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Types of Fencing
Another important consideration is the presence of wire lower than about 45cm (18") above the ground. Wire below this level will often catch in horses' shoes as they push against the fence to graze on the other side or to play with horses in the next paddock. Ringlock is perhaps the worst type of fencing in this regard, especially if it becomes loose at ground level.
ELECTRIC FENCINGOverall, there is no better fencing than electric fencing for horses. If constructed properly, it is safe, low in maintenance costs, and reliable. The initial outlay may seem expensive, but it will soon pay itself off in terms of time saved not having to repair broken fences and, more importantly, in preventing injuries to horses. If electric fencing is to be permanent, then fencing wire should be used rather than electric tape as wire lasts much longer. Wire can be strained whereas electric tape cannot, and tape will eventually wear out. The 'hot wire' can be attached directly to the top of the fence (using plastic insulators), or run through ceramic insulators set out from the fence in wire 'offset brackets'. A 'hot wire' can be attached to any fence and will vastly improve the safety of run-down and loose fencing, although it is preferable to put it onto new fencing or improve the standard of the old fence before attaching the 'hot wire'. Electric fences are powered by an energizer which may seem expensive to purchase, but which is extremely cheap to run in terms of electricity consumed. For example, a large energizer powering 20km of fenceline will cost less than $20 a year to run. The longer the electric fence, the more powerful the energizer needs to be, and the more it will cost initially. Don't underestimate the extent to which you will use an electric fence. It is better to buy a slightly bigger energizer than you think you might need. Once you experience how effective they are, you will find many more uses for it and will want to extend the fence, if even temporarily, to all sorts of places. For assistance with planning an electric fence, contact your local rural supplier. |
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Over the years many different types of fencing have evolved for holding stock
and horses in the Canberra district are now often put into paddocks which were
originally constructed to hold sheep or cattle. Thus the fencing is often old,
inappropriate and dangerous. However, the most significant factor in the safety
of fences for horses is not the type of fencing but how tightly the fence is
strained. A tightly strained barbed-wire fence is much safer than a loosely
strained fence of plain wire. Horses get tangled very easily in loose fences,
especially if they are able to push down on the fence to graze on the other
side, whereas they usually respect barbed-wire and don't push on it, unless of
course they have a thick rug on (which may end up being damaged).
