Designing Your Fence
Step One: Know Our Products!
Value of Property
Expenditure on fencing must be viewed not only as a method of restraining animals, but is also a means of "adding value" to your property. The decisions will always be based on your own situation - this is why it is wise to plan the layout and the type of fence that you will install. Fencing with Horserail® tends to look more substantial and therefore adds value to your property.
Additional Applications...
While our fence products were conceived to over-come the problem of providing a safe and low maintenance solution for horses and ponies, we are finding that they are also well adapted to the unique requirements of diverse range of situations, including:
Rail
Hottop® is an electrifiable option to our popular Horserail® product using a UL Listed electric fence energizer for the safety of your horses and to protect your investment. It is available in a 4" width (2 & 3 wire configurations) in black, brown and white (all with a highly conductive carbon strip.)
- Using some form of electric is recommended for the safety of horses and longevity of the fence.
- Hottop® lessens the need for two fences to keep horses safely separated - even stallions with a five foot fence.
Horserail® is available in widths of 2.5 ̋ (2 wire configuration), 4"̋ (2 & 3 wire configurations), and 6 ̋ (3 & 4 wire configurations) in black, brown and white and is designed to be easily installed using the unique buckling and tensioning system. The flexibility, smoothness and strength of this rail not only protects the horse and rider from injuries caused by conventional railing, it also provides for a long lasting, attractive fence that requires little maintenance.
Installation hardware features innovative and patented procedures for attaching, joining and tensioning the rail providing a clean, neat look while being safe for both horse and rider. There is no stripping, crimping or notching needed and the end result is a properly installed fence with no exposed wires.The hardware is insulated (when required) and all are "Double Coated" for superior weather resistance (hot dipped galvanized and powder coated.) All hardware is available in 2.5 ̋, 4 ̋,̋ and 6 ̋ in black, brown and white.
[back to the top]
Hottop® Hardware
- A. Fixed Top Insulated T-Buck (Special Order Only) Please contact us.
- B. Straight Attaching Insulated Buckle: (Included are: an Insulating Grommet and Washer plus Screws for electrical connections) For use on buildings or other flat surfaces.
- C. Fixed Insulated T-Buckle: (Special Order Only) Please contact us.
- D. Top Rail Insulator Bracket: This Bracket positions the rail flush with the top of the post. Made of high quality plastic. Allows easy installation of rail while insulating Hottop® from the posts.
- E. Line Post Insulator Bracket: Made of high quality plastic. Allows easy installation of rail while insulating Hottop®from the posts.
- F. Top 90º Inside Corner Insulated Bracket: This Bracket positions the rail flush with the top of the post. Use this heavy duty, uniquely designed bracket for when you want to make up to a 90 degree turn. The corner post can safely stay outside and away from the horse and riders.
- G. 90º Inside Corner Insulated Bracket: Use this heavy duty, uniquely designed bracket for when you want to make up to a 90 degree turn. The corner post can safely stay outside and away from the horse and riders.
- H. Top Metal Insulated Bracket: This Bracket positions the rail flush with the top of the post. Allows easy installation of rail while insulating Hottop® from the posts.
- I. Line Post Metal Insulated Bracket: Allows easy installation of rail while insulating Hottop® from the posts.
- J. Adjustable Top Insulated T-Buckle: This Buckle positions the rail flush with the top of the post. Can be used for cross fencing off of an existing Horserail® fence line - if sufficiently braced. It allows one rail to run through the "bracket" portion of the unit while at the same time supplying an end buckle assembly for the other rail run.
- K. Adjustable Insulated T-Buckle: Can be used for cross fencing off of an existing Horserail® fence line - if sufficiently braced. The T-Buckles allow one rail to run through the "bracket" portion of the unit while at the same time supplying an end buckle assembly for the other rail run.
- L. Joining Buckle: Used to join two sections of rail. No exposed wires or connectors in this installation.
- M. Pre-Bent 45º Attaching Insulated Buckle: (Included are: an Insulating Grommet and Washer plus Screws for electrical connections) For use on large diameter end posts - to assist in alignment and tensioning of the rail.
- N. Tensioning Spooler: The Spooler can be placed anywhere on the rail, at any time, by first holding it up to the rail and then sliding the removable section into the appropriate slot. Tighten and set locking pins.
[back to the top]
Horserail®Hardware
- A. Fixed Top T-Buckle: (Special Order Only) Please contact us.
- B. Straight Attaching Buckle: For use on buildings or other flat surfaces.
- C. Fixed T-Buckle: (Special Order Only) Please contact us.
- D. Top Line Post Bracket (Optional): This Bracket positions the rail flush with the top of the post. Use four 2˝ 8-gauge non-rusting screws (not deck screws), one in each hole.
