✓Reviewed by Ann Pruitt, InfoHorse.com·Updated May 2026
Horserail® Fencing - Image 2 on InfoHorse.com
Horserail® Fencing Horserail® is a horse fencing product line which is known for its safety and long life, beauty and durability!
What Makes Our Company Different?
John Wall's knowledge on the fencing industry comes naturally. John was born and raised on a farm in New Zealand, and it was in his native land where he began working as a fencing contractor and large herd manager. In 1969, he moved to Pennsylvania, founded a fence company and promoted smooth wire fence technology throughout North America.
Through a partnership with "US Steel" (fence wire) and "Koppers Company" (treated posts), John's company grew rapidly, selling through distributors and training fence contractors throughout North America. Using new technologies, John Wall Inc. developed rail fence that stays flat, smooth and straight as a board. The company has also developed superior attachment methods that successfully hold the fence in place while lessening the chance of injury for horse and rider. These new technologies and simplified installation methods combine to offer distributors, installers and owners the safest, most reliable fencing product.
John and his staff continue to experiment and develop new products and installation techniques. The company is based in Carmichaels, PA, USA. Our products are sold through distributors worldwide.
Horserail®
The flexibility, smoothness and strength of this rail not only protects the horse and rider from injuries caused by conventional railing, it also provides for a long lasting, attractive fence that requires little maintenance. Horserail® is designed to be easily installed using the innovative and patented procedures for attaching, joining and tensioning. There is no stripping, crimping or notching needed and the end result is a properly installed fence with no exposed wires. With Horserail you get the aesthetics of post and rail (board), with the added features and benefits of:
Safety-Preferred choice of veterinarians
Appearance- Flat, smooth, straight as a board
Strength & Durability- What is strong enough?
Low Maintenance- No painting, cracking, or splintering to repair
Easy to Install-A unique, patented fence system
Economical- Lowest total cost of fence ownership
Is Horserail® Safe?
Although many options are available to today's fencing consumer, recent surveys have shown that continuous, plastic coated fence rail has the lowest reported number of injuries to animals and riders. Because we know that owners are concerned with the health and safety of their animals, we are committed to producing and distributing the safest products possible. Our fence rail products and their attachment mechanisms are designed and time tested for safety. We provide specially designed hardware for inside mounting of the fence rail, and use new bracing techniques to keep animals and people safe. Our attachment brackets fit virtually flush with the post, so there is less chance for injury. The smooth edged, rounded design of the tensioning spooler, coupled with the flexible surface of the rail ensure a safer atmosphere.
What Are My Fencing Choices? Our product line includes:
• Hottop® Plus - Get an extra layer of protection by electrifying the top and bottom of the rail
• Hottop® - an electrifiable rail
• Horserail® - a non-conductive rail
• Hotcote® - an electrifiable coated wire
• Horsecote® - a non-conductive coated wire
What If I Want To Electify Both The TOP & Bottom Rail? Hottop® Plus- Get an extra layer of protection by electrifying the top and bottom of the rail! We all have experienced foals or horses laying down, that somehow scoot right under the fence--- well, Hottop® Plus is the answer!
Why Should I Choose Horserail® Over Other Fencing Products?
Comparing Horserail to other materials used in fence manufacturing and other fence types again shows why Horserail "Is in a class of its own!" In fact, the cost of building a Horserail fence will usually be lower than a traditional board fence. Due to Horserail's design and strength characteristics the fence posts can be placed further apart resulting in less money spent on posts and less time installing those posts. One of the most significant features with our product is the reduced maintenance cost, with no broken boards, no splintering, no painting or mold treatment required. If needed, Horserail is easy to clean - a bit of soap and warm water and a quick spray rinse.
How Long Will The Fencing Last?
We use a large plastic supplier who blends in a UV stabilization package in the premium grade polyethylene plastic we buy, and we stand behind their products. Because of this we offer up to a 30 year limited warranty, knowing that polyethylene will usually outperform other plastics.
Will My Horses Crib On The Rail?
Horses have been known to bite or crib, but not excessively. They may bite on it, but only to the wire then they will stop. If it is a continuing occurrence - try adding electrifiable Hottop® or Hotcote® to train your horses away from the fence.
