Frequently Asked Questions - Horse Fencing and Stalls

Category: Electric Fence

Question:	I have seen this type of fence that sags, why?
Answer:	We recommend that you follow manufacturer’s instructions for installation. Any tensioned fence needs to be braced and concreted at corners, ends and any post of a straight line. If this step is omitted, sagging can occur. Steep inclines or declines could require a concreted brace post at the point of the sharpest angle or angles. A representative can look at your layout and make a recommendation. As always, we recommend electric fence in any high traffic areas. Check manufacturer's recommendations for installation. While Flex-Fence is designed to be very low maintenance, it does need occasional tightening. To do this, simply use ratchet handles to turn the spooler and tighten the fence.


Question:	I need a gate for my electric fence. What should I use?
Answer:	We offer heavy-duty, farm-grade steel gates in various lengths that can be used with any of our fence systems. However, if you choose not to use a steel gate, you can make a gate out of your electric fence. For your convenience, we carry Electric Tape gate kits that come with everything you need to make an electric gate. Or, you can purchase gate handles separately and simply attach them on the end of each rail of your fence wherever you would like to place a gate. We also offer electric gate handles with bungee cord that allow you to adjust the gate up to 20’.


Question:	I’ve seen tape fences that are saggy. What causes this?
Answer:	Electric Tape is a hand-tensioned fence system that requires occasional tightening. Sagging can occur if the fence is not properly maintained or installed. To prevent your Electric Tape fence from sagging, follow manufacturer’s recommendations for installation. Make sure all posts are even and in a straight line, and follow a professional’s recommendation for hardware. Periodically check your fence and hand tension as necessary. Note: we do not recommend the use of Electric Tape products in high-wind areas. If you live in a high-wind zone, ask our representatives about alternative fence systems. Electric Coated Wire is one choice that may fit your needs.


Question:	How is your electric fence different than what I find at my local farm store?
Answer:	Ask about the number of wires in the farm store fence. You’ll probably find that RAMM’s electric fence contains more wires and has a stronger break strength. That could mean the difference between your horses staying in their pasture or getting loose and out on the road. Also, find out what type of plastic the rail is made from. Plastic that is not UV protected will fray from the suns damaging rays. Don’t forget about warranties. You may find that you are getting more bang for the buck by installing your pastures with RAMM’s time proven electric fence. When you purchase an electric fencing system from RAMM, you’re getting a higher quality product. Our products are farm tested to ensure performance. You’re also getting support from a staff that can help you through your project, from planning to completion. Our representatives care about your horses and will spend time finding out about your animals, needs and budget. We’ll help you choose a fence system that will do the job it should.


Question:	Why are stainless steel wires so important to the life and function of electric fence?
Answer:	Electricity actually travels around the outside of a wire, as opposed to through the wire. When copper wires are out in the elements, they eventually corrode and oxidize. Aesthetically, this is not desirable because the wires and fence can turn green. More over, the damage is greater than just aesthetics. Electricity has a harder time traveling over wires that are corroded, bumpy and rusted. This means fence utilizing copper wires will have less voltage over time, and your fence will be less effective at containing your horses. Stainless wires will not corrode over time like copper. Therefore, stainless steel can give added life to your electric fence system.


Question:	Is it o.k. to ride or handle my horses in an area with electric fence?
Answer:	We recommend having a separate area for riding and groundwork that is not surrounded by an electric fence. However, if budget or space dictates otherwise, PLEASE TURN THE POWER OFF while you are riding. Should your horse contact an electrified fence while you are riding or handling him on the ground, he could bolt and possibly cause injury to both of you. When you are through, remember to turn the power back on if horses will be turned out in the area. Ask our staff about cutoff switches that allow you to turn off the power to one or more areas of your fence, while leaving other parts of the fence electrified. The best way to use any fence is according to manufacturer’s recommendations. Electric fences work because horses learn that when they contact the fence, they receive a shock. This teaches the horse to stay away from the fence line. Horses that are worked in a pasture where the electric fencing is turned off may lose respect for the fence. They may try to run through it later when released in that pasture for turn out.


Question:	How often should I turn on my electric fence?
Answer:	We recommend that electric fencing be electrified at all times. Electric fences work because horses learn that when they contact the fence, they receive a shock. This teaches the horse to stay away from the fence line. If your horse has some experiences with the fence when it is not electrified, he may lose respect for the fence and try to run through it. Electric fences are designed to be electrified. They are not as strong as most non-electric options because they are not designed to withstand constant contact from horses. If you don’t keep the fence electrified, your horse will be more likely to contact the fence. This produces unnecessary wear-and-tear on the fence, and puts your horse at risk for an accident. The cost to keep an electric fence on 24 hours a day is quite minimal and is well worth the few dollars it costs per month.


Question:	What if a person touches my electric fence?
Answer:	Should someone inadvertently contact an electrified fence, he or she will receive a shock. Always use caution and avoid touching an electrified fence with the head or upper torso. Small children, the elderly, or those with heart conditions should avoid touching an electrified fence. Always post warning signs on your electric fence to alert others of its presence. Check with your local extension agency for your area’s requirements on how many signs must be posted and any requirements for the sign itself. For your convenience, we have electric fence warning signs available for purchase. Let any barn help know that you have electric fence and that it is electrified at all times. It’s also important to alert any visitors who may go near your pasture. Children should be shown the fence and given an explanation of why they should never touch the fence. If your facility will see a lot of small children or visitors who are not familiar with horses and electric fence is a concern, talk with our representatives about the other non-electric fence options we offer. We understand that electric fence is not right for every situation, and we’ll help you find something that accomplishes what you need.


Question:	Will the electric shock hurt my horses?
Answer:	Unlike the kick from an actual horses, the ''bite'' that is felt from an electric fence is short-lived and doesn’t physically harm your horse.


Question:	Why do horses respect electric fence?
Answer:	In the wild, horses are herd animals, meaning there is a hierarchy among them. Horses will respect the bite, nudge, nip or kick of a more dominate horse. Electric fencing provides that ''nip'' and helps teach horses to respect the barrier. It makes perfect sense to our horses saying ''STAY AWAY''.