Equine Electric Fence Tape/Mesh

[SteveH_CT]

Has anyone used the electric fence mesh? I found a website for HorseGuard products, and I was thinking it looked like an economical way to get some pastures fenced off.

I'm still clearing our land, but I've got a large enough area for the girls to start in, so I was thinking of using this along the "frontier", and as I add more area I'd extend the fence out with this type of product.

I plan to use traditional vinyl or wood fencing along our finished side, and I'd incorporate the mesh fence along the other sides.

Any and all feedback is welcome!

Thanks,

 

[MDSteve]

When we first started boarding horses we used "hot tape" as a fence for a pasture that was not finished. I was always scared the horses would jump it. They didn't mess with it at all. I did get the fencing completed within a week. I would use it again short term (1-2 weeks) but would not feel comfortable over longer periods.

Steve

 

[mathey]

we currently have about 5 acres fenced in using the polyrope (1/4 poly rope with wire woven in it)...it's been up since this spring and has worked very well for the 7-8 horses we keep. I can provide additional details if you'd like...

 

[higgy]

I have used these products for 5 plus years for separation and external fence for my mutts.

I have never had a problem with it at all. I did increase the stranding to 4 per run instead of three.

I hate the fiberglass poles that they use so I put in good round posts and attache to that.

I also use a good fencer that has plenty of kick. It takes them no time at all to get used to the idea, now I use the fencer on a random basis.

PM me if you need ideas.

Dane

 

[MikePA]

horseguardfence...use it, love it. Just finished fencing in about 3 acres (see attached). The fence to the left of the picture are 4" x 4" posts while the posts to the right are covered T posts. I have another field that has a 4 rail (1" x 6") fence where I've run it on the inside of the top rail. The charger is a 6v solar Parmak. Any questions, fire away.

 

[cowboydoc]

I personally can't stand the stuff. I know Mike has had good luck with it though. If I was going to do anything like that I would use the coated high tensile wire. Virtually no chance at all of injury with the coated stuff and it will last 100 years or more and you will never have to touch it except to tighten it up if a horse hits it.

 

[just_toolin]

We use the horseguard and are very happy with it. I have six acres divided into three pastures. Used it now for six years. I have vinyl cover supported 4x4s in the corners with t-posts covered by white PVC pipe as line posts. I run two lines charged of the good stuff top and bottom with some uncharged cheep stuff in the middle to make is look nice for the S/O. The one area to think about is keeping grass/weeds off the tape. I can get under it with the riding lawn mower but need to trim/kill the grass around the posts once or twice each year. One of the bigger benefits for me was that ability to make changes. I don't think there is a single original post from when I started using the tape, seems like we need more pasture or a different layout each year. Our neighbor has the braided rope with a former stud, now gelding that ended up hanging ribbons to give better visibility. Low cost was a big plus for us, ended up spending less than $1 per linear foot. Two weeks ago had a mare slide through an internal divider fence, the lower tape. Broke the tensioner bracket and stretched the fence a little but no breaks in the wire mesh. Replaced the bracket and retensioned the tape. No marks or damage to the horse.

 

[leaddog]

I use it for my minature donkeys and they won't cross it unless I lead them thru it. It is very visable to them and once they get hit with the electicity once they just stay away.
BUT the best use for it is to place it about 8in high around my lake where I don't want any geese and they WON'T cross it. kept my lawn landmine free for the first time in 30 years.
leaddog

 

[SteveH_CT]

Thanks everyone - Mike I did fire a question over on Country By Net as well as here. I dug up your old post on it and resurected it with a question. It sounds like you use a lot of this, and on a long term basis as well. I'm thinking of using it on 2 or 3 sides of our first pasture. It sounds like an inexpensive way to get fencing up quickly, and right now I'd really rather be spending it on our new barn.

Are you using solar for power? How many rows of it do you recommend? Do the horses see the colors other than white very well? I'm sure I could come up with more when I think about it longer. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Thanks for the info,

 

[SteveH_CT]

Thanks - I was wondering about how many rows most folks use. The flexibility of being able to move the fence is what appeals to me. I'm continually clearing more land, and it really help me expand the pastures as I get the tree line farther back.