How to Hotwire a Horse Fence

Installing a hot-wired fence keeps horses from causing damage to the fence or to themselves. Horses like to rub on fences, which can cause damage to the fence or to the horse's skin. Electrifying a fence can keep horses away. They will learn that the fence is a boundary not to be touched, or they will receive a mild shock.

Things You'll Need

  • Energizer
  • Grounding rod
  • Insulated wire
  • Wire strippers
  • Electrical tape
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Attach the energizer to the first or last pole in a series. This is often the pole closest to the house or barn.

    • 2

      Strip the ends off of about 6 inches of insulated wire, and wrap it firmly around the fence wire, or the wire you intend to send electrical current to.

    • 3

      Wrap the exposed wire with electrical tape to insulate it from the elements.

    • 4

      Pound a grounding stake that is approximately 6 feet long into the ground, leaving about 18 inches showing. The stake should be in a low-lying area that stays the wettest. You can always water the area around the stake if it gets dry. The wetter the stake remains (underground) the better it stays grounded.

    • 5

      Strip the ends off of about 6 inches of insulated wire, and wrap it firmly around the grounding rod.

    • 6

      Wrap the exposed wire with electrical tape to insulate it from the elements.

    • 7

      Add markers to the wire (ribbons work nicely) between every set of fence posts. This allows the horse to see the boundary so that it isn't shocked without knowing where it was.

    • 8

      Plug in the energizer, or insert the batteries if you have a battery-operated energizer.