Key Insights
  • Electric fencing provides a safe, cost-effective containment system that deters horses using mild electric pulses
  • Advantages include low cost, flexibility, and easy setup, while limited physical strength is a primary drawback
  • Best use is for cross-fencing or rotational grazing rather than as a standalone perimeter barrier
  • Energizer choice depends on fence length, vegetation load, and power source with 2000–3000 volts recommended
  • Proper grounding with galvanized or copper rods ensures circuit completion and effective shock delivery
  • Materials such as electric tape or coated wire enhance safety and visibility, avoiding barbed or uncoated wire
  • Lightning protection, fire prevention, and signage improve safety for horses, people, and surrounding infrastructure

Electric fencing for horses has become an essential tool in modern equine management, offering a balance between safety, practicality, and cost-effectiveness. This type of fencing system, which uses a mild electric shock to deter horses from pushing against or crossing the boundary, is preferred by horse owners for its versatility.

Horses are less likely to injure themselves on electric fences compared to other types of fencing. The shock they receive is unpleasant but harmless, teaching them to keep a safe distance from the fence.

Whether used in permanent paddocks, temporary grazing areas, or rotational pastures, electric fencing is easy to install and adjust according to the specific needs of the environment and herd. With proper setup and maintenance, electric fences are effective in containing horses.

In this article, we explore the key advantages, installation and design, and safety considerations for using electric fencing with horse facilities.

Pros & Cons of Electric Fencing

Electric fencing operates by delivering a mild, safe electric shock to the horse when it comes into contact with the fence. This discourages horses from pushing through or leaning on the fence, prevents escapes, and minimizes the risk of injury.

The major advantages of electric fencing are the initial cost and ease of construction. [1] Downsides include its weakness as a physical barrier and limited use as perimeter fencing around a property.

Electric fence wire is relatively inexpensive compared to other types of fences. Additionally, it’s possible to build many types of electric fences with wide-set posts, which further reduces cost. [2]

Depending on the type of wire used, electric fences can range from a single-strand fence using temporary posts to a more permanent and robust fence. [1] This flexibility means there are several potential applications for electric fencing, ranging from temporary enclosures to large pastures. [1]

Many livestock owners use temporary electric fencing as a means of pasture management, by sectioning off a larger pasture into smaller sections for grazing. [1]

While this type of fence is widely popular, ongoing maintenance costs may be higher than other types of fencing. To remain fully functional and safe, owners must ensure the wires maintain appropriate tension, and that fence chargers work consistently. [3]

Most electric fence wires have limited strength on their own, as they use the psychological barrier of an electric shock to prevent animals from interfering with the fence. [1] If the fence energizer is off or inconsistently charging the wire, livestock can easily damage the uncharged fence, leading to escape and significant repair costs. [1]

For this reason, it’s important to note that electric fencing alone should not be used as a perimeter fence. [2] In the event of an energizer failure, some horses quickly realize the fence is no longer electrified and may escape.

In livestock applications, the best use of electric fence is as “cross-fencing”, such as making smaller paddocks and pastures within a property enclosed by a non-electric fence. [2] It can also prevent horses from leaning or pushing on a non-electric fence, reducing the risk of injury and/or property damage. [2]

Table 1. Pros and cons of electric fencing for horses

Consideration Electric Fencing Non-Electric Fencing
Ease of installation Easy Difficult
Maintenance costs High Low
Suitable for perimeter fencing No Yes
Safe for horses Yes Varies

Constructing an Electric Fence

Several components, including the energizer, type of wire, type of posts, and grounding mechanism, must be considered when planning the construction of an electric fence on a horse property.

Choosing an Energizer

An energizer, also known as a charger, is a critical component of an electric fence system that delivers the electrical charge to the fence. Its primary function is to convert power from an external source into a high-voltage pulse that travels along the fence wires.

When a horse (or any animal) comes into contact with the electrified fence, the energizer sends a short, sharp electric pulse through the fence. This pulse creates a harmless but uncomfortable shock, which discourages the horse from interacting with the fence.

