For the past twenty years, I have been giving seminars on fencing design to cattlemen, prospective cattlemen, and horsemen, advising them on the best ways to contain their horses. One good horse care advice I usually give them is to build an excellent fence for their horses to contain them. Horses are inherently natural roamers. As such, they do not want to get confined in a cramped space. Yet, you need to train them and make them develop the habit of staying within the confines of your fence.
The ideal material for fencing horses is wood. It will be best to refrain from using barbed or other metal wires because your horses may get injured along the way. You can also use a portable electric fence to ensure your horses will never escape and keep other animals away. Using a portable electric fence has many benefits, like easy installation, re-usability, portability, affordability, and ease of transport.
Most Recommended Portable Electric Fence for Horses
If you intend to raise horses, you should consider using a portable electric fence to contain them. However, the many brands and models of portable electric fences for horses can make the buying process pretty confusing. To facilitate the choosing process, you can check out the following most recommended portable electric fences in the market today:
Last update on 2025-01-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1) ElectroBraid PBRC1000C2-EB
One of the best portable electric fences for horses is the ElectroBraid PBRC1000C2-EB. This fence features a braided design, mixing electric braid strands for optimum strength. Besides, this fence is 1,000 feet long and comes with a polypropylene core with a UV-resistant polyester cover. Being UV-resistant enables this electric fence to last longer, considering it is exposed to UV rays all day.
This fence also features copper strands for increased elasticity. Moreover, these copper strands last longer than steel fencing. Furthermore, this electric fence is not difficult to install and does not require long hours of installation. Of course, this electric fence prevents horses from escaping without causing them any injury.
What We Like:
- Offers high-break weight
- Very durable
- Comes with a twenty-five-year warranty
- Highly resistant to UV light
What We Don’t Like:
- Quite expensive
2) Farmily Portable Electric Fence Polywire
If you need temporary portable fencing for your horses, you can check out the Farmily Portable Electric Fence Polywire. This portable electric fence is perfect for containing aggressive horses. This electric fence has wires that can handle the strength of your horses. It manifests a high level of endurance that can make it last longer. Besides, it has nine conductor wires for better endurance.
The Farmily Portable features a rope mix of black and white color and will do well as a temporary fence. It also features poly-covered wires for optimum control of horses. Hence, if you are looking for emergency fencing that you can install quickly, this portable electric fence is your best option.
You can also permanently install this electric fence on posts. Nevertheless, it will be best to refrain from using this electric fence under extreme pressure or tension.
What We Like:
- Easy to install and portable
- Can serve as a permanent fence
- Features highly visible color
- Exceptionally durable and practical in containing alpha horse.
What We Don’t Like:
- Not best under high tension
3) ZAREBA PR656W6-Z
The ZAREBA PR656W6-Z consists of a 200-meter spool of polyrope. This electric fence is portable and excellent as a temporary fencing for your horses. Moreover, it features six strands (stainless steel). It is easy to install. Besides, it is easy to splice and repair. It is durable and designed to last for years.
You only need to connect it to a good battery and maintain the cleanliness around this fence. Furthermore, this electric fence is reasonably priced. It is also highly visible, providing your area with a psychological and physical deterrent for escaping horses.
What We Like:
- Allows for ease of setup
- Perfect for rotational grazing.
- Durable and lightweight
What We Don’t Like:
- Not ideal for more extensive area coverage
4) Baygard 795
If you want a specific fencing solution that is not expensive, you can check out the Baygard 795. You won’t be spending much if you opt for this electric fence. Despite being affordable, it never compromises on durability. Its wires provide a mild shock that doesn’t hurt horses but only deters them from escaping or getting near this fence.
Baygard 795 is similar to other electric fences and has six conductive wires. This fence also features a UV-resistant coating, which lasts longer even if exposed to UV rays.
Furthermore, this electric fence is not difficult to install. Because it is less expensive and practical, it is considered one of the top-selling fencing options in the market. You can use it temporarily or permanently.
What We Like:
- Offers ease of installation
- Very much visible
- Offers heavy-duty usage and can bear heavy load
- Not injurious to your horses
What We Don’t Like:
- Not ideal for huge horses
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Electric Fence for Horses
Aside from knowing the most recommended electric fences for horses, it will also help if you are familiar with the following essential factors to consider when selecting an electric fence. This way, you can quickly narrow down your options to the best options at hand:
Durability
Horses are powerful creatures. Hence, if you want to contain them, you should choose a fence made of tougher materials. Besides, you should check for warranty. Always select the one with the most durable build to ensure effectiveness in containing your horses.
