When it comes to fencing horses, safety is everything. Horses are strong, curious, and quick to panic — so the posts you choose can make all the difference between a safe paddock and an accident waiting to happen.
Fibreglass posts are often recommended as the safest option for horse paddocks. One of the best-known names in this category is Horizont, a German brand with a solid reputation across Europe. But are Horizont fibreglass posts really the best choice for UK horse owners? And how do they compare with homegrown favourites like Hotline?
What Makes Fibreglass Posts Different?
Unlike plastic or wooden posts, fibreglass posts flex rather than snap. That means if a horse brushes against one, it bends and springs back, rather than splintering or breaking. They also don't rot like timber, and they're non-conductive, so you don't need insulators.
For horse owners, this combination — visibility, flexibility, and safety — makes fibreglass the go-to choice.
If you want to know more then read our complete UK guide to electric fence posts
The Horizont Fibreglass Range
Horizont offers fibreglass posts in various heights, typically from 1.0m up to 1.6m, making them suitable for horses and ponies. Key features include:
- UV-protected fibreglass, designed to withstand years of sun exposure.
- Durable clips for tape, rope, or wire.
- Flexibility under pressure — safer for horses that test the fence.
- Long lifespan compared to standard plastic posts.
Price: £6–£10 per post, depending on size.
Advantages of Horizont Fibreglass Posts
- Safer for horses than standard plastic.
- Weather-resistant and long-lasting.
- Easy to install by hand.
- Visible and flexible.
Downsides of Horizont Posts
- Can splinter at the surface after several years — gloves are a must when handling.
- Heavier and more expensive than plastic.
- Availability in the UK can be patchy, especially compared with Hotline.
Why UK Horse Owners Love Hotline Fibreglass Posts
While Horizont posts are popular in Europe, many UK horse owners prefer Hotline fibreglass posts. Here's why:
- British-made: Designed for UK conditions.
- Easily available: Stocked by agricultural and equestrian suppliers nationwide.
- Excellent safety record: Flexible, visible, and built to last.
- Options for tall paddocks: Taller Hotline posts are particularly good for thoroughbreds and larger horses.
Feedback from UK equestrians often highlights Hotline posts as slightly sturdier than Horizont, with better supply availability.
Cost and Value Comparison
- Horizont fibreglass posts: £6–£10, long-lasting, safe, but harder to source consistently in the UK.
- Hotline fibreglass posts: £6–£9, equally safe, widely stocked, with UK-based customer support.
While there's little difference in cost, Hotline often wins out for convenience and reliability of supply.
How Do They Compare to Gallagher?
Gallagher does produce fibreglass and reinforced plastic posts, but in the UK they're better known for their TurboLine plastic posts. For horse owners, Hotline remains the go-to for fibreglass, with Gallagher better suited to cattle and mixed stock.
Final Word: Horizont or Hotline?
Horizont fibreglass posts are a safe, reliable option for horses, and many yards across Europe use them with success. But in the UK, most horse owners lean towards Hotline fibreglass posts. They're just as safe, widely available, and backed by a British brand with strong support.
If you're fencing horses, fibreglass is almost always the right choice — and for most UK yards, Hotline offers the safest and most practical solution.