The main considerations when choosing an energizer are: [1][4]

  • Species: Different livestock species require different minimum voltages. For horses, the recommended minimum voltage is 2000 – 3000 volts.
  • Length of Fence: The total output of electricity (measured in joules) provided by the energizer determines the maximum possible length of the fence lines. Remember to consider the number of strands of fence used. For example, 5 km (3 miles) of fence with 5 strands of wire requires an energizer capable of supplying 25 km (15 miles) of wire.
  • Potential Load: Anything touching the fence wires (e.g., weeds, tall grass, branches, etc.) increases the energizer’s workload. If your fence is in a heavily vegetated area or the fence lines are not regularly mowed, choose a higher-power energizer.
  • Power Source: Plug-in, battery-powered, and solar-powered energizers are all available. Plug-in options offer a higher capacity, while battery-powered or solar-powered energizers offer flexibility for locations without easy access to power.

Materials

Once you have determined how much electricity is needed to supply the fence you want to build, there are different materials available to deliver the electric current. The type of posts you select may also vary depending on cost, ease of installation, and the terrain where you are constructing the fence.

Wire Selection

There are many types of products available to supply current for electric fencing. Common ones used for horses include: [1][2][5]

  • High-tensile wire: A thin wire common in livestock pastures. Uncoated high-tensile wire is unsafe for horses, as the thin wire can have a “cheese cutter” effect on tissue if the horse becomes trapped in the fence. Newer vinyl or plastic-coated products designed for equine use are safer, but more expensive.
  • Electric tape: Polyethylene tape up to 2 inches (4 cm) wide with stainless steel wires woven into the material. Tape is inexpensive and easy to install, however it requires ongoing maintenance to ensure adequate tension. This type of fence is very safe as it breaks easily if a horse becomes entangled in the fence.
  • Electric rope or braid: Synthetic fiber rope with metal fibers incorporated into the braid. Rope is easy to install and less prone to sagging than tape, however it has a higher breaking strength that may cause injury to an entangled horse.
  • Poly wire: Several wires combined into a single strand. Easy to install but can have a cutting effect on tissue if a horse tries to walk through it or gets stuck.

Barbed wire is not an appropriate electric fence material, as animals can easily become trapped in the barbs and die due to repeated electric shocks. [1]

It is illegal to electrify barbed wire fences in some jurisdictions.

Post Selection

Electric fence can work with all types of posts, as long as you install an appropriate insulator. For example, plastic insulators that snap or screw onto steel T-posts are available to prevent contact between the electric fence wire and the post. [1] Similar products are also available for wood and fiberglass posts. Wood, steel, and fiberglass posts are suitable options for permanent fencing.

There are also temporary options, such as plastic step-in posts, that many property owners use for grazing rotation. [1] These posts are not suitable for permanent applications, as they break easily and are susceptible to weather damage.

However, they can be a useful product for routinely examined fences or fences where there are minimal consequences if an animal breaches the fence barrier. [1]

Grounding

Proper grounding of the electric fence energizer is critical to delivering an electric shock. When a horse touches the electric fence, the feeling of an electric shock comes from completing an electrical circuit between the energizer and its grounding rod.

Earth-Ground

Most electric fences use an “earth-ground” grounding system. [5] In this type of fence, the energizer charges all the fence wires. When a horse leans against the fence, the electricity comes from the fence wire, transfers to the animal, enters the ground, and connects to the energizer’s grounding rod. [5]

This system requires the ground to be conductive, as well as grounding rods placed close to where horse-to-fence interaction may occur.

The general rule when placing grounding rods for an all-live system is 3 feet of grounding rod per joule of energizer output capacity. [5] Grounding rods should be at least 10 feet apart. [5] Galvanized steel and copper are the most common grounding rod materials. [5]

If you are unsure how to set up grounding for your fences safely, contact the fencing manufacturer or a qualified electrician for guidance.

Due to the need for conductive ground, these systems are not suitable for all areas. Sandy or rocky soils have poor conductivity, meaning these grounding systems are prone to failure if they are installed in this type of substrate. [5]

Placing the grounding rods under eaves to encourage rainwater runoff into the soil surrounding the rods may help improve conductivity. [5]

Earth-Return

Earth-return grounding systems are more effective in poorly conductive soils. [5] In this grounding system, the fence wires alternate between charged and uncharged. Uncharged wires connect back to the energizer’s grounding rods. [5]

When a horse leans on the fence and touches both a charged and uncharged wire, it completes the circuit and delivers an electric shock. [5]

Fence Gates

Gates pose a unique problem for electric fencing as they interrupt the direct connection of the fence wires, preventing the electric current from carrying to the far side of the gate.

Most temporary electric fence builders use electric fence gate handles to make the connection. [1] These handles connect directly to the electric fence wire, connecting it to a conductive spring.