Can I Build The Fence Myself?
Yes, if you follow the directions we provide and have some practical experience, you can successfully build this fence. It may take you a little while to complete, but like anything else, with more experience you become more proficient and faster. Try to learn as much as you can before starting the project. Also, you might consider using the services of a professional installer to drive or set the posts, leaving you to finish the rail.
What Do Customers Say About Horserail®?
We have been using Horserail® products for nearly 17 years now and all fence related injuries have all but been eliminated, we have witnessed horses, such as Marasco, gallop through the fence after being spooked and come out the other side without even a scratch!
Neville Duncan - Oakland Park Stud
Safety has to come first for every farm. The fact that Horserail looks so good as well is a huge bonus! I love it and will be opening more and more paddocks at Rosemont using the Horserail product.
Anthony Mithen - Rosemont Stud
Our recovery paddocks are fenced with Horserail as safety is the first priority at our clinic; we are very happy with them and would highly recommend Horserail to anyone looking for a safe and aesthetically pleasing fence.
Mike Davies - Veterinarian/Belmont Horse Hospital
We have used Horserail exclusively on our new property, for safety, aesthetics, practicality and cost. I would not use any other product and would highly recommend it to anyone.
Gary Mudgway - Grange Thoroughbreds
Order Your Horserail® Fencing Products Today!
Not all fencing is the same! When purchasing fencing for your horses you need to consider the safety, the durability, maintenance and whether or not the fencing you select will add to the value and beauty of the property. With HorseRail® Fencing, all these needs are met- and more! For more information about our rail and wire fencing products, Call us Today!
Horserail flexible plastic-coated rail horse fence installed around a green paddock
What exactly is Horserail® flexible rail fencing?
Horserail® is a flexible, plastic-coated rail fence engineered specifically for horses, built to look like a traditional board fence while behaving nothing like one on impact. Each rail is a UV-stabilized, medium-density polyethylene coating molecularly bonded to high-tensile, high-carbon wire, so it stays flat, smooth and straight as a board year after year. Instead of snapping or slicing like wood or wire, the rail flexes and rebounds an animal back into the paddock. The result is a fence that delivers "Safer Fencing. Made for Horses." with the clean white-board look owners want and the give that protects them.
Horse standing safely behind white Horserail flexible board-look horse fencing
Who makes Horserail® and where does it come from?
Horserail® is manufactured by John Wall, Inc. of Carmichaels, Pennsylvania, founded by John Wall, who was born and raised on a New Zealand farm where his interest in horses began at age four. Wall worked as a fencing contractor and large-herd manager before bringing smooth-wire fence technology to North America, growing the business through early partnerships with US Steel for wire and Koppers Company for treated posts. Today the company markets 30+ years of manufacturing, a global distribution network, and product successfully installed across 40+ countries. Everything is designed, tested and manufactured in the USA.
Horserail high-tensile coated rail fencing line installed across a horse farm
What materials and strength specs go into each rail?
The core of every rail is 12.5-gauge (2.5 mm) high-tensile, high-carbon wire with a minimum breaking strength of 1,320 lbs (600 kg) per strand. That wire is sheathed in UV-stabilized medium-density polyethylene molecularly bonded to the metal, producing a finished rail with a minimum breaking strength of 4,200 lbs (1,905 kg). The polyethylene resists rot, rust, splitting and cracking, never needs painting, and is offered in classic black, white and brown. Horserail® carries a limited manufacturer's warranty of up to 30 years.
Horserail standard non-electric flexible rail fence cross-section diagram
How does the safety design actually protect a horse?
Conventional wood and wire fencing injures horses by snapping into splinters or slicing on contact; Horserail® instead flexes on impact and rebounds the animal away from the fence line, dramatically reducing the cuts, lacerations and expensive veterinary bills tied to fence accidents. The smooth, continuous surface has no sharp edges, nails or exposed wire ends to catch a leg or halter. Patented attachment, joining and tensioning methods install the rail with no stripping, crimping or notching, so a finished fence has no exposed wires anywhere along the run.
