How to Build a Safe, Stylish, and Functional Equine Property with the Right Mats, Fencing, and Gates

Building a safe, stylish, and highly functional equine property requires the strategic use of high-quality materials that ensure comfort, durability, and aesthetic appeal. McVeigh Parker, a leader in equestrian supplies, recommends chain-link fencing, horse mats, and timber gates, while integrating hardwood sleepers, timber posts, and Onduline for optimal results.

Safe and Secure Boundaries with Chain Link Fencing

Chain link fencing stands out for equine properties due to its robust security and visibility. It offers a reliable physical barrier, minimizing the risk of escape or injury, and allows horses and handlers to view their surroundings clearly. When installed with timber posts—pressure-treated for longevity and resistance to rot—chain link fencing gains increased strength and harmonizes beautifully with the natural look of rural landscapes. Headlands, paddocks, or perimeters benefit from this combination, enhancing both function and appearance.

Stable Comfort with Premium Horse Mats

Horse mats are essential for any equine facility, providing a cushioned, non-slip surface in stables, walkways, and grooming areas. Quality mats help reduce leg fatigue, prevent injuries, and promote better hygiene by facilitating cleaning and drainage. Incorporating hardwood sleepers as edge restraints around mat areas adds stability, keeps the mats in place, and creates a stylish zoning effect within the barn or yard. For under-roof installations, using Onduline roofing ensures a dry, insulated environment, further protecting horses from the elements and enhancing the lifespan of mats.

Impressive Entrances with Timber Gates

Timber gates bring both style and strength to equine properties. Crafted from sustainably sourced timber, these gates are sturdy enough for heavy use yet easy to operate. Their natural finish blends seamlessly with timber posts and hardwood sleepers, creating a cohesive, rustic aesthetic. Whether used for field entrances, stable doors, or paddock partitions, timber gates provide a welcoming and secure gateway that complements an equestrian landscape.

Finishing Touches for Lasting Value

By choosing chain link fencing for safety, horse mats for comfort, timber gates for access, and integrating hardwood sleepers, timber posts, and Onduline roofing, McVeigh Parker helps create equine properties that are safe, stylish, and practical. These solutions offer long-term resilience and timeless beauty—while keeping the welfare of horses at heart.

From Roof to Ground: Onduline Sheets, Timber Gates & Hardwood Sleepers

McVeigh Parker is a UK-based supplier of fencing, agricultural, and landscape products, offering high-quality, cost-effective solutions to the trade, corporate, contractor, and retail sectors. It has a trading history of over 40 years. We have a dedicated department to service the trade sector, providing you with a direct sales professional. Setting up a trade account with McVeigh Parker will give you exclusive access to trade pricing and preferential rates on bespoke quotes for your future projects.

Onduline roofing

Onduline is an extremely tough, lightweight, corrugated roofing and wall cladding material manufactured utilising a base board produced from recycled cellulose fibres, which is saturated with bitumen under intense pressure and heat. Onduline sheets are finished with a colour pigment and resin impregnation process that “stains” the colour into the sheet, providing excellent colour retention properties and enhanced UV resistance. Our Onduline roofing sheets are available in black and translucent colors.

Timber gates

McVeigh Parker stocks hundreds of timber gates across our eight nationwide depots, available in a range of styles and sizes. We also offer made-to-measure bespoke gates, should you require something specific. Ideal for property entrance gates, farm fence gates, or even for penning in livestock, our timber gates come in both the standard Universal and Yeoman curved designs, adding a touch of elegance to your entrance. You can browse our wooden gate stock below or explore the other styles of gates we have available.

Hardwood sleepers

Our traditional reclaimed railway sleepers are ideal for soil retention, raised beds, and reinforced walkways. They can be used on farmland, agricultural properties, or landscaping gardens and are available in softwood and hardwood sleepers options. Please note that EU law regulates the usage of creosoted sleepers, so it is important that they are not used for furniture, play areas, or anywhere they may come into regular contact with skin. Dimensions for all sleepers are approximate, as they are not cut to exact squares.

Enhance Your Property with Onduline Roofing, Timber Gates, and Hardwood Sleepers

McVeigh Parker is a UK-based fencing, agricultural, and landscape supplier offering high-quality, cost-effective products to the trade, corporate, contractor, and retail sectors. It has a trading history of over 40 years. We have a dedicated department to service the trade sector, providing you with a direct sales professional. Setting up a trade account with McVeigh Parker will give you exclusive access to trade pricing and preferential rates on bespoke quotes for your future projects.

