Containing Horses

FAQs About Electric Fences for Horses

• Is electric fencing safe for my horses?

• Why is an electric fence better than other types of horse fences?

• What’s the best way to fence aggressive horses or stallions?

• How do I prevent “cribbing”?

Q:   Is electric fencing safe for my horses?

A: The brief, safe shock your horse receives from an electric fence will not injure it but will teach it to respect and avoid the fence. Zareba® Systems fence chargers are built to high safety standards and will not harm humans or animals.

Traditional fencing is more apt to injure horses when they get scared or spooked, as they will attempt to push through or jump over the fence.  A properly installed equine electric fence system with all white components including poly tape is the safest, most visible method to keep your horses contained.

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Q:   Why is an electric fence better than other types of horse fences?

A: Electric fencing is the most affordable and effective method to contain horses, while safeguarding them from injury. Barbed wire, woven-wire, and wooden fences can injure a “spooked” horse that attempts to run through or jump over them. Imagine the injuries a horse will sustain if it gets tangled in barbed wire.

Electric fencing costs less, is easier to install, requires less maintenance, and controls horses more effectively than conventional fencing.

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Q:   What’s the best way to fence aggressive horses or stallions?

A: If normally kept segregated for breeding purposes, stallions or other aggressive horses may become highly motivated to escape confinement, especially when nearby mares are in heat.

To contain aggressive horses, maintain 3,000 – 4,000 volts on the fence line. A low impedance fence charger is recommended for poly tape and poly rope. Four to five strands of fence wire are best. The more aggressive the horse, the more intense the shock must be to discourage the horse.

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Q:   How do I prevent “cribbing”?

A: You can easily add electrified wire to an existing fence. This option can prevent “cribbing” or chewing the tops of wood fences, as well as keep horses from jumping, and prevent animal pressure on the fence.

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Zareba® has equine fence components to help you create a safe, visible, affordable fence system for your horses.