Question

Answer

Do I attach Diamond Mesh to a top rail?

Diamond mesh fencing should not be attached to the top rail. If a horse hits the fence, Diamond Mesh will take the impact and return to shape, leaving the rail undamaged.

How much Diamond Mesh will I require?

This really depends on so many factors. You or your fencing contractor will need to measure or walk out your paddocks.
A couple of thing to consider. For the same overall area, square paddocks require less fencing than oblong paddocks.
The larger the paddock, the less fencing will be required per acre. For example 1 acre requires 256 meters, 4 acres requires 512 meters, and 10 acres 805 meters.

Do I need additional horizontal wires to attach Diamond Mesh to?

No other wires are required. Diamond Mesh is stapled directly on the posts

Can I use barbed wire with Diamond Mesh fencing?

No !!! Under no circumstances should barbed wire, or for that matter high tensile wire, ever be used with horses.

What is the distance between posts?

The recommended distance is 2.5 meters. Imagine Diamond Mesh as a vertical trampoline. If you increase the distance between posts you will increase the recoil. If a horse hits with force, the greater the distance between posts will increase the energy with which the horse is thrown back.

I have a current post and rail fence. Can I place Diamond Mesh over this?

No. Remove all the rails, replace the top rail at the correct height and attach the Diamond Mesh to the posts.

How far off the ground should Diamond Mesh be?

Diamond Mesh fencing is normally as flush to the ground as possible. 2 - 5 cm or 1 - 2 inches is also OK. Under certain circumstances i.e. you are absolutely sure foals or young horses will never come into contact with the fence - You can lift it 6" or 15cm from the ground to increase the overall height of the fence.

Is Diamond Mesh secured to the ground?

No. Diamond Mesh is only attached to the posts. If you secure Diamond Mesh fencing to the ground you will reduce its flexibility.

How long will Diamond Mesh last?

Depending on your local conditions Diamond Mesh should last between 20 and 40 years - longer than any other type of horse fencing.

Should I use Class 3 Galvanized Diamond Mesh?

Depending on your location it may be advisable to use a Class 3 mesh. Industrial locations are worst, followed by marine (salt water), temperate and desert being best unless the wire is sand blasted by heavy winds. Class 3 wire typically lasts 2 - 3 times longer under similar conditions. Class 3 costs a little more but is a bargain when the life of the wire is considered.

Is a timber top rail required?

We prefer a top rail as it lends strength to the overall fencing structure and minimises movement of posts due to adverse soil conditions.
However other alternatives are sighter wire, a hot wire, or thermoplastic rails.

What size posts and top rail are required?

Posts are normally treated pine or hardwood. It depends on which are best suited to your local conditions.
If treated pine is used we recommend 8" by 10' corner posts with 5-6" by 8' line posts.
If treated pine rails are used we prefer 150*50mm.
If a hardwood rail is preferred 150*38mm may be sufficient.

Can Steel posts and rails be used?

Yes. We have a number of installations where steel has been used. One method of attaching to the straining posts would be to use a 25*3mm strap over the height of the mesh.

How do I strain Diamond Mesh?

Use a clamp. You may have to modify or lengthen these as the Diamond Mesh must be strained from top to bottom. Alternatively two pieces of 4 by 2 bolted together may be used. Use a tractor, 4WD, block and tackle or winch to strain.

How hard do I strain Diamond Mesh?

Strain Diamond Mesh as hard as possible. You cannot strain by hand. Use a tractor, 4WD, or suitable alternative such as block and tackle. When your tractor stalls the mesh is probably sufficiently strained!!

Can I use metal pickets with Diamond Mesh?

Diamond Mesh should not be used with metal pickets. Metal pickets are not suitable for horse fencing; they can cause serious or fatal injuries to horses.

Is high tensile wire suitable for horses?

No!!! High tensile wire should never be used for horse applications.