Beatrice Lang
Electric horse fencing is a quick, affordable, and easy way to set up a turnout area for your horse. It is also an effective method of protecting existing fencing from damage as horses will remember the short, sharp, but safe shock and develop respect for the fence. The effectiveness of your electric horse fence depends on the correct combination of four factors: planning, installation, maintenance, and powering.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To enclose a pasture or garden and contain horses |
| Cost | Electric horse fences can reduce costs by up to 50% compared to traditional non-electrified fences |
| Time | Takes less than half the time to build compared to traditional fence systems |
| Safety | Humane and safe for horses, acting as a psychological barrier |
| Effectiveness | More effective than traditional fences as horses will respect the barrier and not rub against it |
| Flexibility | Temporary electric fencing provides flexibility in pasture management and is ideal for short-term horse control or rotational grazing |
| Power Source | 110v plug-in, battery, solar/battery, or solar energizers |
| Fence Posts | Wooden posts are durable and long-lasting but degrade over time; metal posts are easy to set up but expensive; light posts are suitable for temporary fencing |
| Fencing Conductor | Electric fence tape or rope is recommended for horses to reduce the risk of injury |
| Brace Wire | 9-gauge wire or a braided cable such as a "quick-brace" kit |
| Corner System | Requires a solid corner system with proper bracing to ensure longevity |
| Grounding | Bury ground rods 6 feet deep and space them 10 feet apart |
| Maintenance | Regularly test the voltage and check for vegetation build-up to prevent signal problems |
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What You'll Learn
Choose the right fence posts for your needs
Choosing the right fence posts for your electric horse fence is a vital step in ensuring your paddock is stable and resilient. The type of fence posts you choose will depend on your needs, particularly whether you plan to move your fencing regularly or build a long-lasting paddock.
If you need to regularly move your fencing, light posts are the best option. These posts are easy to install and remove, making them convenient for temporary fencing solutions. They are also a good choice if you need to enclose a large area, as they can be quickly set up and taken down.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a more permanent solution, wooden fence posts are a durable and stable option. Wooden posts provide a strong foundation for your electric horse fence and are less likely to blow over in the wind, reducing the risk of your horse escaping. However, they tend to degrade over time and may require more maintenance.
When selecting wooden fence posts, it is important to choose high-quality posts of the appropriate size. Treated wood posts, which are resistant to decay and insect damage, are a common choice for electric horse fences. These posts are typically 3 to 4 inches in diameter and 7 to 8 feet long.
Additionally, consider the spacing of your fence posts. The number of posts you need will depend on the size of your fence and the number of lines you plan to use. For example, if you are grazing stallions, you may require more posts to accommodate additional strands of wire and higher fences.
By carefully considering your specific needs and selecting the appropriate fence posts, you can ensure the stability and longevity of your electric horse fence.
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Select a suitable fencing conductor
Selecting a suitable fencing conductor is a critical step in building an electric horse fence. While there are various options available, including electric fence tape, rope, or wire, it is recommended to use electric fence tape or rope for horse fences to minimize the risk of injury.
Electric fence tape is a popular choice for horse fences due to its high visibility and ease of installation. It is essential to choose a tape that is wide enough for your specific fence. For example, half-inch tape might be insufficient for a substantial horse fence. Poly tape, typically available in 1.5-inch or 2-inch widths, is a suitable option for most fences.
Another option is electric fence rope, which is also effective in containing horses. Similar to the tape, it is important to select a rope that is thick enough for your fence. Braided rope, for instance, provides both safety and longevity, especially when compared to a standard braided product or poly tape.
While electric fence wire is commonly used for containing livestock or other animals, it may not be the best choice for horses due to the higher risk of injury. However, if you decide to use wire, it is recommended to choose a coated wire to increase visibility and protect the horses from potential injury.
Additionally, when selecting a fencing conductor, it is crucial to consider the specific requirements of your horse and the area you want to cover. The number of horses, their breed, and the size of the paddock will impact the type and height of the fencing conductor you choose.
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Install the fence posts
Installing fence posts is the first step in setting up an electric fence for horses. The type of fence posts you choose will depend on your specific needs. If you plan on moving your fencing regularly, lighter posts are more suitable. Metal posts, for example, are easy to set up but may be more expensive. Wooden fence posts are a good option if you want to build long-lasting paddocks. You can also use vinyl or wood flex posts. Treated wood posts that are 3 to 4 inches round or square and 7 to 8 feet long are recommended for end and corner posts. A 60-pound bag of ready-mix cement is suggested for each post hole.
