Electric Fence; Wire, Tape, or Rope????

sundancer maiden · 11-21-2008, 11:35 PM

What kind of electric fence do you use and why? I want to put some up and could really use the opinions!!

Baycrash · 11-22-2008, 06:33 AM

Hello. I used electric rope all summer to move horses around my huge yard to eat the grass. One horse got out once when I forgot to plug it in; but if you don't forget that...well it worked great for temporary fencing. I only used one strand.
I have just moved it to the inside of my barn lot as I had one mare that kept walking over or through the fence! I couldn't find where she was getting out...anyway, she hasn't gone anywhere since I put the electric rope up

I plan to do more permanent fencing next summer but will continue to use the electric braid rope for temporary paddocks.
Good luck!

ThorArb · 11-22-2008, 12:47 PM

I used 4 strands of smooth wire. I hated it, I hated it.

It was more of a PIA to keep up than anything else. We've finally switched to no climb and one strand on top. I like it much better than just the wire alone.

Luv2Game · 11-22-2008, 12:53 PM

We use 2 strands of white 2" tape...and love it!! It is highly visible,and has worked out really well for us and our horses........I would highly recommend it!

Valerie62 · 11-22-2008, 01:09 PM

We put up three strands of electric rope this summer. We used wood posts and painted them white. It looks really nice and the horses respect it completely, so far anyways.

Here's a view from the top looking down....

And this is a view from the bottom looking up ...

These pictures make me wish it was warm and the grass and trees were green again

... Everything's all brown and white now. And cold ... brrrrrrrrr....

prancingpony · 11-22-2008, 01:15 PM

Valerie62--I really like the looks of that!--Very Nice!!

jkponies · 11-22-2008, 04:23 PM

I like tape the best for visibility, but my mare doesn't respect it, so I've added wire on the top and between the 3 tape strands. That's in a small pasture; when I'm able to fence the big pasture, I plan to use wire top and bottom with tape in between.

warmbloodsx3 · 11-22-2008, 04:32 PM

We use one row of 2" white tape. Works fantastic for us.
The horses see it, and do well minding it.
I dont suggest using only one strand if they are not completely broke
as it isnt that intimidating and will just plow through it.

redboy · 11-22-2008, 04:41 PM

Valarie, That looks so nice, I love it

!!

I have the electric rope fence, as well, and have been very happy with it for the last 4 years.
Originally, I put up wood posts and ran 4 strands of electric rope fence with my wood posts 12 feet apart.
The last bit of fence I put up has 3 strands electric rope fence, with metal t-posts, that are sleeved with the 'Sure Fit' vinyl t-post sleeves, posts 24 feet apart.
The 'Sure Fit' sleeves already have the hardware attached/formed onto the sleeve.
The sleeves were a very good deal b/c I didn't have to put the individual hardware on the each post for each strand of rope fence, it looks nice and it covers the t-post thereby creating less chance for injury.
Good luck, RB

divinemisselle · 11-22-2008, 05:33 PM

We've been on this farm for 13 years now. First we put up 3 strands of the 2" white tape. It disintigrated after just one year.

Next we used the 1/2" electric tape. Some of rolls lasted just fine, others disintigrated.

We are finally redoing all the lines with 4 high of electrobraid, and I'm thrilled with it. The only disadvantage that I'm seeing is that the deer are rough on it and it stretches and sags a bit. But all I have to do is retighten by hand and it's fine.

