Electric Fence: Secure Paddocks for Horses, Cattle, Sheep and Goats

Electric Fence: Everything for a Fence That Keeps Animals In

An electric fence works through respect rather than strength: when an animal touches the conductor, it feels a short, unpleasant pulse and keeps its distance afterwards. For this to work, the energizer, earthing, conductors, insulators and posts all have to match. Here you will find every component for your electric fencing, whether for horses, cattle, sheep, goats or to keep wildlife out.

How a Working Fence Comes Together

The heart of the system is the electric fence energizer. It sends pulses into the conductor, and when an animal touches it, the current flows through the animal and the ground back to the earth system. Good earthing with several earth stakes is therefore just as important as a powerful energizer. Polywire, polyrope, polytape or wire carry the current along the paddock, while insulators keep it away from the posts. Posts made of plastic, timber, metal or fibreglass hold everything in place, and at the entrance a gate with a gate handle lets you pass through easily.

Mobile or Permanent: Which Fence Suits You

For strip grazing or changing areas, mobile solutions are practical: plastic posts, polywire on a reel and an electric netting fence are quickly put up and taken down again. A permanent paddock for horses or cattle is better built with fixed posts, highly visible tape or rope and solid wire. For sheep and goats, netting or several conductors set close together work well, because the animals are small and their fleece dampens the pulse.

Frequently asked questions

How much voltage does an electric fence need?
As a rule of thumb, there should be several thousand volts on the fence. Horses and cattle usually respect the fence at a slightly lower voltage, while sheep, goats and wildlife need more. Measure at the far end of the fence, as that is where the voltage is lowest.

Can I put up an electric fence next to a public footpath?
Yes, but mark it clearly with warning signs so that walkers and children know the fence is live. Barbed wire must never be electrified.

Why has my electric fence suddenly become weaker?
Often vegetation is draining the current, the earth has dried out or a connection has corroded. Cut the grass under the fence, check the earth stakes and inspect connectors and insulators for cracks.