Umair Gaines
Electric fencing is a reliable way to keep horses contained, protect them from predators, and keep them safe. Horses are intelligent animals and quickly learn to respect an electric fence. After installing an electric fence, it is important to properly introduce each horse to the newly fenced area. The top training priority is visibility. Horses must be able to see the fence from a distance, even when at a gallop, so they can slow down and avoid the fence. Once the horse understands the boundaries of its new enclosure, the power can be turned on and the horse can be released to explore its new surroundings.
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What You'll Learn
Ensure the fence is visible to the horse
Ensuring the fence is visible to the horse is the top training priority and the top safety priority. Horses can't easily see the strands of wire that make up an electric fence, so it's important to make the fence more visible to help them avoid it. This can be done by placing a strand of white tape or flags at regular intervals along the fence line. This will allow horses to see the fence from a distance, even when galloping, so they can slow down and avoid the fence.
Another way to increase the visibility of the fence is to use highly visible white plastic posts. These can be used to raise the height of the fencing, making it more visible to the horses. Plastic caps can also be placed on top of metal posts to make them more visible.
It's also important to introduce horses to the fence in daylight, rather than at dawn or dusk, as this will help them to see the fence more clearly.
Once the horse understands the boundaries of its new enclosure, it's important to turn the power on and allow the horse to explore on its own. This will allow them to learn about the electric fence and develop a respect for it. It usually only takes one or two shocks for horses to understand the boundary and keep their distance.
It's also important to note that the power should remain on for consistent training and the safety of the horses. Turning the power off can cause horses to lose respect for the fence and may lead to injuries.
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Lead the horse around the perimeter
Leading the horse around the perimeter is a crucial step in introducing your horse to an electric fence. This process helps the horse become familiar with the new boundary and prevents potential injuries caused by a lack of awareness. Here are some detailed instructions on how to effectively lead your horse around the electric fence perimeter:
Firstly, ensure that the electric fence is turned off for your safety and that of the horse. This prevents accidental shocks that could cause the horse to bolt. It is also important to note that you should only introduce one horse at a time to the fence.
Next, lead the horse slowly and deliberately around the entire perimeter of the fence. This process allows the horse to become acquainted with the new boundary. Make sure the horse can clearly see the fence, as horses need to be able to identify the barrier from a distance to avoid accidental contact. To enhance visibility, consider placing flags or highly visible white plastic posts at regular intervals along the fence line. Additionally, ensure that the introduction takes place during daylight hours, avoiding low-light conditions.
After completing the perimeter walk, release the horse into the enclosed area and turn the power back on. Allow the horse to explore its new surroundings independently and interact with the fence on its own. Observe the horse's behaviour when it receives a shock from the fence. The desired reaction is for the horse to recoil and maintain a distance from the fence.
It is important to note that once training begins, the power should remain on for consistent training and the safety of the horse. Electric fencing is an effective way to gain the horse's respect for boundaries and can be safer than traditional fences, as horses will remember the short, sharp shock and are less likely to make contact with the fence.
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Turn the power on and let the horse explore
Once you have installed an electric fence and safely introduced your horse to the perimeter, it's time to turn the power on and let the horse explore. This is an important step in the training process, as it allows the horse to learn about the electric fence and understand the boundaries of its enclosure.
When turning the power on, make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific electric fence model. This may involve connecting the fence to an electric current, plugging it into an outlet, or using a battery or solar power source. Before turning on the power, ensure that the fence is properly connected and all safety measures are in place.
It is recommended to turn the power on gradually and observe the horse's reaction. Stand outside the fenced area and ensure that no one is inside the enclosure. Allow the horse to explore on its own and approach the fence at its own pace. It is important to let the horse learn about the electric fence without any interference or distractions.
Keep in mind that horses are intelligent animals and quick learners. Most horses will only need one or two shocks to understand the boundaries and develop a respect for the electric fence. Observe the horse's behaviour and make sure it recoils from the fence after receiving a shock. This is the desired reaction, as it indicates that the horse understands the consequence of touching the fence.