I've used electric all these years to keep my mustangs, separate my stallion, used it with mares and foals, and absolutely have to have it for my draft.

seerfarm · 11-22-2008, 07:11 PM

I also have the 7 strand electorbraid and love it, I have 4 strands run (3 live and 1 ground). Fairly maintenance free, very safe and it looks great.

sundancer maiden · 11-23-2008, 12:33 AM

Wow, thanks for the advice! I see a lot of wire around here, for cattle and it scares me. Just looks like it could do tons of damage to a horse caught in it! Sounds like the tape doesn't hold up that well, I kind of wondered if it could handle Kansas wind. The Electrobraid sounds like the way to go! Would it work with the sleeves? They would help, I've got T-posts w/ caps. The sleeves do sound better.

redboy · 11-23-2008, 06:56 AM

I ran my rope fence thru the sections designed for the tape fence, so that's how I made it work for me.
Otherwise the way the sleeves are designed for the rope fence, it just rests up against it with tension.
That seemed like it would require, almost, a professional fence installer to get the correct tension.
And professional fence installer I'm NOT

.
I have been totally satisfied with my way, and it works.
I'm going to see if I can find the Sure Fit website for you.
Good luck, RB

PS., Go to www.doublejfencing.com
They carry the 'Sure Fit' sleeves and that's who I got mine from (originally I bought a box of 25 from Tractor Supply, they were, of course, more expensive thru them). Double J will ship directly to your home.

Horse poor · 11-23-2008, 07:44 AM

I had the tape for a few years and hated it, then the wires in it broke quite easily. I now use the braid and it turns the fence runner the best. Three strands does the job very well as long as no one unplugs the fence. She uses her whiskers to see if the fence is on.

fishing_trex · 11-28-2008, 10:29 AM

If the rope is kept tight, it works ok. But if a horse gets a foot wrapped in it (such as kicking through it) it won't break and can really injure a horse. So keeping it tight is really important.

sundancer maiden · 11-28-2008, 09:14 PM

I am going to go with rope, Electrobraid. It seems to have gotten the best reviews!
Trex, thanks for the advise. I know that no fence is perfect!

You'd think horses like getting hurt!

I will be sure to keep it tight. A rope would do less damage than those thin wires. They can slice right through the flesh!

fishing_trex · 11-30-2008, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sundancer maiden

I am going to go with rope, Electrobraid. It seems to have gotten the best reviews!
Trex, thanks for the advise. I know that no fence is perfect!

You'd think horses like getting hurt!

I will be sure to keep it tight. A rope would do less damage than those thin wires. They can slice right through the flesh!

I think a horse can get hurt on ANY type of fence? Cases in point:

1. My sister bought a nice horse at a sale and it killed itself running into a broken piece of board on a board fence while still on the auction grounds.
2. I had a mare kick through a high tensile fence, get two wires wrapped around her leg (she went over one strand, under the one above and the wires wrapped around her leg) and pull the skin off down to the bone.
3. I have a friend with a rope fence and her horse did something similar to mine in #2 and the horse pulled a lot of flesh off the leg -- not as much as with the wire but still a very serious injury.
4. My friend in TX had a horse get caught in a pipe fence and break its neck.
5. A neighbor had a horse kill itself after slicing its abdomen open on a piece of broken plastic fencing.
6. We won't even talk about barbed wire....

The only fence I haven't heard of a horse being injured on is the diamond mesh, polytape, and the new flex rail fences (but I'll be somewhere out there someone has a story about a horse getting hurt on these!). The polytape breaks (so they can get out and get injured) and the diamond braid and flex rail are pretty pricey.

Slim Pikkens · 11-30-2008, 01:15 PM

Your choices should depend upon application. To keep costs down, my preference for perimeter fencing is good, strong fence wire. You will need a hot wire and a ground wire. With this system, if the land is fairly flat, the posts can be 30-50' apart. This allows the wire to move a little in the wind, which the horses will respect. Now, we get some pretty gusty winds at times and I've watched it shred 5/8" ribbon. It's best used, like the rope, for dividing pastures, or keeping livestock out of the garden should an animal get loose.

tammy · 11-30-2008, 01:15 PM

I use 3 strands of hot wire, I have no problem with my mare but I did have a problem with my neighbors stallions walking thought it like it was not there. So I ended up putting a strand of barb wire ( I hate this idea) around the top more towards the outside, this seem to work they got out and got "bit" several times now they respect my fence keeping my mare safe and unbred.