- E. Line Post Bracket: This is the standard method of attaching the rail to the line post. Use four 2˝ 8-gauge non-rusting screws (not deck screws), one in each hole.
- F. Top 90º Inside Corner Bracket: This Bracket positions the rail flush with the top of the post. Use this heavy duty, uniquely designed bracket for when you want to make up to a 90 degree turn. The corner post can safely stay outside and away from the horse and riders.
- G. 90º Inside Corner Bracket: Use this heavy duty, uniquely designed bracket for when you want to make up to a 90 degree turn. The corner post can safely stay outside and away from the horse and riders.
- H. Tensioning Spooler: The Spooler can be placed anywhere on the rail, at any time, by first holding it up to the rail and then sliding the removable section into the appropriate slot. Tighten and set locking pins.
- I. Joining Buckle: Used to join two sections of rail. No exposed wires or connectors in this installation.
- J. Beveled Line Post Bracket for Curved Corners: This unique curved edge ribbed Bracket can handle up to a 10 degree directional change with minimal friction to the rail. This allows the installer to place the rail on the inside of a corner post, giving a lot of safety to both horse and rider in riding arenas. Use four 2˝ 8-gauge non-rusting screws (not deck screws), one in each hole.
- K. Adjustable Top T-Buckle: This Buckle positions the rail flush with the top of the post. Can be used for cross fencing off of an existing Horserail® fence line - if sufficiently braced. It allows one rail to run through the "bracket" portion of the unit while at the same time supplying an end buckle assembly for the other rail run.
- L. Adjustable T-Buckle: Can be used for cross fencing off of an existing Horserail® fence line - if sufficiently braced. The T-Buckles allow one rail to run through the "bracket" portion of the unit while at the same time supplying an end buckle assembly for the other rail run.
- M. Pre-Bent 45º Attaching Buckle: For use on large diameter end posts - to assist in alignment and tensioning of the rail. Also helps prevents post rotation.
[back to the top]
Coated Wire (CW)
Hotcote® uses high tensile wire, coated in a highly conductive carbon compound which can deliver electric shock. Hotcote® is available in black, brown and white (all with black stripes) and can be used as your entire fence or in conjunction with Horsecote® and/or Horserail® creating the exact look you desire. Hotcote® comes pre-colored and uses a simple installation system. The system includes Hotcote® tube insulators, that are made of nonconductive plastic, which insulates the electric wire from the post.
Horsecote®: When you combine Horsecote®'s visibility (available in black, brown and white), a 1,350 pound break strength, a patented process* of "molecularly bonding" the polyethylene safety coating to galvanized wire and low maintenance with its competitive price, you have created an affordable, high quality and horse safe fencing solution. Some form of electric is recommended for the safety of horses, longevity of the fence, and especially as a training aide for your horses. *Patent No. 6,533,881
Installation Hardware: Features innovative and patented procedures for attaching, joining and tensioning the rail providing a clean, neat look while being safe for both horse and rider. There is no stripping, crimping or notching needed and the end result is a properly installed fence with no exposed wires.The hardware is insulated (when required) and all are hot dipped galvanized for added weather resistance.
[back to the top]
Hotcote® & Horsecote®Hardware
- A. Donut Tensioner*: Included: (2) Stainless Steel Locking Pins. To complete tensioning of the fence - easily insert coated wire through Donut Tensioner holes. No need to strip the wire. Tension with two 1/2˝ (12mm) Long Handle Ratchets, or for a one person install, use the Extended Handle Ratchets.
- B. CW Straight Attaching Insulated Buckle*: With screw for jumper wire and HDG Washer (electrifiable fence – square posts or buildings)
- C. CW Pre-Bent 45º Attaching Insulated Buckle*: With screw for jumper wire and HDG Washer 45º PROVIDES CORRECT MOUNTING POSITION (electrifiable fence – end, 90º corner and gate posts)
- D. CW Joining Buckle*: Middle hole in joiner to screw a jumper wire for a cross fence
- E. CW Straight Attaching Buckle*: (square posts or buildings)
- F. CW Pre-Bent 45º Attaching Buckle*: 45º PROVIDES CORRECT MOUNTING POSITION (end, 90º corner and gate posts)
Attaching options for non-insulated CW Buckles (E) and (F)
Lag Screw and Washer • Four - Wide Shoulder Hex Head Drive Screws Two - 2 ̋ (50mm) barbed staples
- G. Secure Screws: For electrical connections
- H. CW Inside Corner Insulator**: .4375 ̋ (10mm) X 4 ̋ (100mm)
- I. LagScrew**: .5 ̋ (12mm) X 4 ̋ (100mm)
* Available in White, Black and Brown Double Coated for superior weather resistance - Hot Dipped Galvanized + Powder Coated
** Hot Dipped Galvanized
[back to the top]
Support Testimonials
Click here to read testimonials on the Horserail® product line.
