Horse Fencing Comparison: Premium Steel Post and Rail fencing Vs. Horserail 

Choosing the right horse fencing is no easy feat, and with so many options available in the market, the decision-making process can be overwhelming. Factors such as appearance, eco-friendliness, equestrian safety, and durability are just a few of the considerations that need to be taken into account when selecting the most suitable fencing for your horses. With the significant investment involved in installing a horse fence, it’s essential to make an informed decision that meets both your needs and those of your equine companions. 

In this blog, we’ll compare the two types of premium horse fencing solutions, that are commonly used on high-end equestrian properties – Horserail fencing and Buckley Steel post and rail. If you’ve already done your research and know the detailed review of Premium Steel Post and Rail fencing and comparison of various types of Horserail, then this is the next step. 

Keep reading to know which of these two fencing solutions is right for you. 

At Stock & Noble, we provide the finest fencing solutions to properties across Australia and New Zealand. Both Buckley and Horserail are our most loved products, which we’ve chosen to feature in our portfolio of globally successful equine fencing solutions. Since both options are premium, proven and horse safe, it might get difficult to choose the one that better fits your property, your animals, your vision and your budget. 

We will lay out the product specifications in detail and look at the differences between Buckley fencing and horserail, in terms of visibility, conductivity, safety, maintenance,  installation and cost. By the end of this blog, you’ll be well-equipped to choose the ideal horse fence for your specific needs and preferences. 

What is Premium Steel Post and Rail fencing? 

Buckley is a premium steel fencing system that is built to last for generations. It is a type of horse fencing that combines the classic wooden post and rail style with the durability of steel. 

Designed to provide a beautiful, timeless appearance it also delivers unmatched strength and durability. 

This Premium steel post and rail fencing system is made from high-quality, 2-side pre-galvanized steel. To ensure the fence looks great for decades, it is finished with an architectural-grade polyester powder coat that provides superior resistance to rust, chalking, and fading.  

Buckley steel post and rail fence is the only engineered Steel post and rail fencing system in the world that is safe for horses and eco-friendly. 

What is Horserail fencing? 

Horserail is a flexible plastic rail designed to look like traditional timber rail fencing. It’s composed of Long-Life UV Stabilised Non-Conductive Medium Density Polyethylene, with three high tensile wires running through the centre. 

The fence is highly visible and typically comes in black or white. The smooth surface of the fence is built to flex and slide, making it safe for horses if they run into, hit, or put a leg through it. Horserail is easy to clean and requires little maintenance, with no broken boards, splintering, or painting required. 

There are three types of Horserail fences available in Australia, including non-electric rail, rail with electric top, and rail with electric top and bottom. Only electric top and bottom is available in New Zealand. The electric rails are particularly popular, as they’re safe for horses and prevent them from leaning over or cribbing. 

Specifications of Premium Steel Post and Rail fencing 

• Buckley Steel Post and Rail fencing is available in various rail options of 1,2,3,4, and 5 rails.

• The height of the post above the ground is 1500mm, with an overall post length of 2.54m. The standard rail length is 2900mm, and the rail itself is rectangular, measuring 135mm x 35 x 1.2mm. 

• The fence posts are rectangular with radiused corners, measuring 89mm x 130 x 1.4mm. The fencing is available in two classic colours, black and white. 

• The dimensions and colour options of Buckley steel fencing are designed to suit most locations and needs. 

Specifications of Horserail fencing  

• The horserail comes in a roll length of 200m and a rail width of 108mm. 

• It is available in three colours: black, white, and brown. 

• These dimensions make it a flexible and versatile option for fencing that can be tailored to fit the specific needs and preferences of any horse owner or stable. The different colour options also allow for customisation and aesthetics to be taken into consideration when choosing a fencing design. 

Visibility: Premium Steel Post and Rail Vs. Horserail  

Steel Post and Rail is 130mm wide, while Horserail is 108mm wide. Steel Post and Rail is more visible, making it easier for horses to identify and navigate the fence line. 

Looks: Premium Steel Post and Rail Vs. Horserail  

Both premium Steel Post and Rail Fencing and Horserail are beautiful fencing options that resemble traditional timber rails. 

Stock & Noble’s Premium Steel post and rail fencing has larger posts and rails than other steel fencing suppliers, and its thermally independent design ensures the rails remain straight and the posts are perfectly aligned regardless of temperature changes. It also comes with matching gates and a latching system, elevating the overall visual aesthetics of the property and increasing its value. 

On the other hand, the Horserail fence offers a similar look to traditional timber rails with the added benefits of safety and less maintenance. It has strong, straight lines, evenly spaced rails, and rich, full colours, making it visually appealing and suitable for horses. 

Overall, both fencing options offer unique benefits and can be a valuable addition to a property. The choice ultimately depends on your personal preference for the property you want to design. 

Conductivity: Premium Steel Post and Rail Fencing Vs. Horserail  

An electric horse fence’s primary purpose is to give shock to the animals and ensure they stay away from the fence and are safe in an enclosed space. Horserail Hottop and Hottop Plus give off a shock, while Steel Post and Rail need to have electricity added. 

However, all clients who installed Buckley Steel Post and Rail have reported no need to add electric fencing as the horses have respected the fence. 

