Horserail Fences: How to Set Up Timber End and Corner Posts  

If you’re building a fence—especially for something as important as an equine property—you already know the posts are crucial. But it’s not just about sticking a few poles in the ground. You’ve probably thought about, which material to use. How deep should the posts go? or What’s the best way to keep my fence stable long-term? Without solid end and corner posts, even the strongest materials won’t stand up to the tension or elements over time. 

If you’ve chosen to go ahead with timber end posts and assemblies for your Horserail fencing, then this article is for you.  

At Stock & Noble, we provide the finest fencing solutions to equine properties across Australia and New Zealand. With years of experience and industry knowledge, we’ve gathered the key techniques that will help you build fence posts following the right tools and techniques to achieve the best results. 

Our top recommendation would always be to use steel end posts and assemblies, for Horserail. They’re stronger, last longer and maintain their straight beautiful stance for decades as compared to timber posts which are susceptible to warping, rotting and twisting.   

However, we understand steel posts might not match every property owner’s budget or vision. Also, the installation of steel assemblies is different from timber.  You could check the detailed guidelines here. 

Now, let’s get to the main topic – if you’ve chosen timber, we want you to have all the information needed to set up the posts straight right from the start. 

In this blog, you’ll learn about the most important aspects of setting up your timber posts, ensuring your Horserail fence is safe, durable, and, most importantly, doing its job properly. 

Why End and Corner Posts Are Critical for Your Horse Fence 

Imagine spending weeks building a fence—investing time, money, and effort—only for it to sag or loosen after a few seasons. It’s frustrating, right? The issue often lies in the foundation, particularly with the end and corner posts. Without the right size, depth, and bracing, the fence’s tension can pull the posts out of alignment, especially in soft or moist soil. Over time, this misalignment can lead to sagging, instability, and eventually, the collapse of your fence. 

End and corner posts are the backbone of any fence. They hold the tension, keep everything aligned, and ensure the structural integrity of the entire fence line. If these posts aren’t installed correctly, no amount of wire or rail strength will matter. Even with the best materials, an unstable post foundation means your fence is doomed to fail. 

Before you begin your fencing project, check a detailed comparison between timber and steel strainer posts.

Install Timber Fence Posts  – Bigger, Deeper, Longer, Stronger 

Now, let’s talk about what you need to get it right. Here’s where the mantra “Bigger, Deeper, Longer, Stronger” comes into play. These four words sum up the essential qualities of any good end or corner post. Let’s break it down: 

Bigger:

Increasing the diameter of your posts from the standard 150 mm to at least 200 mm makes a significant difference. In Australia, we go even bigger—using posts that are 300 mm This extra size prevents the posts from bowing or moving under the tension applied by wires or rails. 
For larger fences or ones that need to handle considerable pressure, especially for containing horses or cattle, this increase in diameter adds essential durability and resilience. 

Deeper:

Posts that are set deeper in the ground provide much more stability. In regions with frost, you’ll want your post holes to extend below the frost line. This ensures that the expanding and contracting ground won’t push your posts out of alignment during freezing temperatures. 
A deeper post ensures better tension absorption from the fence wires, preventing shifts or displacements due to soil movement, particularly in soft ground. 

Longer:

The taller the post, the more leverage it can resist from the fence’s pull. Having extra length above ground allows the post to absorb more tension from the fence line, making your fence stronger and more secure. 

Stronger:

Using high-quality, pressure-treated posts ensures they last longer and resist rot, especially in wetter climates. Pressure-treated timber posts are designed to withstand the elements and protect against insects, rot, and decay. 
In regions with heavy rainfall or moisture-rich soil, using strong, treated posts is essential to prevent rotting and warping over time. 

By following these basic principles, you ensure that your fence can handle the tension of the wires or rails, reducing the risk of failure over time. 

