Horserail.com

The following instructions are primarily for experienced fence installers. If you have never installed a Horserail fence before, please contact us for more information.

As with any installation procedure, we advise you to always be mindful of safety precautions when handling materials and equipment. Remember to "CALL 1" - it's our law! To mark underground utilities. Please allow three days.

Where a new fence is being considered, we recommend at least three fence rails or a mix of fence rails and Horsecote wires to give added height and density. In the case of an arena, we suggest that four or five fence rails be installed. Please note the section below on "Preparation of Fence Line for Rail." To provide improved visibility and strength in an existing fence, it is a good idea to replace the top wires with a fence rail. While laying out the fence line, we suggest that you stake the position of all ends, corners and gateways. Next, tension a string line or guide wire so that you can see how the land lays. Then, measure the distances carefully so that you or your installer have a clear understanding of the project and quantities of materials needed.

Care should be exercised in preparing the fence line and the positioning of the line posts. (Try to avoid one post rise or one post dip). The tops of the posts should have a smooth, flowing line even if it means placing a rise post a little deeper or leaving a dip post higher. In extreme cases of undulating terrain, it is better to use a bulldozer to smooth the fence line, taking off the high spots and filling in the dips. Other options include fencing across the top of sharp dips and filling in later with boards or panels. Please note that undulating terrain will make it very difficult to use rail. Some installers limit the elevating change to 3 degrees per post.

While this is largely up to the individual, factors to be considered are:

livestock pressure
topography
firmness of soil
corral, arena and/or paddock size

Installers have found that these factors have indicated a range of between 6 FT for more intense situations or where the line is curved, such as an arena, and up to 12 FT for larger in-sheltered areas. The more posts you use, the better it looks.

Always Use Larger, Longer, Bigger, Stronger End Posts!

Since the fence rail requires tension to keep it taught, (no excessive tension needed), a single end post with bracing is all that is necessary. Use Larger, Longer, Bigger, Stronger End Posts, because it's the foundation of your fence. Have a look at this page on diagonal fence braces: diagonalbrace.pdf

We recommend that the rail be laid out rather than pulled out and that the rails are attached with the proper brackets to every line post, BEFORE tensioning to the end posts. Slide the Spooler onto the rail before attaching the rail to the end post using a Horserail Buckle. It is recommended that spoolers be placed at both ends of each rail. The maximum distance of a fence from end to end is virtually unlimited on flat terrain. The rail will pull around corners fine, but in this case the length of the fence should be no more than 100 FT or so. Position the spoolers as close as possible to the end posts. Note: it's not recommended that you place spoolers in the middle of the fence span when using coated wire or rail products. If you require attaching the Brackets and sliding on the Spooler use a 45 Degree End Buckle to attach the rail to the first end post. Slide the rail through the Brackets and pull by hand before cutting the rail at the other end post. Attach another 45 Degree End Buckle and secure to the end post, remember to slide the second Spooler, now tension both Spoolers. Have a look at our brochure on Spoolers: Spooler.pdf

Buckles come in three configurations:

End Buckles - Pre-Bent 45 Degree. For attachment of the rail to the end post. Allows rail to be attached at an angle to post.
Joining Buckles - For joining rail and attaching of rail to the end post.
End Buckles - Flat. For attachment of the rail to the end post and a dip or rise post to allow for change of direction.

The "End Buckle" needs to be attached to the end post using a galvanized lag bolt - min. 6".