Ease of Installation
Another essential factor to consider is the ease of installation it affords. You don’t want to spend much time installing the electric fence. You want something that you can install quickly. It should be easy to roll in and out and doesn’t require an elaborate setup. It should also have a spool that could facilitate the installation process.
Required Joules
A typical joule output of an electric fence energizer is anywhere from 3 to 5 joules. This output is enough to warn horses without traumatizing them. Besides, it will be best if you consider the wires’ diameter because it matters. One joule, for example, can be used for each mile of fence.
Break Load
You must consider the break load of the fence. Before buying an electric fence model, check for the break load. If the break load is not specified, you should avoid buying that model or brand. You don’t want to play dice with any electric fence. Knowing the break load will allow you to see the fence’s strength. In general, a bigger break load allows for handling more stress or pressure.
Safety Tips for Your Horses
If you fail to utilize your electric fence well, it can be very dangerous because the electrified wire can spark and catch fire quickly. Besides, it can cause unintended shock and many other problems. Hence, it will be best to know the following tips on how to handle electric fences properly:
Use Electrical Wire Fencing Judiciously
When using electrical wire fencing, you should use it properly. You can’t just run a hot wire across your wood fence top or any wired fence. You can’t just use electrical wire as a fence. Experts would not recommend it either, and I will also advise you otherwise.
Don’t Let People Touch It
Always bear in mind that the electrical wire fence carries electric current. As such, it can give an electric shock to anyone who touches the live wire. Moreover, it will transfer current to any conductor.
The Electric Fence Serves As An Invisible Fence
The electric shock rendered by the electric fence can never injure your horse, especially if you maintain the fence properly. Horses will feel it as a vibration that psychologically affects them.
Since the electric wire delivers a shock, it creates an idea that if the horse touches it, it will cause an unpleasant feeling in the horse. As such, it is more of a psychological boundary. It might not be enough to contain stubborn horses.
Make Sure Conductive Materials Are Not in the Way During Installation
When installing this fence, ensure that no conductors are touching the fence. Any conductive material nearby during installation and handling might conduct electricity and deliver an electric shock.
Wear Safety Gloves When Installing and Repair the Electric Fence
It will be best if you always are on the safe side when handling electrical wire fences. Wear your safety gloves to prevent injury or electric shock. Besides, remove your rings, bracelets, or watch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Aside from knowing the most recommended electric fences and the factors to consider when buying an electric fence for the horse, it will also help if you familiarize yourself with the following FAQs about the electric fence, for they might also be the questions playing on in your mind:
Is an Electric Fence an Excellent Option to Contain Your Horses?
Yes, it is possible to contain horses using an electric fence. But it will be best to have visible fencing. Hotwire addition, however, engenders more respect for the boundaries you’ve set for them in your horses.
An electric fence is a good option because it is effective, yet not expensive. It is also durable and delivers what it intends to do. If you already have a traditional fence, adding an electric fence will further augment the protection and safety of your horse.
Do You Need to Ground Your Electric Fence?
Yes, you must ground the energizer. Make sure that the energizer is also correctly installed. This way, your electric fence will work well. Besides, if you got huge output, you must have many grounding rods. You must install ground rods at least three feet long per 1-joule output.
Is It Okay to Install Hot Wire or Tape in All Visible Fences?
Yes, you can install hot wire on any visible fence. However, you must take extra care not to short-circuit the wires. Besides, you should ensure that the hot wire doesn’t touch the surfaces to avoid shorting out.
Can I Use Solar-powered Electric Fences?
Yes, you can use solar-powered fences. Their initial costs, however, are expensive, but you’ll have free energy from the sun. So, over time, you can potentially save much if you invest in a solar-powered fence.
Is It Easy to Maintain an Electric Fence for Your Horses?
Maintaining your electric fence should be regular work for you. You must trim tall bushes and grasses, for they could shorten the circuit, especially when wet.
Conclusion
Horses are great to raise and free-spirited, meaning they don’t want to be confined in a cramped space. Nevertheless, if you want to raise horses, you should ensure they do not roam anywhere they want to. This way, you can keep them safe and secure.
If you have a solid and visible fence, you can further augment the level of security and safety of your horses by installing an electric fence. An electric fence provides extra security measures to prevent your horses from escaping their designated area. It is easy to install and portable enough. Besides, it is inexpensive.