Which product fits which farm — the full line explained. The family includes Horserail® (the standard non-electric rail), HotTop® (a rail with an electrifiable top strip for added security), and HotTop Plus® (maximum protection with highly-conductive carbon strips top and bottom). For coated-wire layouts there is Horsecote® (non-electric) and Hotcote® (electric-capable), plus hardware such as sharp-edge eliminators and a dedicated spooler. Rail posts space 8–12 ft apart and coated-wire posts 8–20 ft, and electric versions run best at roughly 2,000–3,000 volts with about one joule per mile of fence.
How to get a quote and buy Horserail® fencing. Owners choose a fence style, sketch a layout, and request a free estimate at horserail.com/connect, then install themselves or work through the company's distributor network. John Wall, Inc. is reachable at (fax ), by, or by mail at 440 West Greene Street, Carmichaels, PA 15320. Office hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM EST. Horserail® reports being trusted by 10,000+ horse owners worldwide.
Horserail® is a flexible, plastic-coated fence rail engineered for horse safety, made by John Wall Inc. in Carmichaels, Pennsylvania. It gives you the look of post-and-rail (board) fencing with the flexibility, smoothness and strength that protect horses and riders from the injuries conventional railing can cause. The rail stays flat, smooth and straight as a board, with no exposed wires when installed.
Is Horserail® fencing safe for horses?
Safety is the reason Horserail® exists, and it is a preferred choice of veterinarians. Recent surveys cited by the company show that continuous, plastic-coated fence rail has the lowest reported number of injuries to animals and riders. The flexible rail surface, rounded tensioning spooler, and attachment brackets that sit virtually flush with the post all reduce the chance of injury.
What products are in the Horserail® line?
The line includes Horserail® (a non-conductive rail), Hottop® (an electrifiable rail), and Hottop® Plus, which electrifies both the top and bottom of the rail for extra protection. For coated-wire options there is Horsecote® (non-conductive) and Hotcote® (electrifiable). The electrifiable products are useful for training horses away from the fence.
How long does Horserail® fencing last, and is there a warranty?
Horserail® is built from premium-grade polyethylene with a UV-stabilization package blended in by the plastic supplier. Because polyethylene generally outperforms other plastics, the company offers up to a 30-year limited warranty. It is also low maintenance, with no painting, cracking or splintering to repair.
Will horses crib or chew on Horserail® rail?
Horses have been known to bite or crib, but not excessively on Horserail®. They may bite down only to the wire and then stop. If chewing becomes a continuing problem, adding an electrifiable product such as Hottop® or Hotcote® can train horses away from the fence.
Is Horserail® more expensive than a traditional board fence?
Usually it costs less. Because of Horserail®'s strength and design, fence posts can be spaced farther apart, so you spend less money and time on posts. The biggest long-term savings come from reduced maintenance, since there are no broken boards, splintering, painting or mold treatment to deal with.
Can I install Horserail® fencing myself?
Yes. If you follow the directions provided and have some practical experience, you can build the fence yourself using the patented attachment, joining and tensioning system, which needs no stripping, crimping or notching. The job goes faster with experience, and many owners hire a professional just to drive or set the posts and then finish the rail themselves.
How do I get Horserail® fencing for my farm?
Horserail® products are sold through distributors worldwide. To learn more about the rail and coated-wire options or to find a distributor, contact John Wall Inc. at 724-966-9255 or [email protected], or visit https://horserail.com.
What is Horserail® fencing made of?
Each Horserail® rail is built around 12.5-gauge (2.5 mm) high-tensile, high-carbon wire that is sheathed in a UV-stabilized, medium-density polyethylene coating. The polyethylene is molecularly bonded to the wire so the coating will not peel or separate. This combination gives the rail the look of a wood board with the strength of steel wire.
How strong is Horserail® fencing?
The high-carbon wire core has a minimum breaking strength of 1,320 lbs (600 kg) per strand. The finished rail carries a minimum breaking strength of 4,200 lbs (1,905 kg). That horse-stopping strength is what allows the fence to contain a galloping animal without failing.
Why is Horserail® considered safer than wood or wire fencing?
Conventional wood fencing splinters and wire fencing can slice or entangle a horse on impact. Horserail® instead flexes and rebounds the animal back into the paddock, absorbing the force rather than transferring it into the horse. The smooth, continuous surface has no nails, sharp edges or exposed wire ends, which is why owners see far fewer cuts, lacerations and vet bills.
