feel more confident about your decision of buying the right horse fence for your property. 

1. Explore all your horse fencing options 

Do a thorough research and read about all the fencing options available for your horse property. Weigh all the pros and cons of different kinds of fencing.

There are several options of fencing available based on budget, quality, material, horse safety, longevity and looks. Here’s a quick overview of the most popular horse fencing options including both post and rail, wire and mesh fencing prevalent in Australia in 2022. 

Timber Post and Rail

This is the traditional post and rail fence. Nothing can beat the natural charm of Timber. It ranks high on social proofing but being a natural product comes with its own set of problems, requiring higher maintenance overtime. Pine is a good choice if you want to go for a cheaper option. If you want to learn more about this fencing, you can check out the best places to buy Timber posts and Rail and the hidden costs of Timber. 

Steel Post and Rail

This is the first answer that pops up on Google when you search for the strongest and the most durable horse fence. There are different kinds of steel fences available, depending on looks, maintenance, horse safety, design and built.  

They are: 

• Cattle Rail sourced from steel companies or local steel suppliers 
• Pre-powdered Cattle Rail like Post and Rail from Dunn and Furrugia and TopRail from Blue Dog Fences 
• Engineered steel fencing system Buckley Steel.  

Overall Steel is a lower maintenance option that can withstand everything from weather to livestock and lasts the longest. If you like, you can deep dive into the cost of Steel Fences in Australia and learn more about this option.  

PVC Post and Rail

This fencing is largely available in white and is a long-lasting material that is cheaper than steel and hardwood timber options. Also, as compared to Timber, PVC fencing needs lower maintenance and is relatively easy to install. However, it might face some challenges in containing large and energetic animals, like horses. 

Flexible Plastic Rail

Flexible Fences like Horserail or Legacy rail are cost-effective and safe fencing solutions for horses. They can be electrified depending on which option you choose. From a distance, they do look like standard Timber posts and rails but the similarities end there. As compared to Timber, they are cheaper and much easier to maintain. If you wish to learn more, this article will help you in finding and buying the original Horserail in Australia. 

Electric Braid Fencing

EquiRope or Sighter wire fencing is extremely cost effective, easy to maintain, safe around horses and also look presentable on a horse property. 

Steel mesh

This fencing is used in different ways across horse properties. Some horse farms use it to separate horse yards from rest of the farm, or to keep horses in but dogs out. In smaller yards particularly around foals or younger horses, Steel mesh can contain them better than just a post and rail fence. It is a cost-effective and relatively safe fencing option for horses. 

Plain Steel Wire Fence

This option is the cheapest, relatively easier to maintain and most installers will be familiar and comfortable with handling this system. However, it’s also the most unsafe for horses and lacks aesthetic value. Over the years, it demands more time and money owing to frequent horse injuries.   

2. Determine the 3 most important things you want from your fence.

It is your dream; also, it is your fence, so consider the three most important things you want in it. Sit down, visualise your future property and prioritise fence’s features with a clear mind.  

The 3 top features could be anything from  

• Great looks 
• Easy maintenance 
• Cheapest  
• Strongest  
• Post and rail  
• Mesh  
• Long life 
• Safety
• Versatility
• Current availability 
• Any other thing that matters to you 

Once you have your top three asks, start eliminating from options that you had researched in Step 1. Taking a decision will be much easier now. 

3. Know the details of installing your horse fence. 

It’s a good idea to reach out to your fencing contractors and discuss the lead time of installing the fence on your property. Sometimes, the wait could be significant depending on their availability, the weather and the ground conditions. For example, the ground could be too dry or too wet, so you might have to delay the installation.  

We recommend having this conversation early as you begin searching for your fence. If your preferred fence is taking a long time to deliver, but the lead time is already long, you don’t mind waiting. However, if your installation window is shorter, you might choose a fence that can be delivered within that time.   