Onduline roofing

Onduline roofing sheets can be used on new structures and for renovation work on wood or metal structures. The Onduline roofing system is known for its flawless water tightness. Its roofs can withstand all types of climates, from snow and cold weather to the heat and humidity of tropical countries. Its extreme resistance to violent winds makes it a popular solution in exposed areas. Our corrugated sheets do not contain any metal, so they are resistant to rust and corrosion.

Timber gates

It is difficult to argue that aluminum gates are more robust than wooden ones. A wooden gate is often made of durable, reliable timber that can withstand the elements and maintain its original, impressive appearance. Timber gates are typically thicker than aluminum gates, and this extra thickness makes them more sturdy, luxurious, and of higher quality. Many clients are left amazed at what can be done with timber. Our team can do everything from tall entrance gates to agricultural gates.

Hardwood sleepers

Our traditional reclaimed railway sleepers are ideal for soil retention, raised beds, and reinforced walkways. They can be used on farmland, agricultural properties, or landscaping gardens and are available in softwood and hardwood sleepers options. Please note that EU law regulates the usage of creosoted sleepers, so it is important that they are not used for furniture, play areas, or anywhere they may come into regular contact with skin.

Durable Solutions: Onduline Roofing, Timber Gates, & Hardwood Sleepers

McVeigh Parker is a UK-based fencing, agricultural, and landscape supplier offering high-quality, cost-effective products to the trade, corporate, contractor, and retail sectors. It has a trading history of over 40 years. We have a dedicated department to service the trade sector, providing you with a direct sales professional. Setting up a trade account with McVeigh Parker will give you exclusive access to trade pricing and preferential rates on bespoke quotes for your future projects.

Onduline roofing

Onduline roofing sheets can be used on new structures and for renovation work on wood or metal structures. The Onduline roofing system is known for its flawless water tightness. Its roofs can withstand all types of climates, from snow and cold weather to the heat and humidity of tropical countries. Its extreme resistance to violent winds makes it a popular solution in exposed areas. Our corrugated sheets do not contain any metal, so they do not rust or corrode.

Timber gates

It is hard to argue that aluminium gates are more robust than wood. A wooden gate is often made of durable, reliable timber that can withstand the elements and maintain its original, impressive appearance. Timber gates are often thicker than aluminium gates, and the extra thickness makes them more sturdy, luxurious, and high quality. Many clients are left amazed at what can be done with timber! Our team can do everything from tall entrance gates to agricultural gates.

Hardwood sleepers

Our traditional reclaimed railway sleepers are ideal for soil retention, raised beds, and reinforced walkways. They can be used on farmland, agricultural properties, or even for landscaping gardens and are available in softwood and hardwood sleepers options. Please note that EU law regulates the usage of creosoted sleepers, so it is important that they are not used for furniture, play areas, or anywhere they may come into regular contact with skin.

Selecting the Proper Gate for Your Farm: Metal or Timber for Equine Safety

When farm and stable safety are involved, gates are not just portals -- they are also an important component of livestock management, security, and smooth flow across your property. For horse owners, metal or timber gate selection can literally make a difference in safety, strength, and ease of daily use.

So, is metal or wood better for your farm? Let's weigh it up.

Safety First: What Horses Need

Horses are strong yet sensitive creatures. The ideal gate for a horse-friendly farm is one that:

•        Minimizes risk of injury

•        Is extremely visible (so animals don't bump into it accidentally)

•        Swings smoothly and securely

•        Endures daily wear and tear from animals and the elements

·       Both timber and metal gates can do this — but differently.

Timber Gates: Traditional, Durable, and Natural

Advantages:

•        Soft on impact: Wood is less apt to hurt a horse if they lean against or kick them.

•        Visual beauty: Timber gates present a classic, rustic appearance that suits well on rural properties.

•        Adaptable: Simple to build to size and also simpler to fix than metal.

Disadvantages:

•        Maintenance: Timber needs normal sealing or staining to withstand weather and rot.

•        Heavier weight: Big timber gates can be heavy and more difficult to swing every day.

Ideal for: Pasture entrances, low-traffic locations, or homes where form is as important as function.

Metal Gates: Strong and Durable

Advantages:

•        Long-lasting and weather-resistant: Galvanized steel gates can remain in good condition for decades with little upkeep.

