Polytape: A Clearly Visible Boundary for Horses in the Paddock

Polytape: Visibility That Horses Respect

Polytape is a flat conductor made of woven plastic with metal strands woven into it. Thanks to its width it is particularly easy for horses to see and acts as a clear boundary. That is why tape is one of the most popular conductors for the horse paddock. It comes in widths from 10 mm to 40 mm: narrow tape for mobile fences and wide tape for turnout pens and permanent paddocks.

Choosing the Right Width

Narrow 10 mm tape is light and winds easily onto a reel, which makes it ideal for rotational grazing. 20 mm tape is a good middle ground for fixed paddocks. Wide 40 mm tape is the most eye catching, but it needs sturdy posts and suitable wide tape insulators, because it offers the wind more surface. The wider the tape, the more important clean tension becomes, so that it does not flap.

Conductivity and Durability

How well a tape conducts depends on the number and thickness of the woven in strands. Versions with TriCOND or several stainless steel conductors are suitable for longer fences. So that pieces of tape pass on the current without losses, join them with a tape coupling or a tape connector, never with a knot. With a tape connection lead you bring the voltage cleanly from the energizer onto the tape. That keeps the fence well charged even over many hundreds of metres.

Frequently asked questions

How many strands of polytape do I need for horses?
Two to three strands are usual for horses. The top strand sits at roughly wither height, the bottom one high enough that no grass touches the tape.

Why does my electric fence tape flap in the wind?
Usually the tape is not tensioned tightly enough or the posts are too far apart. Tighten it and add extra posts for wide tape. A few twists in the tape between the posts also help to stop it flapping.

Which colour of polytape is easiest to see?
White stands out well against a green background and in the evening light. Two tone tapes are also easy to spot in changing light and in snow.