Types of portable electric fence horses
Portable electric horse fencing comes in several diverse types, each crafted for explicit conditions, ease of installation, and horses' effectiveness, and security. The following are the most common types of portable electric fencing for horses:
Offset Wire Fencing
Offset wire fencing uses supply lines already in place, such as barbed or woven wire fences. This type of electric horse fence gets its name from the offset insulators that hold the wire a brief distance from the existing fence. Offset wire fencing offers an animal control supplement for horses not reputed to respect more slender fencing. It is also relatively easy to install since it uses existing fence lines to block off a property.
Polywire Fencing
Polywire fencing features polyethylene rope equipped with wires or conductive threads. It strikes a good balance between lightweight, low-cost fence, and performance. The strands of the polywire fence can stretch up to a few miles, in polywire fencing's case. Insulated pulleys typically 12-15 handspans apart are used to keep the wire from sagging into the water after it is stretched. Polywire fences are easy to unfasten and transport, making this fencing type excellent for temporary use.
Polytape Fencing
Like polywire, polytape fencing is made of yes, but tapes made of plasticized fabric. Polytape fencing is more expensive than polywire fencing, but it is more visible; polytape can come in widths two inches thick. Polytape can be hefty, making it reliable in windy climates working against its evident spooling. Polytape fencing also features unique corner posts equipped with pulleys that help prevent the frame fence from becoming loose and sagging.
Permanent Electrifcation
Permanent electrification fencing integrates electrification features with permanent fencing options. Many varieties incorporate crescent wires, woven wire, or vinyl fencing. This type of fencing stably incorporates electrical wires into the fencing material for enhanced control. Permanent electrification fencing controls horses effectively in the long run but does not offer the same flexibility for temporary fencing that other varieties do.
Design of portable electric fence horses
The design of portable electric horse fencing integrates numerous components that ensure effectiveness, ease of use, and durability. Every feature plays an integral role in creating a secure and dependable fencing system for horses.
- Materials: Portable electric fences for horses are generally made of lightweight but strong materials. Poly wire and tape are popular fencing materials since they are lightweight but easy to transport and install. These materials are also UV resistant, ensuring the fence does not degrade due to prolonged exposure to sunlight. Stainless steel or galvanized wires are also integrally braided into the fence for enhanced conductivity and durability against rusting.
- Posts: The supporting posts are integral as they hold the fence's shape and tension. The temporary fencing uses PVC or aluminum materials because of their lightweight and resistance to weather elements. The posts integrate features like ring tops and point bottoms to make installing and removing them a walkover. Many designs also feature telescoping posts that allow users to adjust their height for specific fencing requirements.
- Electrification System: The electrification system is a key spanner of the portable electric fence, comprising an energizer that sends electrical pulses through the wire or tape. Solar-powered energizers are available where electric power is not feasible for the horses to stay put. Battery-powered energizers are also available. These energizers have adjustable output levels, which can be changed according to the animal's size and breed. The key function of the electric pulse is to deliver a brief but safe shock to the horse when it touches the wire or tape. The pulse frequency is such that it does not cause any harmful effect.
- Wire/Tape Layout: The electric wire or tape layout determines the size of the area for which the fence will be functional. For polywire, spools of wire are strung from post to post, while poytape fences use tape and special posts to keep the fence erect. Tensioning devices, like ratchet pulleys, are used to tighten the wire or tape upon installation and reduce sagging.
- Gate Systems: The electric fences are equipped with various gate systems to provide convenient access to the enclosed areas. These systems are designed to maintain fencing integrity while offering easy entry and exit. The gate options include spring-loaded, manual, and quick-release latches that block off a clear passage and can be easily opened for moving equipment or animals. Chain or sliding gates are used because they can be pulled and moved aside across the fenced area without too much hassle.
Scenarios of portable electric fence horses
Portable electric fencing for horses is a versatile solution that applies in various scenarios. The following are common instances where such fencing is beneficial:
Agricultural Areas
Horses on large farms require reliable fencing to limit them to specific areas and keep them from wandering into dangerous areas. Portable electric fences are particularly useful on large agricultural properties, as they can quickly and easily create new enclosures for grazing. For the farmer, this means substantial savings because the farmer does not have to build permanent fences.
Trailering Horses for Shows or Competitions
Horses brought to shows, competitions, and various events are usually tacked up to compete in eventing or have a period of sale. Creating safe and secure living while on external engagement locales is often a huge hurdle for many horse owners. Hence, portable electric fencing comes in handy, as it is easy to set up on nearby land, giving the horse a space to roam while the owner supervises it. This eases conscientious travel for both horse and owner.
Emergency Situations
Portable electric fencing is useful for quickly patching up an enclosure to contain roaming horses when the primary permanent fencing receives emergency repair work. Temporary electric fencing effectively patches up problem areas until the permanent solution is fully functional. It acts as a stop-gap measure, hence saving the horses' owners a lot of stress caused by their properties being damaged by external factors.
Renting Properties
Horses require proper enclosure to be manageable and secured. However, the cost, hassle, and impracticality of putting up permanent fencing make it difficult for horse owners renting properties to keep their animals enclosed. Portable electric fencing provides a temporary solution that can be easily transported and installed on rented properties to create a secure enclosure for the horses. This does not affect the landlord's property as the fencing can be easily removed once the tenant vacates the premises.