Maintenance: Premium Steel Post and Rail Fencing Vs. Horserail  

Horserail requires minimal maintenance, as they do not sag, warp, splinter, rot, break or fade. There is no need for fixing or painting. Buckley Steel Board Fence also requires no regular maintenance, with only an occasional minor touch-up for possible cribbing. The protective powder coating will not chip, peel, or crack and has superior long-term resistance to rusting, fading, or chalking. 

Safety: Premium Steel Post and Rail Fencing Vs. Horserail  

When it comes to horse fencing, safety is always a top priority. Horses are powerful animals that can easily cause damage to a fence and injure themselves in the process. Therefore, it is important to choose a fencing option that is strong enough to bear their impact, has no sharp edges, and is flexible enough to avoid likely injuries to their skin. Both fencing options meet these safety standards. 

Buckley Steel Post and Rail Fencing is designed to be the safest fencing option available, with no known injuries due to this product. This is primarily due to three intelligently designed features. First, the Premium Steel Post and Rail Fencing has smooth rounded edges with no nails, screws, or fasteners, eliminating the risk of cuts to horses’ delicate skin. Secondly, there’s no likely risk of animals breaking and choking on huge chunks of fencing or licking harmful chemicals off the fencing. Lastly, there is a safety margin built into the rails, which allows them to buckle under direct impact as a safety precaution. 

Horserail is also designed with safety in mind, featuring specially designed hardware for the inside mounting of the fence rail and new bracing techniques to keep animals and people safe. The attachment brackets fit virtually flush with the post, minimizing the risk of injury, and the smooth-edged, rounded design of the tensioning spooler, coupled with the flexible surface of the rail, ensures a safer atmosphere. Horserail is known for having the lowest reported number of injuries to animals and riders. Horserail is a continuous, plastic-coated fence rail that is strong enough to contain large animals like horses. It can withstand the weight of a galloping horse and will not break under impact. 

Installation: Premium Steel Post and Rail fencing Vs. Horserail  

Steel Post and Rail come as a complete engineered fencing system, with pre-cut posts, rails, gates, and latches. If you want, you can learn all about the installation of Buckley Steel post and rail fencing system. 

On the other hand, Horserail is installed using Horserail fittings but parts from different horse fencing products for posts and gates. It’s worth noting how to plan and install Horserail on your property. 

It is essential to get the posts in the correct place when installing Steel Post and Rail, and it is recommended to use a fencing contractor for the right installation and optimal performance. 

Cost: Premium Steel Post and Rail Fencing Vs. Horserail  

When it comes to cost, steel post and rail fencing may have a higher upfront cost than Horserail, but it is important to consider the long-term benefits. Steel post and rail fences require very little maintenance, meaning you will save money on repairs and upkeep in the long run. Additionally, steel is a durable material that is built to last, which means you won’t need to replace it as often as other types of fencing.  

In contrast, Horserail may have a lower upfront cost, but it requires more maintenance and may need to be replaced more frequently. So, while steel post and rail fencing may cost more initially, it may end up being the more cost-effective choice in the long run.  

Cost of Premium Steel Post and Rail fencing.   

$97.86 per metre – 1 Rail system (no gates) 

$137.51 per metre – 2 Rail system (no gates) 

$216.79 per metre – 3 Rail system (no gates) 

$193 per metre – 4 Rail system (no gates) 

Cost of Horserail Hottop Plus: $1265.00

Horserail Hottop Plus has both top and bottom rails electrified.

The cost is based on a 200-metre roll. 

$23.07 per metre – 2 rail including posts  

$30.12 per metre – 3 rail including posts  

$37.17 per metre – 4 rail including posts  

All prices allow for 4 m post spacing but don’t include end assemblies 

This is only the cost of materials, however, to get a complete quote, including the cost of installation and additional fittings based on your property’s dimensions please connect with our fencing expert. 

Are you clear on which horse fencing is best for your property? 

You want the finest fencing solution to create your dream equine property and wanted to know which is better fencing between Horserail and Buckley. Now you know the key differences between the two premium horse fencing solutions based on specifications, design, performance, visibility, maintenance, safety, installation and cost.  

In conclusion, both Steel Post & Rail and Horserail are excellent options for horse fencing, with safety and aesthetics being a top priority for both 

Buckley Steel Fencing System is a more visible, long-lasting, premium, and offers unmatched visual aesthetics, making it the ideal choice for properties that require statement fencing with high safety and low maintenance.  

On the other hand, Horserail is ideal if you prefer a flexible, electric, and easy-to-clean fence. In terms of cost, both options have similar upfront costs, but Steel post and rail fencing requires no regular maintenance and lasts longer, making it more cost-effective in the long run. Horserail is also strong enough to contain large animals like horses and requires minimal maintenance. It is a more affordable option that still provides a quality horse fence.  

• If you want a premium post and rail look fence with matching posts and gates that gives a seamless, beautiful look and requires no maintenance then Buckley is our recommendation. 

• If you want a premium horse fence which is well known and trusted in the equine community, has a post and rail appearance and requires very little maintenance then we recommend Horserail. 

When installing any fence, it is recommended to use a professional fencing contractor for the best results. Cost is a major factor when choosing a horse fence and there are reasons why Buckley is a good investment with a high ROI for your property. 

At Stock & Noble, we have a wide range of fencing solutions, if you have more questions on which horse fencing would be best for your property, book a personalised consultation. Our fencing expert will listen to your fencing needs, your budget, and the vision you have for your property and will guide you in the right direction. To help create a beautiful and safe equine property just the way you imagined.