best practices to buy horserail

30 Dec.,2024

 

best practices to buy horserail

If you are looking to buy Horserail or any plastic horse fencing, you want to make sure that it&#;s the absolute best fencing for your horse property. Once you finalise and purchase the wrong option it takes quite a bit of effort, time and money to replace it. Also, you want the process of searching, choosing and buying the Horserail to be enjoyable and not stressful.  

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Horserail is one of the most sought-after fencing solutions across the world. The brand has now become generic to the entire category of plastic horse fences. It&#;s quite interesting to read about the differences between the original horserail and other options. And also know how and why different brands across Australia and New Zealand call their flexible plastic rails as Horserail. 

 

At Stock & Noble we provide our customers with the finest fencing solutions across Australia and New Zealand. We stock the original Horserail sourced from America. Based on our years of learning, the experience of our customers and continuous interaction with fencing contractors we will share insights that will help make your Horserail buying experience smoother, better and much more enjoyable. 

 

In this article we will discuss 6 best practices of owning Horserail, which you must read and follow before ordering your fence. 

 

So, if you want to buy and install Horserail that&#;s perfect for your property following a step by step laid out hassle free and stress-free process, then read on. 

  1. Know your options for Horserail

     

  2. Decide how many rails do you need?

     

  3. Plan your fencing layout with Horserail

     

  4. Check the lead time and availability of stock

     

  5. Buy extra fittings at the time of ordering Horserail

     

  6. Check and confirm the warranty of your Horserail

 

1. Know your options for Horserail

As you might already know knowledge is power. The more you know about the different options available for your horse property, the better decision you can make.  

We recommend you start your research by focusing on in-depth learning of different types of horserails or plastic horse fences and choose the one that best matches your vision. 

The main brand of Horserail available in our region currently are: Stallion Rail from Duncan Equine, Horserail and Legacy Rail available at Stock & Noble, Bounce Back at fencing4horses, Zappa Rail and Equi Rail available at thinkfencing. 

 

They are all good products depending on the need of your horse property. 

Big 8 factors to consider when comparing products: 

  1. Rail width

     

  2. Looks

     

  3. Quality

     

  4. Type of plastic

     

  5. Number of wires

     

  6. Warranty

     

  7. Colours

     

  8. Cost

     

It&#;s a great idea to compare different plastic horse fences in detail and learn how each of these factors plays an important role in making a Horserail fit your vision and budget.  

Another important decision you need to take is whether you want an electric or a non-electric Horserail. 

 

2. Decide how many rails do you need?

Great you&#;ve already reached your next best practice to follow! If you&#;ve decided which plastic horse fence you need, it&#;s time to look outside the window at your horse property and ask yourself, how many rails will I need?&#; 

 

These 3 questions will help you gain some more clarity on conquering this step: 

Q1. What&#;s the main purpose of this Horserail? 

Is it for foals, yearlings or stallions? For foals or nursery paddocks, we recommend a 5 rail configuration. For others, it&#;s a choice based on what you like to see and live with every day. 

 

Q2. What&#;s the visual barrier you want?

The typical configuration of plastic horse fences we sell is 3 to 4 rails. A 4 rail provides a better visual barrier, and closer rail spacing and is definitely more stunning. 

 

Q3. What&#;s your budget?

 If you want to cut down on rails, consider adding Borderline or Equirope between your larger rails. Typically, horse properties use 4 to 8 runs of Equirope. 

 

3. Plan your fencing layout with Horserail 

We often say this and truly believe that a job well planned is a job half done. It&#;s extremely important to plan your fencing layout, make a rough sketch, mark your boundaries, know how many rails and other fittings are needed, where the gates are going to go, and so on and so forth.  

 

These three things can further help you plan your fencing layout efficiently and effectively:  

  1. Use &#;

    Plan my fence&#;

    an interactive mapping tool that will help you figure out a rough meterage and cost based on your property details.

     

  2. Connect with a fencing supplier

    and get a detailed CAD design made to have a much better understanding of required supplies and placement of your horserail.

     

  3. Educate yourself, read, watch and dig into learning resources that will help you

    plan the fencing and install Horserail.

     

    Dishun contains other products and information you need, so please check it out.

 

4. Check the lead time and availability of stock 

Once you decide on your fencing and the deadline of your project it&#;s recommended to contact your fencing supplier and check the lead time of your chosen fencing.  

If there&#;s no stock or a longer lead time than what you planned for, you should have enough time to look for another supplier offering a similar product.  

In the post-COVID world the supplies of goods and services have been affected and there could be unexpected delays in your order, especially where the product involves sourcing from international hubs. 

It&#;s best to check the availability of stock well ahead of time and also have an idea of the lead times of different types of horse fencing options available in Australia and New Zealand. 

