Question

Answer

Do I attach Diamond Mesh Horse Fencing to a top rail?

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

How far out of the ground should my fence posts be?

If a top rail will be used fence posts need to be at least 152cm or 5' out of the ground.

How much Diamond Mesh Horse Fencing will I require?

This really depends on so many factors. You or your fencing contractor will need to measure or walk out your horse paddocks.
A couple of thing to consider. For the same overall area, square horse paddocks require less fencing than oblong paddocks.
The larger the horse 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 Horse Fencing to?

No other fence wires are required. No top wire, bottom wire or belly wire.
Diamond Mesh Horse Fencing is stapled directly on the fence posts

Can I use barbed wire with Diamond Mesh horse 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 fence posts?

The recommended distance is 2.5 meters. However we do have clients who have fence post spacings for Diamond Mesh and Equi Mesh Horse Fencing set at 2.7 meters or 3 meters.

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

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

How far off the ground should Diamond Mesh Horse Fencing 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 horse fence.

Is Diamond Mesh Horse Fencing secured to the ground?

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

How long will Diamond Mesh Horse Fencing last?

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

Should I use Class 3 Galvanized Diamond Mesh Fencing?

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 fence posts due to adverse soil conditions.
However other alternatives are sighter wire, a hot wire, or thermoplastic rails.

If I do not have a top rail on my fence - is anything required above mesh horse fencing?

If no top rail is being used put a sighter wire or tape above the mesh fence to provide greater visibilty for your horses.

What size fence posts and top rail are required?

Fence 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 fence 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 fence 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 Horse Fencing?

Use a clamp. You may have to modify or lengthen these as the Diamond Mesh Horse Fencing must be strained from top to bottom. Alternatively two pieces of 4 by 2 bolted together may be used (at least 3 bolts).
A tractor, 4WD, block and tackle, winch or ratchet lever hoist (come along) can be used to strain the horse mesh.
Using two winches or come alongs, one top and one botton, is easier and often provides better results than using one centre point. Strain alternatively top and bottom to the desired tension.

How hard do I strain Diamond Mesh Horse Fencing?

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

Can I use metal pickets with Diamond Mesh Horse Fencing?

Diamond Mesh Horse Fencing 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 fence applications.

Clothing?

Always wear gloves, protective eyewear and protective clothing when handling wire fencing.