You should also think about whether you want to hire a professional or do the installation yourself. If you are interested in a DIY fencing project, this would also narrow down your options to the ones you can install yourself. Also check the equipment needed for the installation and speak to a fencing expert or your supplier for an installation guide or advice before choosing your fence. 

4. Think how long you plan to live on this property. 

Another factor that you should consider before buying your horse fence is if you are investing in a property you are going to live in forever and pass on to your next generation, or is it a temporary investment, which you intend to sell soon. If you’re building a property for life, then it’s best to get a good quality superior fence that would last you a lifetime and more. However, if fencing is a quick fix to give your property look nice before putting it on the market, then you can choose a cheaper fence that looks good at the moment and then can be replaced by the next owner. 

5. Have a budget for your horse fencing project.

Lastly but most importantly budget plays a huge role in deciding your perfect fence.Before you begin your search, it’s good to have a cost in mind so you know what you are working with. Also, if that number is final then it’s easier to eliminate any expensive options that do not fit your budget right at the start. It will save you and your supplier time and effort. If you have some flexibility for a higher and better-looking fence that matches your vision, then include the desired options in your search, speak to the supplier and evaluate the pros and cons so you know your investment is worth it. 

How to choose the best horse fence for your horse property? 

Now that you know the most important things to consider before buying your horse fence, follow the process as listed below. Each step will take you closer to the fence that’s made for you and your property. 

Step 1: Know your options 

Start your search by arming yourself with information about all the options of horse fencing available in the market.  

Step 2: Think of the top three 

No matter how much you want it, you cannot have it all. Choose the absolutely non-negotiable top three qualities you want your fence to have. Safety, aesthetics, environmental impact, quick availability, longevity, cost, strength, easy installation, low maintenance or anything else that’s important for you. But only three. 

Step 3: Speak to an industry expert 

Reach out to your fencing contractors and take advice on what’s the best solution for your fencing needs. They are good sounding boards before your project begins, however their recommendation is largely based on the fencing options they are most comfortable with. You can also connect to a fencing expert or a supplier who can help you go through the details of each fence, list out the pros and cons and guide you in the best way possible. We recommend choosing a supplier with a wide product range, so you get an unbiased advice.  

Step 4: See the sample of your fence 

Once you’ve chosen your fence, it’s time to see it for real. The easiest way is to ask your fencing supplier for a free sample so you can feel the finesse of the product, right in your hands, delivered to your doorstep. In case your supplier doesn’t have this option, check with them if there’s a live project around your location that you can visit in person and evaluate how the fence looks and feels.  

Step 5: Plan your fence in detail 

Once you know what you’re going ahead with, it’s important to have your fencing plans in place. You can use free fencing tools like Map my fence on our website, or connect with a fencing expert to provide you with a detailed CAD drawing of your entire fencing plan. If you are going ahead with a fencing contractor, they should also be able to assist you with your fencing plans. At Stock & Noble we believe that a job well planned is a job half done. 

Step 6: Check the availability of your fence 

Finally, call and confirm the availability of stock with your supplier or fencing contractor. You should make sure the fence can be delivered well in time to match the time frame of your installation. 

Are you confident to buy horse fence for your property?  

Purchasing a fence for your horse property is a big decision and an investment that will stay with you for a lifetime, hopefully. So do not skip these steps, take some time to go through each one of them and follow the process to find your perfect fence.  

Remember to list out the three things at the beginning. Even if you lose track and get overwhelmed by all the options you can always come back, check your list and take a better decision. Also, it’s good to know if you have some flexibility in your budget for the right fence so you can explore more or eliminate the options saving a lot of time and effort. 

If you have any more questions about choosing the right fence, cost of different kinds of horse fences and want someone to guide you in a completely unbiased way and recommend the right fit for your property then speak to our fencing experts. There’s neither an obligation of any purchase nor unnecessary emails or follow-up calls. Our aim is to help our partners build the most beautiful equestrian properties across Australia and New Zealand and we have a wide range of fencings solutions to choose from.