Fencing

Hey guys!
My boyfriend's aunt & uncle bought their daughter a pony about a year ago, and have been boarding it ever since. Since facilities around where I live are few and far between, the pony isn't exactly at the greatest barn right now. Fortunately, her owners recognize this and have started building a facility at home (yaaay!). They've asked me for my advice in getting it set up and whatnot. I need to stress now that this operation is going on an unlimited budget. These people are sparing no expense when it comes to this facility.. we're talking big bucks for the best available.
We got to talking about fencing options, and they're dead set on wood. They say its because of the ease and esthetic appeal of it. I'm strongly suggesting vinyl hollow rails, which look identical to wood but are guaranteed to not shatter and splinter like wood does, on top of a number of other safety features. I've told them time and time again my points for picking this, but they're still hung up on wood.
What are your thoughts on the issue? If you had all the money you wanted to do your facility, what would you do/not do?

WOOD! I HATE hollow vinyl. It is really weak, and my pony knew it. She was in turnout and tried to get out. Guess what? She ran right for the vinyl gate, smashed through it, it shattered, and guess waht? She kept going, no stumble, no bruises, not even a scrape or sore. As for the wood, it shouldn't splinter unless a horse leans on it, and hot wire would be good on top,anyway!

If money were no object? Four board wood on 4" X 6" posts and 8' centers, pressure treated so no need to paint.

I have not had good experiences with vinyl, similiar to the previous poster.

Thanks guys! I've also given them to consider a "hot rail" which is like a vinyl strip that is electrified. What are your opinions on that?

PS I'm a little partial to vinyl since my old Morgan gelding spooked and went through a rail of 2x6 (the one day the wire wasn't on) and and I picked splinters out of his chest for 3 hours. Also I hate painting miles of fenceline haha.

I also HATE the hot tape. Hard to tighten, and after a couple months it starts looking saggy and bad (experience at another place with hot tape).
Any fencing does need to be like 6 feet tall,though.
EDIT
Also, how many acres are they doing?

We have noble brand fencing and love it! Noble Panels - Livestock Fencing and Horse Fencing

I'm not entirely sure of how many acres they're doing, just a LOT. Her ring alone is going to be 140' x 200', plus a pasture, plus probably a paddock. The type I was thinking of is Centaur Hot Rail, not so much a tape type (at least not the tape type I'm thinking of).

Also if possible can we broaden this into things that you wish you had thought of / are happy you did think of when building your barn and facility? I'd love to hear what you guys think!

Wow! For one pony? O.o
It should have:properwashrack, proper hitching rail. Are they doing a barn(stupid question, I know)?

Well they're looking to expand. One of my horses will be spending a lot of time there (probably free!!) too. They actually went to look at a new pony today, and her mom is also going to be getting a "backyard pet" plod around horse. Yes they are doing a four stall barn with heated wash stall (in Atlantic Canada we can only really wash our horses with a hose for like.. three weeks, otherwise its so cold and sad), a downstairs hay storage, a hay loft, and a nice big tack room (with hardwood floors.. ) so they are going ALL OUT on this project.

Hmmmmmm. Automatic waters, with heat tape insulation to prevent freezing, in the stalls and in the paddocks would be something I would do if I could afford it.

Washer and dryer in the tack room for barn linen. Extra blanket storage.

Heat lamps in the wash stall to hasten drying.