At Stock & Noble, we always advise our clients to pay a deposit on the stock that is still on order.  This allows them to plan knowing when they will get the product and have peace of mind of no unexpected price increase or delay. No matter which fencing supplier you choose if the product is in stock you should pay for it as soon as possible, even if your order has to sit for a week or two while you wait for your contractor to begin. 

 

5. Buy extra fittings at the time of order 

When you ask for a quote on Horserail, posts and fittings from a fencing supplier, it&#;s a good idea to request them to add a few extra fittings like end tensioners, joining buckles, spoolers, line brackets and more. 

While this may increase the cost slightly, most importantly this will ensure you have a seamless installation and have extra fittings at hand when your fencing is getting installed.  

Ordering extra fittings with the main delivery also proves useful for future maintenance, repair and replacement.  This eliminates the hassle of a reorder of smaller shipments or extra delivery charges of fencing supplies in the days ahead. 

 

6. Check the warranty and conditions of its validity 

Every Horserail product, be it the original Horserail or other types of plastic horse fences, all come with a warranty. It could vary from limited manufacturer warranty of a few years to a lifetime warranty.  

 

You must confirm with your fencing supplier or manufacturer about the terms and conditions of its validity. Make sure you follow their specific instructions, keep track of when the fencing was ordered and always keep your warranty documents handy.  

 

For example, at Stock & Noble, Legacy rail has a number that is kept on file. It is a product code that relates back to the date it was manufactured and the batch it was made in. You are required to retain the label with the code on it to claim the warranty 

 

Are you ready to buy Horserail for your property? 

If Horserail is your dream fence, you now know the steps to follow and make sure your buying process is smooth and enjoyable. You&#;ll be able to take the next step in transforming your vision into a reality for a beautiful property with a fabulous fence. 

 

You have the 6 best practices added to your checklist, so simply tick them off one by one and get your desired results while buying Horserail. You know all about how to choose, plan, buy and install Horserail, the next question that demands your decision is cost. Before you move ahead it&#;s best to check out the prices of different types of Horserail or plastic horse fences available today and choose the one which fits your budget. 

 

You are on an inspiring journey to create a beautiful property, so if you have any questions or want to have a one-on-one discussion on how to design your paddocks with Horserail. Or want to make sure if it&#;s the right fencing solution for your horse property then all you&#;ve to do is request a call. One of our fencing advisors will call you for an honest conversation on your dream fence, with a zilch obligation of purchase.  

3-Rail vs. 4-Rail Fencing: How to Choose the Best Fence

3-rail and 4-rail fences are among the most popular horse fencing options&#;not just for aesthetics but for function. However, what&#;s the difference between the two fences, and which is the right fit for your horses and situation?

Whether you&#;re fencing a small paddock or a sprawling ranch, we&#;ll help you understand your options. Ultimately, you want the best balance between safety, budget, and esthetics&#;and we&#;ll show you how to find it.

What Are 3-Rail and 4-Rail Fences?

When we talk about 3-rail and 4-rail horse fencing, we&#;re referring to the number of horizontal rails that run between the posts in the fence. A 3 rail fence features three horizontal bars, while a 4 rail version includes an extra rail, making it a bit taller and, typically, a tad sturdier.

Both types are favorites among horse owners for their clean lines and reliable construction.

Usually, a 3-rail horse fence stands about 4.5 to 5 feet tall, which is generally sufficient for adult horses of most breeds. The 4-rail version, being taller, usually measures up to 5 to 6 feet. It provides that extra bit of security and peace of mind, especially if you have horses that are more spirited.

But what really makes a fence stand the test of time and weather? It&#;s all about the materials.

At Buckley Fence, we prefer to use steel board fencing, which guarantees durability against the elements and offers a sleek, modern look that enhances your property&#;s appearance. Steel is tough, maintenance is minimal, and it gracefully ages without losing its charm or integrity.

3-Rail vs. 4-Rail Fencing: Pros and Cons

Choosing the right number of rails for your fence isn&#;t just about aesthetics&#;it&#;s also about practicality and purpose. Whether you opt for 3 rails or 4 can make a meaningful difference in safety, maintenance, and cost.

Let&#;s weigh the pros and cons of each to see which is the better fit for your situation:

3-Rail Fencing

Pros:

  • Cost-effective:

    Generally, fewer materials mean lower costs, both for purchasing and installation.

  • Quicker to install:

    With one less rail to worry about, installation can be faster, which is great if you&#;re under a tight schedule.

  • Sufficient for larger horses:

    3-rail fencing is often ample for safely containing larger horse breeds if installed at the correct height.

Cons:

  • Lower barrier:

    The lower profile may not deter more adventurous or playful horses, which could pose escape risks.

  • Less privacy and security:

    With fewer rails, this option provides less coverage, which might be a concern if you&#;re looking for more privacy from nearby roads or properties.

4-Rail Fencing

Pros:

  • Higher barrier:

    Offers more coverage and height, making it a more substantial barrier against escape and external threats.

