FAQ - Electric Fencing For Horses - Electric Fences vs Traditional Wooden Fencing

All you need to know about comparing electric fencing vs traditional wooden fencing.  Our FAQ concerning electric fencing for horses is informative and useful.  Of course if you have some questions of your own please let us know!

Of course, there are temporary and permanent electric fences – temporary electric fences would be used for strip grazing and permanent electric fences would be used for perimeter fencing.  Temporary electric fences may use a few wooden posts for tension at start and ends but permanent fences would use a lot more wooden posts.  I have based my thoughts below on the set up of a temporary fencing solution.

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Installation

Electric fences are much easier to install compared to traditional wire/stock fences.  Planning is still required but the components in general are a lot easier to deal with.  Less heavy wooden posts, less tensioning issues and easier to move around if required.  The design and layout can be moved and changed at any time.  It is possible to follow instructions and install yourself rather than get a contractor.

Cost

Electric fencing is much more cost effective than traditional fencing solutions.  This is due to the lower amount of wooden posts needed as well as fewer lines being as effective if not more effective than wire.  This greatly reduces the overall cost of the fence.

Portability

It is not very often you pull up your stock fencing and move it to another part of the property...

Electric fencing on the other hand uses lightweight materials that are relatively easy to un-install and reuse.  Moving an existing electric fence to a new location to allow your horses to graze on new ground is much easier.  This works especially well with strip grazing electric fencing. 

Maintenance

Any fence needs maintenance but as long as you have a fence tester maintaining your electric fence is easy.  Check for shorts and for foliage growth – making sure your fence is not earthing out keeps it working effectively.  Always checking your battery to ensure a good level of power is running through your fence is also essential.

Effectiveness

When a horse (or person…hopefully not me!) touches electric fencing, it receives a short but memorable zap. The zap the horse receives is harmless, but if you have ever received one of these "shocks" you will never forget it.  This trains the animal to stay away from the fence from a psychological point of view – as well as it being a visible physical barrier.

If installing any type of fencing it is important to plan it first.  If you need any advice on planning your next electric fencing system get in touch – we would be happy to help. 
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