Who makes Horserail® fencing?
Horserail® is manufactured by John Wall, Inc. of Carmichaels, Pennsylvania. The company was founded by John Wall, who grew up on a New Zealand farm and worked as a fencing contractor and large-herd manager before bringing smooth-wire fence technology to North America. The product is designed, tested and manufactured in the USA.
Who is John Wall?
John Wall was born and raised on a farm in New Zealand, where his interest in horses developed from the age of four. He worked as a fencing contractor and large herd manager in his native country, then moved to Pennsylvania and founded a fence company that promoted smooth-wire fence technology throughout North America. His company, John Wall, Inc., went on to develop the Horserail® flexible rail system.
What is the difference between Horserail®, HotTop® and HotTop Plus®?
Horserail® is the standard non-electric flexible rail. HotTop® adds an electrifiable top strip for extra security against cribbing, leaning and predators. HotTop Plus® offers maximum protection with highly-conductive carbon strips on both the top and bottom of the rail.
What are Horsecote® and Hotcote®?
Horsecote® and Hotcote® are Horserail's coated-wire fencing systems for owners who prefer a wire layout over a rail. Horsecote® is the non-electric version, while Hotcote® is electric-capable. Both use the same protective polyethylene-over-wire construction philosophy as the rail products.
Does Horserail® offer a warranty?
Yes. Horserail® carries a limited manufacturer's warranty of up to 30 years. The UV-stabilized polyethylene coating is engineered to resist fading, cracking, rot and rust over that lifespan, which is why the company also markets the product as low-maintenance and needing no painting.
What colors does Horserail® come in?
Horserail® rail is available in black, white and brown. The white option delivers the classic board-fence appearance many farms want, while black and brown blend more naturally into wooded or pasture settings. All colors share the same UV-stabilized, fade-resistant coating.
Is Horserail® low maintenance?
Yes. Because the rail is coated polyethylene over wire rather than painted wood, it never needs painting and will not split, rot, warp or develop broken boards. The coating resists weather, UV and rust. Routine maintenance is essentially limited to occasional retensioning rather than annual repainting or board replacement.
How far apart should fence posts be set?
For the rail products, posts are typically spaced 8 to 12 feet apart. For the coated-wire systems, post spacing can run from 8 up to 20 feet. Following the recommended spacing keeps the rail properly tensioned and maintains its flex-and-rebound safety behavior.
Can I electrify my Horserail® fence?
Yes, with the electric-capable products. HotTop® carries an electrifiable top strip, HotTop Plus® adds conductive carbon strips top and bottom, and Hotcote® is the electric-capable coated wire. Horserail's guidance is to run electric versions at roughly 2,000 to 3,000 volts with about one joule of energizer output per mile of fence.
How is Horserail® installed?
Horserail® uses patented attachment, joining and tensioning methods that require no stripping, crimping or notching. The system is designed to install flat and smooth with no exposed wires anywhere in the finished run. Owners can self-install using the company's hardware and a dedicated spooler, or arrange installation through a distributor.
How do I get a quote for Horserail® fencing?
Choose your fence style, sketch a layout of your property, and request a free estimate at horserail.com/connect. The company will provide a quote, and you can then either install the fence yourself or work through its distributor network. You can also call 724-966-9255 to discuss your project.
How do I contact Horserail®?
John Wall, Inc. can be reached by phone at 724-966-9255, by fax at 724-966-9666, or by email at [email protected]. The mailing address is 440 West Greene Street, Carmichaels, PA 15320. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST.
Where is Horserail® available, and how widely is it used?
Horserail® is sold through a global distribution network and has been successfully installed across 40+ countries. The company reports more than 30 years of manufacturing and being trusted by 10,000+ horse owners. You can find authorized sellers through the company's where-to-buy page.
Is Horserail® made in the USA?
Yes. Horserail® is designed, tested and manufactured in the USA at John Wall, Inc. in Carmichaels, Pennsylvania. The company's American manufacturing roots trace back to founder John Wall's early partnerships with US Steel for fence wire and Koppers Company for treated posts.
