Trystan Casey
Electric fencing for horses is a cost-effective alternative to traditional fences. They are relatively easy to install and prevent horses from leaning or chewing on fence lines due to the unpleasant shock. Horses are quick learners and usually only need one experience to avoid the “hot” fence. There are several types of electric fencing for horses, including poly tape, poly wire, poly rope, and ElectroBraid®. The type of electric fencing chosen depends on the owner's priorities, such as cost, ease of installation, and the effectiveness of serving as a psychological deterrent for the horses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Material | Poly tape, poly wire, poly rope, vinyl plastic, stainless steel, polyethylene, galvanized welded wire fabric, copper |
| Fence Height | 4-6 inches above the horse's withers; posts should extend at least 5 feet above the ground |
| Fence Spacing | 12 feet apart on level ground; 8-10 feet for a single horse |
| Voltage | Minimum of 2,000-3,000 volts on the fence line |
| Fence Charger | Low impedance; fence energizers |
| Installation | Easy to install; copper rods, insulators, lightning protectors, lightning arrestors |
| Maintenance | Requires tightening; prone to breakage |
| Cost | Cost-effective |
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What You'll Learn
Electric fence installation
Electric fencing for horses is ideal for grazing and pasture management and is a more economical option than traditional non-electric fences. They also take less time to build, saving you time and money.
There are two types of electric fencing for horses: permanent and temporary. A permanent electric fence usually consists of multiple wires attached to steel or wood posts. They are used to fence animals inside a property, fence out predators, and separate breeding animals. Temporary electric fences are easily transported, constructed, and maintained, and can be an effective portable fencing solution.
When installing an electric fence, it is important to use the appropriate insulator, specific to the fencing material being electrified. The type of animals to be controlled will determine material selection. For example, a 14-gauge high-tensile steel wire will provide more strength than a 12.5-gauge standard steel wire. The posts should be spaced according to the terrain and size of the fenced area. For horses, it is recommended that posts extend at least 5 feet above the ground and are spaced about 12 feet apart on level ground.
To power your electric fence, you can use a 110v plug-in, battery, battery/solar, or solar energizer. A fence charger is needed to maintain a minimum of 2,000-3,000 volts on the fence line to safely contain horses. A digital voltmeter can be used to check the voltage on your fence regularly. If the voltage reading exceeds 300 volts, more ground rods should be added.
To add electric fencing to an existing fence, place one strand of polytape across the top to deter horses from leaning on the fence. This will also prevent horses from using the fence as a scratching post, which can cause the fence to weaken or sag over time.
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Electric fence maintenance
Electric fencing for horses is an effective way to contain and control horses. It is also a good way to prevent horses from leaning or pushing on a non-electric fence, reducing the risk of injury and property damage. The electric fence delivers a mild, safe shock to the horse when it makes contact with the fence, teaching them to keep a safe distance from it.
- Voltage Maintenance: It is important to maintain the recommended minimum voltage of 2000-3000 volts for electric horse fences. Voltage levels can be impacted by vegetation on the fence line, the length of the fence, and the type of poly tape or rope used. Regularly check the voltage using a reliable fence voltmeter and correct any electrical shorts.
- Vegetation Control: Vegetation on the fence line can affect voltage levels and increase the workload on the energizer. It is important to eliminate weed growth under and around the electric fence. Regularly clear any weeds, tall grass, or branches touching the fence wires.
- Tension Maintenance: Ensure that the electric fence wires or tapes are properly tensioned. Electric tape, for example, requires ongoing maintenance to ensure adequate tension and prevent sagging. Regularly check the tension on the wires or tapes and tighten them if necessary.
- Post Maintenance: Check the posts regularly to ensure they are sturdy and have not shifted or loosened due to frost heave, impact, or loose soil conditions. Re-set and re-tighten the posts and strands if necessary. Proper bracing of the posts will increase the effectiveness of the fence and reduce maintenance caused by post shifting.
- Grounding System: Maintain a good grounding system to ensure the electric fence functions properly. Building a system with copper-clad ground rods, brass-coated copper split bolt connectors, and copper lead-out wire will provide optimum electrical conductivity, reduce maintenance, and increase the life of the fence.
- Electrical Components: Use recommended electrical components to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the electric fence. Avoid using makeshift insulators or ordinary electrical wire. Use a low-impedance energizer/charger that is certified safe and has at least 2.5 joules of output power.
By following these maintenance tips, you can ensure the proper functioning and longevity of your electric horse fence, creating a safe and secure environment for your horses.
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Electric fence safety
Electric fences for horses can be made of poly tape, poly wire, or poly rope. They can also be added to existing fences by placing a strand of poly tape across the top to prevent horses from leaning on the fence. The voltage of an electric fence should be maintained at a minimum of 2,000–3,000 volts to safely contain horses.
