Installation of an Electronic Fence for Horses

Whether your horse is an accomplished show animal, a simple trail mount or just a pasture ornament, you need to provide a safe fenced area for him to run, play and graze. An electric fence is an excellent choice, since it is easy to install, inexpensive to buy and very effective. All you need to install an electric fence is a suitable fence charger, enough fence posts to cover the pasture and plenty of electric wire.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • Fence posts
  • Sledge hammer or fence post driver
  • Electric wire
  • Work gloves
  • Charger
  • Insulators
  • White rags
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the area to be fenced. You need to know how many line feet of pasture you have to make sure you have enough fencing, a suitably sized charger, and the right amount of fence posts. It is a good idea to get extra fencing wire for repairs.

    • 2

      Calculate the number of fence posts you will need based on the number of feet to be put in pasture. For maximum stability, the fence posts should be placed no more than eight feet apart, so if you have 800 line feet of pasture you will need 100 fence posts. The posts, wire and insulators can all be purchased at the local feed store or tack shop.

    • 3

      Place the first fence post in place and drive it into the ground with a sledge hammer or tractor-mounted fence post driver. Measure eight feet from that post and drive the next one into the ground. Most fence posts have a marker on the bottom to indicate how far into the ground they should go. Continue until all of the fence posts are in place.

    • 4

      Attach insulators to each fence post. You need one insulator for every strand of fence, so a two strand electric fence will require two insulators per post. Most fence posts have attachments that allow you to simply snap the insulator on to the post.

    • 5

      Install three grounding rods near the location you have chosen for the charger. The charger should be placed in a weather-proof area to protect it from the elements. The grounding rods should be driven at least six feet into the ground, and the ground end of the charger should be attached to the grounding rods.

    • 6

      Connect the hot end of the charger to the fence, then plug the charger in and watch the indicator light to make sure you have a good charge. When the fence is hot you should be able to hear a slight popping sound as well.

    • 7

      Unplug the charger and tie white rags in various locations along the fence line. These white rags make the fence more visible to the horses and reduce the risk that they will run through it accidentally.