A plastic handle allows the user to disconnect the wire and create a temporary gap in the fence line. [1] While the handle is disconnected, there is no electric current in the “far” side of the fence that is not connected to the energizer. [1]

For a more permanent solution, builders can bury a single electric line in water-tight electrical conduit spanning the width of the gate. [1] This leaves the gate opening free from electrical current, so installation of a traditional metal gate is possible.

In this configuration, the fence maintains an electrical charge across its entire length regardless of whether the gate is open or closed. [1] As an alternative to burying the wire, some builders run the electric wire up tall posts on either side of the gate, making a connection 8 – 10 feet (3 – 4 m) in the air, out of reach of animals and people.

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Safety Considerations

Electrical currents are dangerous, particularly when the system is set up improperly. Electric fence current can also affect radio towers, phone lines, and other electrical signals. Proper installation is crucial for maintaining important infrastructure and preventing hazards.

Lightning

Lightning is a major safety concern for horse owners installing electric fence. Not only can a lightning strike damage your energizer, it can also conduct along the electric fence and jump through the air to animals, people, or buildings. [6]

To avoid lightning striking the energizer, place the energizer in a building or a low-lying area. [6] Place grounding rods at least 25 feet (8 m) away from any buildings, power poles, or other vital infrastructure. [6]

Installing a lightning choke in the cable running from the energizer to the fence can help prevent energizer damage. [1] This system of coiled wire acts as a resistor to lightning strikes, preventing energy flow from the fence line to the energizer. [6]

Similarly, adding an additional series of grounding rods attached to a lightning arrestor can help redirect the lightning surge to the ground. [1] These systems contain wires separated by a small gap that prevents normal levels of electricity from “jumping” across, but will allow strong electrical surges to cross and enter the grounding system. [1]

Fire

Under some conditions, electric fence energizers or the fence itself may produce sparks. [1] Although modern energizers use low-impedance electricity to reduce the risk of sparks, they can still occur at wire joins, energizer connection points, or from interference with materials surrounding the fence.

Always keep combustible materials away from electric fences. [1] During periods with a high grass fire or wildfire risk, use only low-powered energizers or turn off the energizer entirely. [1]

Infrastructure

Electrical current can interfere with power poles, radio signals, and telephone lines. Additionally, electric fences may pick up stray electrical activity from these systems, increasing the fence’s charge and potentially injuring animals or people. Best practices to mitigate risks associated with infrastructure include: [1]

  • Avoid running fences parallel to power lines whenever possible
  • Offset electric fences running parallel to a power line by at least 30 feet, and keep the fence height below 6 feet (2 m) tall
  • Install fences so they cross power lines at right angles
  • Do not attach fence wires to utility poles
  • Avoid installing electric fences under telephone wires or above underground telephone cables
  • Keep electric fences as far from radio antennas as possible

Always check with your local jurisdiction or with the utility companies before installing an electric fence near existing infrastructure.

Human Safety

Although many people involved in horses and livestock management know what electric fences look like, do not assume that visitors to your equine facility will be able to identify your fence as electrified.

Post warning signs indicating electrical activity at least every 300 feet where the public could potentially access your fence, such as along roads or along your driveway. [1] Keep young children away from electric fences.

Individuals with pacemakers or other heart problems should not handle or work near electric fence. [1] The electrical activity may interfere with the heart or pacemaker’s normal conduction, resulting in a serious medical emergency. [1]

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about electric fencing for horses:

Summary

Electric fencing is common in modern horse management, offering a cost-effective and highly flexible way to construct new fences on horse properties.

  • Common applications of electric fence include temporary paddocks, rotational grazing, or preventing horses from leaning on an existing fence
  • Electric fencing does not provide a robust physical barrier
  • Electric fencing alone is not suitable for perimeter fencing
  • Builders must consider the grounding system, energizer, type of wire, type of posts, and other aspects of the fence build before construction
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References

  1. Electric Fencing for Serious Graziers. United States Department of Agriculture. 2014.
  2. Kline. K. H., Safe Fencing for Horses. University of Illinois Extension. 2015.
  3. Introduction to Electric Fencing. British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture. 2015.
  4. Selecting an Energizer for Your Electric Fence. Field Crop News. 2018.
  5. Thurlow. K. et al., Considerations for Selecting & Installing an Electric Fence Charger. Michigan State University Extension. 2022.
  6. Gerrish. J. R., Fence Systems for Grazing Management 1: Electric Fence Energizers. University of Wisconsin-Extension, Cooperative Extension. 2022.