•        Lighter and simpler to use: Tube-style gates are simpler to open and close.

•        Perfect for frequent use: Strong enough for everyday stable usage, loading bays, and paddocks.

•        Horse mats: Horse mats provide comfort, safety, and insulation while reducing fatigue and preventing slips in stalls and barn areas.

Drawbacks:

•        Injurious to horses if kicked: Horses will dent or injure themselves on metal unless padded.

•        Less visually appealing heat: Simple metal gates are practical but might be unattractive compared to timber.

Optimal use for: Stables, arenas, and high-usage entrance points.

Last Things to Consider

Most farms prefer a mix of both — metal gates for busy areas and wood gates for visual or low-impact zones. Whatever you do, ensure your gates are hung correctly, not sharp, and easy to use.

The ideal gate is not only about appearance or durability — it's about protecting your horses and your farm from downtime.

Personalizing Your Gate: Timber to Metal, Make an Entrance

Your gate is the initial impression visitors receive when they drive up to your house, so it forms an important aspect of your home's curb appeal. Personalizing your gate, whether timber, metal, or a combination, has the ability to enhance the visual appeal of your entry point as well as provide functionality, security, and privacy.

Personalizing Timber Gates

Timber gates add natural warmth and character to any property. Finishes are one of the best methods of personalizing a timber gate. You can select from a range of stains or paints to complement your home's exterior. A walnut stain or black paint can give a sophisticated look, while oak or honey tones provide a more rustic, inviting appearance.

For a more detailed look, the designs can be engraved or carved into the wood to make it a striking focus point. Integrate intricate details or monogrammed initials to give it that one-of-a-kind appearance. Incorporating elaborate hardware like the use of aged-style hinges and handles can even add to the overall design of the gate.

Metal gates, which are strong and have a modern look, provide ample scope for personalization. A wrought iron gate can be designed with elaborate scrolls and designs, or you may choose a minimalist, clean-lined design for a more modern look.

The metal gate can also be personalized in its finish. Powder coating in any shade of color is long-lasting and weather-resistant, and you get to match the gate to the color scheme of your home. You can even incorporate metal highlights such as ornamental panels or employ a mixture of wood slats with a metal frame for a contemporary-industrial appearance.

Mixing Timber and Metal

For a really distinctive entrance, why not combine both materials? A combination of metal frames with wood slats or panels enables you to reap the advantages of both materials—strength and sophistication. This combination of textures produces a visually stimulating design that's both functional and fashionable.

Personalizing your gate is a great way to show off your personality and add some personality to your home's entrance. From the warmth of wood to the sleekness of metal, the options for designing a one-of-a-kind gate are limitless!

Reliable Timber Posts, Razor Wire, and Metal Gates for Your Property

McVeigh Parker is a UK-based company specializing in the distribution and wholesale of fencing, agricultural supplies, and landscaping materials. We offer a wide range of products, such as gates, posts, wire fencing, drainage systems, and equestrian supplies, to both trade and retail customers. McVeigh Parker is known for its extensive stock holdings and long history in the industry. Our primary focus is providing various fencing solutions, including electric, security, and traditional wire fencing.

Timber posts

McVeigh Parker has been supplying traditional fencing timber posts since 1979. With over one million stakes sold annually, we can provide quality products at the right price and treat them to the correct user class for your next fencing project. We have a range of timber and post stakes for your traditional timber fencing project. Shop below now to find your perfect post. For more information on the different types of timber available, read our quick guide to choosing the right timber.

Razor wire

Razor wire is effective as a secondary line of defense, widely used by many businesses to prevent unauthorized access. Barbed tape or razor wire is a mesh of metal strips with sharp edges whose purpose is to avoid human trespassing. The term "razor wire," through long usage, has generally been used to describe barbed tape products. Razor wire is much sharper than the standard barbed wire. It is named after its appearance but is not razor sharp. The points are very sharp and made to rip and snag clothing and flesh.

Metal gate

We have a wide selection of metal gate available in various styles and sizes to suit. Available singularly, in pairs, and with a choice of fastening, our range of metal field gates will not disappoint. A long-standing favorite with our customers is the metal field gate, which is a superior seven-railed gate built to last in the field or farm, suitable for most livestock situations. We carry huge stocks of metal field gates in our eight depots nationwide and offer a quick and efficient delivery service.