  • Increased safety for varying horse sizes:

    The extra rail reduces the gap between rails, which helps keep smaller breeds and foals safer.

  • Better containment and privacy:

    Ideal for properties requiring higher levels of security and privacy, this option also adds to the aesthetic enclosure of your space.

Cons:

  • More expensive:

    More materials and more labor mean higher costs upfront.

  • Longer installation time:

    Each additional rail requires more installation time, which could extend your project timeline. It&#;s not a huge consideration (given

    how easy it is to install Buckley Fence

    ), but it&#;s one you should still think about.

The Importance of Height with Your 3-Rail or 4-Rail Fence

Fence height might seem like just another number to consider, but it&#;s an important factor in designing a safe and compliant horse enclosure. Let&#;s look at how the height of your fence affects everything from safety to aesthetics (and even how it aligns with legal requirements).

Safety Considerations

The height of your fence is, first and foremost, about safety. Horses are powerful jumpers, and a fence that&#;s too low might tempt a determined horse to leap over, leading to possible escape or injury.

Ideally, your fence should be high enough to discourage even the most athletic horse from attempting a jump. This prevents injuries from jumping and horses getting their legs caught on the top rail if they do try to jump and fail.

Higher fences are essential for younger, more energetic horses or those known to be escape artists.

Visibility and Aesthetics

Beyond just the practical safety concerns, the height of your fence also influences your property&#;s overall look and feel. A taller fence might provide a sense of security and seclusion, while a shorter one can make your space more open and inviting.

The right height can improve the beauty of your landscape, framing your property without obstructing scenic views. However, a fence that is too high might make the area feel closed off and smaller than it actually is, which could affect the aesthetic appeal.

Legal and Zoning Considerations

When deciding on the height of your fence, you&#;ll need to consider local laws and zoning regulations. Many municipalities have specific codes dictating fence heights, especially involving animals.

Additionally, equestrian organizations might have guidelines for competitive horse facilities, which can serve as a valuable reference for private properties. Confirming your fence meets these requirements is essential for compliance, maintaining good relations with your community, and protecting your investment in your property.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Between 3-Rail and 4-Rail

Choosing the right type of fence isn&#;t just about counting rails&#;it&#;s about understanding your property and horses&#; unique needs. Here are the key factors that will help you decide between a 3-rail and a 4-rail fence.

1. Type of Horses and Livestock

Your horses&#; breed, size, and behavior will have the most significant influence on your decision. Larger, more active horses or those known for being exceptionally playful or jumpy might require the additional security of a 4-rail fence.

The closer spacing of the rails helps prevent injuries and provides a more secure barrier. On the other hand, if you have older or calmer horses or breeds that aren&#;t as prone to jumping or rough play, a 3-rail fence might suffice.

2. Property Size and Topography

The size and layout of your land can also influence your choice. A larger property might benefit from a 4-rail fence as it offers better visibility and security over extended distances, which is crucial for maintaining perimeter control.

Moreover, if your property includes varying elevations or hills, a taller fence might help maintain a uniform barrier that looks aesthetically pleasing and remains functional.

3. Budget and Maintenance

A 4-rail fence involves more material and labor, which can significantly increase the costs compared to a 3-rail option. However, investing in a sturdier fence upfront could potentially save you money on maintenance and repairs in the long run.

Consider the initial cost versus the ongoing maintenance expenses to determine which option is more cost-effective.

Fortunately, if you opt for a sturdy option like Buckley Steel Board Fence, you won&#;t have to worry too much about maintenance&#;it doesn&#;t chip, peel, or crack and has exceptional long-term resistance to rusting, fading, and chalking.

4. Aesthetic Preferences

Consider how the fence will look once it&#;s installed. A 4-rail fence offers a more robust and traditional appearance, which might be more visually appealing if you aim for a classic equestrian look. A 3-rail fence, while still attractive, provides a more open and minimalistic feel.

Think about the architectural style of your home and outbuildings when choosing the fence design that best complements your property.

Build a Better 3-Rail or 4-Rail Fence with Buckley

Choosing between a 3-rail vs. 4-rail fence might feel like a burden, but you can rest easy when you choose Buckley Fence&#;each option is designed with the highest standards of quality and aesthetics in mind to meet diverse needs and situations.

Our 3-rail fence is an excellent choice for those looking for a cost-effective, elegant solution that provides ample safety for less active horses or larger properties where extensive fencing is required. It&#;s easy to install and offers a clean, open look that integrates seamlessly into a variety of landscapes.

For those requiring extra security and safety&#;particularly if you have playful foals, smaller breeds, or a mix of livestock&#;our 4-rail option offers additional height and tighter rail spacing. This improves the physical barrier and adds to your property&#;s privacy and security.

Still don&#;t know which to pick? Let us help. Send us an , give us a call, or submit a pricing inquiry, and we&#;ll give you a personalized recommendation for your unique horses, location, and budget.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Railway Fencing.