Constructing the right electric fence for your horses

Electric horse fencing is economical, reducing cost by as much as 50% less than traditional non-electrified fences.  An electric horse fence also takes less than half the time to build compared to traditional fence systems, saving you time and money.

In addition to the cost savings, electric fencing for horses act as a psychological barrier and many times are safer than a traditional non-electrified fence. Horses remember the short, sharp, but safe shock and develop respect for the fence.  This also has the advantage of increasing the longevity of your fencing system as horses will be less likely to make contact with your fence causing wear and tear.

Getting started

There are two types of electric fencing for horses; permanent and temporary.  Either of these options may be powered with four energizer options: 110v plug-in, battery, battery/solar or solar energizers.

A permanent electric horse fence system is suited for long-term horse control and is the most effective way to control horses while maximizing pasture efficiency.  It is important to make sure your electric fence system is constructed properly. The effectiveness of your electric horse fence depends on the correct combination of these four factors for your particular situation:

1.  The energizer you select
2. A ground system
3. Well insulated fence system
4. An adequate lead-out (connection between the energizer and the fence)

Temporary electric horse fencing provides flexibility in pasture management and is ideal for short-term horse control or rotational horse grazing.

Easily transported, constructed and maintained, temporary horse fencing is an effective portable fencing solution, which can be powered by 110v plug-in, battery, solar/battery or a solar energizer.

The main uses of temporary electric fencing are:

• Grazing pasture and crops
• Short term horse control
• Intensive grazing
• Impromptu, portable fencing – corrals when travelling / protection of hay bales, silage and restriction of water ways

Portable electric fencing has many benefits:

• Fast and easy installation
• Re-usable / portable
• Cost effective
• Convenient to transport / carry

Electric Fencing Materials Designed for Horses

Gallagher produces some of the most effective fencing products for horses, such Equine Fence. Equine Fence is the safe, effective solution for your permanent horse control.  Not only does it have a galvanized medium tensile wire core, coated with a high stress crack resistant polyethylene pipe to ensure long life – the white wire increases visibility.

Gallagher have also developed the Turbo Equine Braid and Turbo range of horse tape products, offering both safety performance and longevity through the mixed metal strand system designed to conduct further than standard braided product and poly tape.