During this process, it is crucial to prioritize the horse's safety. Ensure that there are no obstacles or hazards within the enclosure that could cause injury. Additionally, avoid placing water troughs or feeding areas too close to the fence, as this can increase the risk of nuisance shocks.
By following these steps and allowing your horse to explore its new surroundings with the power turned on, you can effectively train your horse to understand and respect the electric fence, ensuring its safety and well-being.
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Avoid placing water troughs near the fence
Electric fences are a great way to keep your horses safe and contained. After installing an electric fence, it is important to introduce each horse to the newly fenced area. The top priority is visibility, as horses must be able to see the fence from a distance, even when at a gallop, so they can slow down and avoid the fence.
However, one of the most common mistakes owners make is placing water troughs too close to the fence. This should be avoided at all costs. Placing water troughs near the fence can cause accidental shocks to your horse, which can adversely affect their well-being. Horses may become wary of their water troughs and food supplies, which can be extremely distressing for the animal.
The electric fence is designed to train the horse to stay away from the boundary by forming a psychological barrier. The fence delivers high-voltage, low-amperage pulses through the fence every one or two seconds. If your horse touches the fence, it will receive a pulsing shock. The low amperage allows the horse to back away without the shock causing any harm.
The desired reaction is for the horse to recoil from the fence, and it usually takes only one or two shocks for horses to respect the fence and keep a distance from the boundary. Horses are intelligent, fast learners, and a shock from a 3,000V fence will soon give them the message.
To avoid accidental shocks, it is recommended to keep water troughs and feed buckets at least a few feet away from the fence, allowing your horse ample room to eat and drink without accidental correction.
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Install posts, corner collars, insulators and string
To install posts, corner collars, insulators, and string for an electric horse fence, you can follow these steps:
Firstly, install the end, corner, and gate posts. These posts should be placed a minimum of 5 inches in diameter and set between 3.5 to 4.5 feet into the ground. You can use treated wood posts that are 3 to 4 inches round or square and 7 to 8 feet long. A 60-pound bag of ready-mix cement is recommended for each post hole. If you are installing the posts by hand, tamp around the posts well.
Next, install the line posts. Run a guide wire between the end posts or the end post and corner post, no higher than 2 feet off the ground. This guide wire will help you set your line posts straight. For line posts, you can use vinyl, metal T-posts, wood flex posts, or fiberglass posts. The height of these posts will depend on the desired height of your finished fence, but for an equine fence, the top strand is typically 48 to 54 inches off the ground.
Once your posts are in place, determine the height at which you will run each strand of fence and mark the posts accordingly. You can then install the corner collars and insulators. Cameo Corner Collars, for example, are designed to run fencing continuously through corners while insulating it from the post. They are easy to install using two hex head screws and are compatible with round wood posts up to 6 inches in diameter.
Now you can begin to string out your electric fence. At your starting point, wrap the electric rope or wire around the insulator and secure it with a rope clamp. String the electric rope or wire along the fence, going outside your corner posts and inserting it into the corner collar insulators. When you reach the next endpoint, repeat the process of connecting the rope or wire with another rope clamp. Repeat this process for all strands.
Finally, tension your fence. For electric rope fences, you can use an EZ Daisy Tightener to add tension to the fence line.
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Frequently asked questions
First, ensure that the fence is highly visible by placing flags or white tape at regular intervals along the fence line. Next, lead the horse around the perimeter with the power off so that it can become acquainted with the boundary. Then, turn the power on and allow the horse to explore its new surroundings on its own.
Electric fences are ideal for gaining horses' respect for boundary fences, preventing them from using the fence as a scratching post, and protecting them from predators. They are also relatively inexpensive compared to other fencing options, easy to install, and safe.
Always introduce the horse to the fence slowly and deliberately in daylight, with the power off to prevent accidental shocks. Avoid placing water troughs or hay close to the fence to eliminate the possibility of nuisance shocks. After the horse understands the boundaries, release it and turn the power back on, observing its reaction to ensure it respects the fence.
