Fencing Focus: Horse Fencing

Last month, in our regular electric fencing advice column, we explained the importance of a good earth and lead-out, and answered some of your frequently asked questions.  In this, instalment we highlight electric fencing for horses.

If you’ve missed any of our articles on electric fencing, visit our website www.gallagher.co.nz and download a copy of our “How To?” guides, or a copy of our Gallagher Power Fence™ Systems manual which gives you a detailed explanation on all you need to know about electric fencing.

So why use electric fencing for horse control?
Electric fencing for horse control is ideal for grazing and pasture management, and offers many advantages when compared to a conventional non-electrified fence. Firstly, electric horse fencing is economical, costing 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 is therefore 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.

There are two types of electric fencing for horses; permanent and portable, and three ways to power them; mains, battery or solar/battery energizers.

A permanent electric horse fence system is suited for long-term horse control.  It is the most effective way to control horses, and maximise the efficiency of pasture management on your property.  It is important to make sure your electric horse fence system is constructed properly, and at Gallagher we understand the importance of constructing an electric horse fence that is both effective and suitable for your equine needs.

The effectiveness of your electric horse fence depends on the correct combination of these four factors for your particular situation:
1. A mains powered energizer
2. An earthing system
3. Well insulated fence system
4. An adequate lead-out (connection between the energizer and the fence)

Portable 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, portable horse fencing is an effective temporary fencing solution, which can be powered by Gallagher mains, battery or solar/battery systems.

The main uses of portable electric fencing are:

• Break feeding pasture and crops
• Short term horse control
• Intensive grazing
• Impromptu fencing - silage stacks / hay bales

Portable electric fencing has many benefits:

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

Gallagher produce some effective horse specific fencing products such as the conductive EquiFence which is the safe, effective solution for your permanent horse control.  EquiFence has a galvanised medium tensile wire core of 2.5mm, coated with a high stress crack resistant polyethylene pipe which ensures long life in all conditions.

Gallagher have also developed the TurboPlus and Turbo range of horse tape products, offering safety, performance and longevity through the mixed metal strand system.  See our website www.gallagher.co.nz for details on the range of Gallagher horse tape products or visit your nearest stockist.

Next month we will take a look at fence interference and its effects on your electric fencing.

For further information or help, see our website www.gallagher.co.nz or if you would like to contact us by mail, phone or fax, you can reach us at:

Gallagher Animal Management Systems
Kahikatea Drive
Private Bag 3026
Hamilton
New Zealand

Free phone 0800 731 500
Phone +64 7 838 9800
Fax +64 7 838 9801
Email sales@gallagher.co.nz