Managing Grazing Areas and Pastures
Rotational grazing involves moving horses from one area of pasture to another to allow the grass time to rejuvenate and recoup. It requires the use of portable electric fencing to divide up an area of pasture into smaller paddocks that can be rotated through. This not only helps keep the horses healthy by providing them with fresh grazing, but it also extends the life of the pasture by preventing overgrazation.
Specification & Maintenance of portable electric fence horses
For a portable electric horse fence to function well, proper installation and ongoing maintenance are required to ensure its efficiency, effectiveness, and durability.
Key Specifications
- Energizer Selection: The energizer is selected according to the size of the fencing, the fencing type, and the number of horses to be contained. Battery or solar-powered energizers are particularly useful when electricity is not available at the installation area. However, an AC-powered energizer should suffice in most cases.
- Fence Material: Poly wire or poytape is the most common portable electric horse fencing material. They are durable and lightweight. Polywire is affordable and easy to install, while the poytape is more visible and sturdier. Consider the landscape and weather conditions of the region when selecting the fence material. Windy conditions might require a more robust material to prevent the fencing from collapsing down.
- Post Spacing: The spacing between posts should be around 10–12 feet, ensuring the wire or tape remains taut and visible. This wire or tape will hang down and may touch the ground, allowing horses to escape if the distance is too far. The distance between posts directly impacts the overall fencing system's stability and security.
- Tensioning: The fencing wire or tape must be kept under tight tension to function properly. Rattchet tensioners should be fixed between posts to allow easy tightening after the initial installation. Loose wires or tape sagging on the ground presents a safety hazard, as they may be difficult for horses to see, and horses may try to step over or push through them, causing severe injuries. Maintaining the right tension on the wire or tape reduces the likelihood of such safety issuese.
Maintenance Tips
- Regular Inspections: Regular inspection of the portable electric fencing is required to help identify potential issues before they become major problems. Inspect the first few days of installation and then weekly and periodically after that. Check for sagging, broken wires or tape, damaged posts, and worn-out insulators. Regularly looking over the fence means little things do not get a chance to become big problems.
- Cleaning and Lubrication: Horse fencing has to be cleaned of debris that could obstruct the electrical flow. Things like dirt, grime, and vegetation can disrupt the pulse of electricity from the energizer to the fencing wire or tape. Use soapy water and a soft-bristle brush to clean off any dirt or grime that may be on the wire or tape. Lubricate insulators with silicone spray to enhance the conductivity and keep them from snapping in half due to stress.
- Check Energizer: The energizer's performance has to be regularly monitored to ensure it sends the proper amount of electric pulses through the wire or tape. Problems or malfunctions caused by wet, loose connections, dead batteries, or broken solar panels can render an otherwise good fencing ineffective. Troubleshooting the energizer means the surrounding area is properly contained and protected at all times.
FAQs
Q. What is the role of the energizer in portable electric horse fencing?
A: The energizer sends electric pulses through the wire or tape, creating a barrier. It keeps horses contained by delivering a brief shock when they touch the fence, teaching them to respect the fencing.
Q. How often should portable electric horse fencing be maintained?
A: Maintenance includes inspecting the fence for damage, cleaning the wires, checking the energizer, and ensuring proper tension. Regular upkeep, especially before bad weather, keeps the system effective.
Q. How do you choose the right portable electric fence for horses?
A: The options for energizers, wire or tape, and post material should be based on the specific needs for the property, the number of horses, and how long the fence will be in place. Key things to look for are lightness, sturdiness, and weatherproofing so it lasts through any season.
Q. Can horses feel the shock from the portable electric fence?
A: Yes, but the shock is not harmful; it is just enough to teach them to stay away. It is a small amount of power meant for horses but well-contained by the owner for safety.
Industry Raw Materials
The quality and longevity of portable electric horse fencing depend heavily on the materials used in its construction. Each material serves a distinct purpose, contributing to the overall functionality of the fencing system.
- Fencing Material: Polywire and poytape have become popular materials for portable electric fences. Polywire is lightweight, easy to spool, and features braided strands of conductive wire, making it affordable and practical. On the other hand, poytape is more visible and rigid, providing a sturdier option that better withstands windy conditions, which can knock it down.
- Posts: The substance of the post used to frame the electric horse fence determines how strong and maneuverable the fence will be. Posts made from these materials are light enough to enable easy transport and installation but strong enough to stand up to the tension of the electric wire or tape and wind and rain.
- Insulators: Insulators are key components that ensure the fence works effectively. They are crafted in light but durable materials such as PVC and have been designed to stop the electric current from leaking out and ensure it stays within the fencing wire or tape. Various types of insulators exist for different applications, such as heavy-duty, permanent, or temporary fence designs. They are mounted on posts, keeping the wire or tape from touching it.
- Livestock Panels: Livestock panels are almost always made of metals such as steel or galvanized before coating with vinyl to increase their lifespan. The electrical wires are strung along these panels to create a fence. Because of their rigid nature, livestock panels are very stable and secure portable fencing systems, which is why they are often used in such a context.
- Ground Rod: Ground rods are constructed from conductive materials such as copper or galvanized steel. They ensure the energizer completes the electrical circuit, sending electric pulses through the fencing wire or tape, maintaining the system's safety. Proper grounding is vital for fence performance and ensures that pulsing occurs in all weather.