While electric fences are useful for preventing horses from treating traditional fences as scratching posts, they come with their own set of safety concerns. For instance, electric fences are susceptible to power problems, weather conditions, and maintenance demands. A failed battery, a blown fuse, or a wire chewed by an animal can render the fence useless. Wet grass can short out lower wires, heavy snow can pull down lines, and drought can make grounding challenging.
To ensure safety, electric fences require daily checks, weekly testing, and constant vegetation management. Vegetation on the fence line, the length of the fence, and the type of poly tape or rope can impact voltage levels. It is recommended to use a low impedance fence charger for energizing poly tape and poly rope.
The height and spacing of electric fence posts are also important safety considerations. Posts should extend at least 5 feet above the ground and be spaced about 12 feet apart on level ground. Four equally spaced strands of poly tape or poly rope provide optimum visibility and safety. Mares and geldings may require only three strands, while stallions and colts may need up to five strands.
It is worth noting that steel board fencing is an alternative to electric fencing that offers safety without the maintenance demands and risks associated with electric fences. Steel board fencing provides clear, visible boundaries that horses naturally understand and respect, eliminating the risk of shock-induced panic, entanglement, and hidden hazards.
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Electric fence chargers
When selecting an electric fence charger, it is important to consider factors such as the length of the fence, vegetation on the fence line, and the type of fence material used. Vegetation, for instance, can impact voltage levels, and certain fence materials, like poly tape and poly rope, work best with low impedance chargers. Additionally, the charger should be compatible with the specific type of electric fence being used, whether it is poly tape, poly wire, or poly rope.
Horse behaviour is another important consideration. Horses often use traditional fences for scratching or "cribbing" (chewing), which can lead to fence damage and potential injury. Electric fence chargers address this issue by delivering a mild shock that discourages these behaviours and protects the horse from harm. This is especially crucial if a horse runs through a fence, as the likelihood of injury is reduced with electric fences compared to conventional wire or wooden fencing.
The spacing and height of fence posts also play a role in the effectiveness of electric fence chargers. For optimal visibility and safety, posts should be spaced about 12 feet apart on level ground and extend at least 5 feet above the ground. Additionally, the top of the fence should be at eye level with the horse's head, discouraging fighting and leaning over the fence. This can be achieved with an offset electric fence wire or by adding an electric fence wire to a mesh wire fence.
By considering factors such as voltage requirements, fence material, horse behaviour, and post spacing, you can select an electric fence charger that effectively contains and protects your horses while also prolonging the life of your fence.
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Electric fence design
Electric fencing can be ideal for horses for many reasons. Safety for the horse, low cost, and ease of installation make electric fencing one of the best options for equine containment. Horses are easy to control with electric fencing. They are intelligent animals and quickly learn to respect an electric fence.
Before installing an electric fence, it is important to gather the required materials. These include an end/gate post insulator, an electric fence charger or energizer, and the fencing material itself, such as poly tape, poly wire, or poly rope. The fencing material should be designed to reduce arcing caused by contact with vegetation and should be stiff enough to withstand high winds.
When installing an electric fence for horses, it is important to follow safety guidelines. The fence should be properly grounded, and the charger or energizer should be regularly checked to ensure it is functioning properly. Vegetation growing around the wires should be cleared to maintain the effectiveness of the fence. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the fence is tall enough to prevent horses from leaning over or jumping over the fence. The recommended height for the top of the fence is at eye level with the horse's head, which is usually 4 to 6 inches above the horse's withers. The bottom of the fence should be 6 to 8 inches off the ground to prevent horses from pawing at it.
The electric fence can be installed by following the manufacturer's instructions for the specific product purchased. Generally, this involves setting up connections to the end/gate post insulator, wrapping the electric fence wire around the insulator, connecting the wires using electric line connectors, and then connecting the wires to the energizer. It is important to note that the power should not be turned on until the fence installation is complete.
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Frequently asked questions
Electric fencing is a cost-effective alternative to traditional fencing and is easy to install. It also prevents horses from leaning or chewing on the fence, which prolongs the life of the fence and protects the horse from harm. Horses learn quickly to avoid the fence after experiencing the unpleasant shock.
Electric fencing for horses can be made of poly tape, poly wire, or poly rope. Poly tape is stiff and reduces arcing caused by contact with vegetation. Poly wire is less durable and can cut like a knife. Electric poly rope needs constant tightening and breaks easily.
For paddocks, corrals, and stallion pens, the top of the fence should be at eye level with the horse's head when it is in a natural upright position. This is usually 4 to 6 inches above the horse's withers. Fences that divide pastures can be 4.5 feet (54 inches) high.
The fence posts should not carry a charge, as this could result in a short circuit. Copper grounding rods are important for making your fence work, and lightning arrestors can protect your fence from lightning strikes. Vegetation on the fence line can impact voltage levels, so keep the fence line clear.