Concrete Footings: For Stability of Your Horse Fence 

No matter how strong your posts are, they need a solid foundation. Concrete footings are a must, and the trick is to make them bell-shaped. Why? A bell-shaped footing creates a wider base underground, which distributes the tension from the fence across a larger area. This prevents the post from being pulled in any one direction. Without this type of footing, the pressure from the tensioned wires can cause the post to tilt or lift out of the ground, leading to structural failure. 

Also, make sure the concrete footings extend below the frost line in your area. This prevents frost heave, which occurs when the ground freezes and expands, pushing the post upwards. By keeping the footing below this frost line, you ensure your fence remains secure throughout all seasons. 

For those in areas with softer soil, using additional techniques like a buried breast block (a flat face of concrete beneath the post) can add even more stability. This prevents the post from being lifted upwards or shifted under extreme pressure from the fence. 

Brace Cable Installation: Keeping It Tight 

A solid post is only part of the equation. To keep your fence taut and straight, you need to install brace cables correctly. Think of brace cables as the support system that holds your posts upright, even under extreme tension. Without proper bracing, your end or corner posts will likely tilt, affecting the entire fence line. 

Here’s a simple method for installing brace cables: 

1. Start by positioning the brace cable at the base of your end or corner post. This creates a strong anchor point for the cable to pull against. 

2. Attach the other end of the cable to the top of a nearby brace post. 

Image Reference: Installation of brace cables for tension support. 

By creating this triangular support system, the brace cable evenly distributes the tension across the posts, keeping your fence taut without putting too much strain on any one section. 

You’ll also want to use a Mini Spooler for tensioning the cable. This tool makes sure the cable is pulled tight without overstressing the posts. It’s easy to use—even for a one-person job. Once the cable is taut, lock it in place with pins, ensuring everything stays secure. 

Special Considerations for Curved and Corner Posts 

Corners and curves can be tricky, but they’re not impossible. It’s all about distributing tension properly. When building a 45-degree or 90-degree corner, horizontal or diagonal braces help ensure the posts don’t move under pressure. These braces add structural support to resist the pull from multiple directions. 

Another important tip: always install the fence on the inside of the posts, especially if you’re building for horses. This positioning prevents the animals from leaning on the fence and dislodging it, which helps maintain the structure’s integrity over time. 

Hand-Setting Posts: When You Need Extra Strength 

Sometimes, you may need to set end or gate posts by hand. This method works best when you’re dealing with difficult soil conditions or want an extra level of strength. It’s as simple as digging a hole—typically about 400 mm in diameter and 1 metres deep. The key is to tamp the soil and concrete mix tightly around the post to prevent any movement. 

When hand-setting posts, make sure to lean them slightly—about 25 mm against the pull of the fence. This lean counters the tension and keeps the posts firmly in place. 

No-Brace End Posts: A Cleaner Look 

If you’re after a minimalist look, no-brace end posts might be the way to go. These posts give you a sleek, clean finish without the need for visible braces. However, they require deeper holes and larger posts to handle the tension on their own. This method works best in areas with stable soil, where the posts can be set deep enough for maximum stability. 

Ready to Build Your Long-Lasting Horserail Fence? 

When it comes to building a fence, the devil is in the details. The timber posts, footings, and braces all work together to create a structure that’s not only functional but also built to last. By following the principles of “Bigger, Deeper, Longer, Stronger,” and using the right techniques for brace cables and concrete footings, you can ensure your Horserail fence will be correctly installed. 

If you have any further questions, it’ll be best to check out our FAQ blog on Horserail, where we’ve answered some of the most common queries from horse property owners. 

Whether you’re building an equine property or just need a strong perimeter fence, getting the end and corner posts right from the start makes all the difference. Our last bit of advise is to do thorough research before choosing the final fence post material that matches your expectations.  

For detailed info on Hosrerail’s installation, pricing, availability and suitability on your equine property book a free consultation with our fencing expert. They will help you every step of the way to create a safe and beautiful property.