Before installing the fence posts, it's important to plan your layout and decide on the number of wires, the length of each run, and the height of the fence. This will depend on factors such as the size of the area you want to enclose and the number of horses you need to contain. You should also consider the type of horse, as different breeds may require different fence heights and wire configurations. For example, you may need more strands of wire and higher fences for stallions compared to Shetlands or foals.
Once you have determined the placement of your fence posts, you can start installing them. Pull a line of heavy string between the end posts or the end post and corner post no more than 2 feet off the ground. Use this line as a guide to set your posts. For wooden posts, take a length of wood and mark it according to the number and spacing of the lines you determined during the planning phase. Use this as your guide for marking the line posts.
If your electric fence requires tension, you will need to install a solid corner system with H-braces. This will ensure that your fence is stable and resilient. Brace wire should be 9-gauge wire or a braided cable, and you can slide a protective coating over it to increase visibility and protection. With the H-braces and wire in place, you can be confident that your electric horse fence has a strong foundation.
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Connect the lines and energiser
To connect the lines and energiser of your electric horse fence, follow these steps:
Firstly, select the right energiser for your needs. This will depend on the size of the area you want to cover and the type of power source you want to use. Solar energisers are a great option, but they require plenty of sunlight to be effective. If you opt for a plug-in energiser, you'll need to install it near an AC outlet. You can also choose between a battery, battery/solar, or solar energiser.
Next, connect the underground wire to the electric current. Use the End/Gate post closest to your energiser. Run the underground wire from the line closest to the ground to the energiser, ensuring it is long enough to be buried underground. Strip back 4-5 inches of the coated covering and wrap it around the fence terminal on your unit.
Now, it's time to bury your ground rods. The end of each rod should be 6 feet deep and spaced 10 feet apart. Connect the energiser to these ground rods by cutting a piece of underground wire, stripping back the coating, wrapping it around the rod, and securing it with a Ground Rod Clamp. Repeat this process for each rod, ensuring all connections are tight and secure.
Finally, you can plug your charger into a power outlet, if using a plug-in energiser. It is important to note that you should not turn on the power or connect to any power source until your entire fence is complete.
Once your fence is fully set up, you can work with your horse to help it learn the boundaries created by the electric fencing. This will ensure your horse respects the fence and stays safe within its confines.
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Test the fence and perform regular maintenance
Once your electric horse fence is installed, you'll need to test it and perform regular maintenance to ensure it remains effective and safe.
Before turning on the power, carefully inspect your fence to ensure that it is properly installed and secure. Check that all connections are tight and secure, and that there is no vegetation touching the fence, as this can cause earthing and affect the functionality of your fence.
After completing your initial inspection, you can turn on the power and test the voltage. Use an electric fence tester to check that the fence is working everywhere, and that the electrical current is flowing as it should. Pay particular attention to the voltage at points farthest away from the charger, as you may experience a slight drop in voltage in these areas. If the voltage drop exceeds 2000 volts, it could indicate a short circuit or interference in the fence.
To maintain the effectiveness of your electric horse fence, schedule daily checks of the current. Regularly inspect the fence to prevent signal problems and make corrections as necessary. Moisture and vegetation build-up can cause temporary leeching of the current, leading to lower-voltage readings. Keep shrubs and weeds away from your fence to prevent this issue.
By regularly testing and maintaining your electric horse fence, you can ensure its longevity and effectiveness in containing your horses.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need fence posts, a fencing conductor, an electric charger, and grounding posts. For the fencing conductor, you can choose from electric fence tape, rope, or wire. Tape is the easiest to see and is less dangerous than wire. Brace wire should be 9-gauge wire or a braided cable.
First, plan your layout. Consider the number of horses you need to contain and determine the spacing and number of wires you need to use. Then, install your fence posts and connect the underground wire to an electric current. Connect the lines together with a 10 to 14-gauge jumper wire and attach a jumper wire from the top line of the electric fence to the charger.
Avoid earthing by ensuring your fence does not touch any vegetation. Regularly test the voltage to ensure the electrical current is flowing as it should. Keep shrubs and weeds away from your fence.
