Hitching rail fitting in Exmouth
Looking for professional hitching rail fitting help in Exmouth? Hembury Contracting provides reliable rural services across Exmouth and surrounding areas.
Price Guide
£85-160
Typical Duration
1.5-3 hrs
Location
Exmouth
Hitching rails fitted securely for safe horse tie-up. Solid posts, properly positioned rail, strong enough to handle horses pulling or leaning without budging.
### Stop Tying To Gates And Fence Posts
If you're tying horses to field gates, fence posts, or anything else not designed for the job, you're risking **broken gates, injured horses, or escapees**. A proper hitching rail is purpose-built to handle the forces involved when you tie a horse.
> 💡 **Pro tip:** Position hitching rails outside stable blocks or near arenas where you regularly need to tie up for grooming, tacking, or farrier visits. Having several tie points means you can work with multiple horses without them interfering with each other.
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### Proper Hitching Rail vs Makeshift Tie Points
| ✅ Purpose-Built Rail | ❌ Tying To Random Posts | |----------------------|--------------------------| | Posts set deep in concrete | Pulls out or breaks under force | | Heavy timber won't snap | Fence rails crack or gates bend | | Correct height for safety | Too low or high causes problems | | Smooth finish, no splinters | Rough wood or sharp edges | | Multiple safe tie points | Limited options, inconvenient |
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### What You Get
**🔧 The Full Installation**
| Stage | What Happens | |-------|--------------| | **Plan** | Agree positions for posts and rail height | | **Dig** | Post holes dug deep - 600mm minimum | | **Set posts** | Posts positioned plumb and at right spacing | | **Concrete** | Posts set solid, left to cure (48 hours) | | **Fit rail** | Heavy timber rail fixed securely to posts | | **Rings** | Tie rings or loops fitted at working height | | **Finish** | All edges smoothed, no sharp bits |
**📦 You're Left With** - Safe, solid tie-up points - Rail that won't pull out or break - Properly positioned for easy use - Job that'll last decades
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### Pricing Guide
| Setup | Estimated Time | You'll Pay | |-------|----------------|------------| | Single post with tie ring | 1.5 hrs | **£85** | | Two-post rail (one tie point) | 2-2.5 hrs | **£110-£135** | | Long rail with multiple ties | 2.5-3 hrs | **£135-£160** |
*Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Add materials if I'm supplying timber and concrete. Posts need 48hrs to cure before rail goes on.*
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### Perfect For Your Devon Yard If...
✅ **Regular grooming outside** - safe place to tie for brushing and picking out
✅ **Farrier visits** - proper tie point makes shoeing easier
✅ **Multiple horses** - several tie points keeps them separated safely
✅ **Showing/training** - convenient rails near arenas or wash areas
Why Choose Us for Hitching rail fitting in Exmouth?
Posts set solid in concrete - won't pull out
Rail height suited to your horses
Smooth finish - no sharp edges or splinters
Strong enough for pulling and leaning
What to Expect
### Step 1: Site Check I'll look at where you want the hitching rail - check ground conditions, discuss how many tie points you need, measure for materials. We'll agree on post positions and rail height that suits your horses. ### Step 2: Set The Posts Dig holes deep, set posts perfectly vertical and at the right spacing. Concrete them in solid and brace while curing. This bit takes time and can't be rushed - posts need to be bombproof. ### Step 3: Fit Rail And Rings Once concrete's cured (48 hours minimum), heavy rail goes on securely fixed to posts. Tie rings positioned right, all sharp edges smoothed off. Test it's solid before you use it.
Our Exmouth Service Coverage
We cover Exmouth and a 30-mile radius from Exeter, meaning you get local service with the backing of an established business. Whether you're in the centre of Exmouth or in the surrounding villages, we're here to help.
Good to Know
> 🐴 **Safety first:** Never tie a horse by anything except the lead rope with a quick-release knot. Don't tie by reins, don't use knots that jam tight. And always position rails where a tied horse has room to move its head without getting tangled or trapped. **Rail positioning:** Leave space behind the rail for a horse to stand - at least 2 metres clear. You don't want them backed into a wall or fence while tied. And position away from doorways or high-traffic areas where they might get kicked or spooked. **Multiple horses:** Space tie points at least 2.5-3 metres apart so tied horses can't reach each other. Prevents biting, kicking, and tangled ropes. More space is better if you've got the room. **Maintenance:** Check fixings annually - coach screws can work loose over time. Treat timber every few years if it's not naturally weather-resistant. Replace tie rings if they're getting worn - a broken ring when a horse pulls back is dangerous. **Panic clips:** Consider using quick-release panic clips instead of solid tie rings - they pop open under extreme force if a horse really freaks out while tied. Costs a bit more but might save a vet bill or worse.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hitching rail fitting in Exmouth
What's the right height for a hitching rail?
Usually chest height on the average horse - about 1.4-1.5 metres from ground to rail. Depends on the size of your horses though. Too low and they can get legs over it, too high and it's awkward to tie to. I'll position it right for your situation.
How strong does it need to be?
Very. Horses pull back when tied, lean on rails, and generally test everything. Posts go deep in concrete, and I use heavy-duty timber that won't snap. If a horse can pull it over, it wasn't fitted properly.
Can you fit multiple tie-up points?
Absolutely - most yards want several. Either individual posts or a long rail with multiple tie rings. I'll space them so horses can't reach each other when tied. Usually 2.5-3 metres between tie points is about right.
What timber do you use?
Treated timber posts and rail - usually 100mm or 125mm for the posts depending on length, and 75mm x 75mm minimum for the rail itself. It needs to be chunky enough not to break. I can also work with oak or other hardwood if you've already got materials.
Do you fit tie rings as well?
Yes - heavy-duty tie rings or loops screwed through the rail. I position them at the right spacing and height for easy use. Some people prefer removable panic clips which release under extreme pressure - safer option if a horse really panics while tied.
Get a Free Quote in Exmouth
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01392 964094Request Online QuotePricing for Exmouth
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