[back to the top]
FAQ's
Click here access the frequently asked questions.
[back to the top]
Step Two: Know Your Land!
Are There Hazards?
Any areas of the property that may be unsuitable should be fenced off for possible tree planting. Such areas include very wet, stony or unstable land including very steep areas that may end up close to the fence or gateway.
Any Deep Slopes?
Rail is not well suited to uneven terrain due to minimal vertical movement. Experienced installers believe that the limit of elevation change is 2 degrees per post without the need of a change of angle. To minimize this problem, you should consider all of these points:
• Use a fence constructed of Hotcote®/Horsecote®(coated wires) over more difficult, undulating terrain.
• Bulldoze the fence line, prior to construction, to flatten and minimize the number of dips and rises.
• Adjust post height: Placing them deeper in the ground on a rise and shallower in hollows. This can be extended to skipping over a small gully and later building a fill-in under section.
• Stop and start on either side of a large ravine and use Hotcote®/Horsecote® to fill in the section in between.
• Cut the rail and use two flat "Attachment" Buckles to change angle at the post at a major dip or rise.
Lay of Land!
As discussed above, the lay of the land will often influence whether to use Horserail®or Horsecote®. However the lay of the land can influence such things as the positioning of gateways, fences and access tracks. Avoid the following situations if possible:
Fences at the foot of steep slopes especially on the feed/people side of the property. Horses tend to rush to this area and may end up crashing the fence.
Gateways in areas where the ground is often wet.
Any Existing Fencing?
Depending on how "safe" you plan to make your property, existing fences can be used to varying degrees.
From placing a Horserail® or Hottop® rail at the top of the fence for improved visibility to adding a Hotcote® electric coated wire as an outrigger on each side of the fence to keep horses and ponies well away from the danger posed by the plain unprotected wires (plain woven or barbed) to removing all the unprotected wire and using only the posts with Horserail® coated rail and wire. One of the strengths of Horserail® is that it is able to be placed over existing posts as the post spacing is not critical as it is for timber rails.
The Penn State University Agricultural & Biological Engineering Extension
"Horse Facilities 5: Fence Planning for Horses"
Horse fence can be one of the most attractive features of a horse facility. But not all fence is suitable for horses. Fencing is a major capital investment that should be carefully planned before construction.
Well-constructed and maintained fences enhance the aesthetics and value of a stable facility, which in turn complements marketing efforts. Poorly planned, haphazard, unsafe, or unmaintained fences will detract from a facility's value. This 12-page publication presents information useful in planning fences for horse facilities.
The emphasis is on sturdy, safe horse fence typically used in the eastern United States and Canada.
Department: Agricultural & Biological Engineering
Catalog Number: UB037
Click here to download the "Horse Facilities 5: Fence Planning for Horses" PDF file.
Please check with your local University and Equine Organization for local recommendations for your area.
[back to the top]
Step Three: Learn Fence Specifications!
Post Spacing
Extra rails and closer post spacing may cost more, but increases the density of the fence and therefore the substantiality of the fence. Our recommendation is:
• Heavy Pressure; Dry Lot Area . . . . . 6´ Max. (1.8288 meters)
• Light Pressure; Turn-Out Lot . . . . . . .8´ (2.4384 meters)
• Small Paddock; Exercise Lot . . . . . .10´ (3.048 meters)
• Open Pasture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12´ Max. (3.6576)
Fence Height
The "industry standard" so to speak, for horse fencing is 54˝ (1.3716 meters). In the case of an arena/turnout lot/coral where pressure on the animal is greater and tendency to jump is higher, we suggest that post height be increased to 5´ (1.524 meters). Whatever height is chosen the appropriate post length must be used (54˝ (1.3716 meters) can use 7´ (2.1336 meters) posts and 5´ (1.524 meters) should use 8´ (2.4384 meters) posts.)
Electric Fencing
The decision whether to incorporate electricity into your fencing development should be relatively simple. The answer will most likely be YES, for the following reasons:
• The presence of electricity quickly rectifies annoying habits such as "cribbing", pawing and leaning, and can lessen physical abuse.
Mark Out and Measure Up
The next step may be to find out what the plan is going to cost. We suggest that you get an armful of stakes and go out and mark out where you want fences and gateways. Measure-up, draw a rough sketch and write down the measurements. Now you can contact your supplier for suggestions and an estimate.
[back to the top]
Step Four: Design Your Fence!
Fence Configuration Application
Click here to access our fence configuration application.
[back to the top]
Step Five: Buy Your Fence!
Where to Buy
Click here to find out where to purchase your fence.
[back to the top]
Select A Language
Click above to choose a language