sundancer maiden · 12-01-2008, 01:25 AM

I already have 4 strand of smooth wire. The electric will be to keep them off of it.
I tried studying every type of fence possible, years ago. I know there is NOTHING perfectly safe. I finally put up pipe fence, for posts and top rail; with the nonclimb horse fence wire. I had 1 horse that got spooked one day (the neighbors got a new pony). All the horses were running around, acting all silly!
Well, Lil' Bit tried to jump the fence, she didn't quite make it.She tripped her front hooves just good enough that she landed on her head. We really fought, but she died about 36 hours later. What really gets to me is that there was a 12 foot gate, wide open just 10 feet away!!!
I want a good hot wire to keep them away. I have big pens with the pipe, the wire is around the pasture.
You could surround horses with cotton and they'd still find ways to get hurt!

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11-21-2008, 11:35 PM
sundancer maiden Long Yearling Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Udall, KS Posts: 1,499	Electric Fence; Wire, Tape, or Rope???? What kind of electric fence do you use and why? I want to put some up and could really use the opinions!! __________________ You don't have to be crazy to be my friend, but it helps!!!

11-22-2008, 06:33 AM
Baycrash Halter broke Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Carthage, North Carolina Posts: 172	Hello. I used electric rope all summer to move horses around my huge yard to eat the grass. One horse got out once when I forgot to plug it in; but if you don't forget that...well it worked great for temporary fencing. I only used one strand. I have just moved it to the inside of my barn lot as I had one mare that kept walking over or through the fence! I couldn't find where she was getting out...anyway, she hasn't gone anywhere since I put the electric rope up I plan to do more permanent fencing next summer but will continue to use the electric braid rope for temporary paddocks. Good luck!

11-22-2008, 12:47 PM
ThorArb Kid Safe Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Conyers, GA Posts: 5,965	I used 4 strands of smooth wire. I hated it, I hated it. It was more of a PIA to keep up than anything else. We've finally switched to no climb and one strand on top. I like it much better than just the wire alone.

11-22-2008, 12:53 PM
Luv2Game Long Yearling Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Iowa Posts: 1,459	We use 2 strands of white 2" tape...and love it!! It is highly visible,and has worked out really well for us and our horses........I would highly recommend it! __________________ "Horses know nothing of money, status, beauty or accomplishment...Horses see only our hearts, and they accept or reject us based on what they find within... - Mary Midkiff

11-22-2008, 01:09 PM
Valerie62 Yearling Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Washington, PA Posts: 782	We put up three strands of electric rope this summer. We used wood posts and painted them white. It looks really nice and the horses respect it completely, so far anyways. Here's a view from the top looking down.... And this is a view from the bottom looking up ... These pictures make me wish it was warm and the grass and trees were green again ... Everything's all brown and white now. And cold ... brrrrrrrrr....

11-22-2008, 01:15 PM
prancingpony Seasoned Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Michigan Posts: 4,367	Valerie62--I really like the looks of that!--Very Nice!! __________________ Breeder of fine Gypsy Sport Horses http://www.freewebs.com/faewillow/ Equine Gifts at http://www.cafepress.com/faewillow

11-22-2008, 04:23 PM
jkponies Weanling Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Bardstown KY Posts: 430	I like tape the best for visibility, but my mare doesn't respect it, so I've added wire on the top and between the 3 tape strands. That's in a small pasture; when I'm able to fence the big pasture, I plan to use wire top and bottom with tape in between. __________________ Cowboy codes: A cowboy always helps someone in need, even a stranger or an enemy.

11-22-2008, 04:32 PM
warmbloodsx3 Weanling Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Southeast IN. Posts: 297	We use one row of 2" white tape. Works fantastic for us. The horses see it, and do well minding it. I dont suggest using only one strand if they are not completely broke as it isnt that intimidating and will just plow through it. __________________ Heaven is high and earth wide. If you ride three feet higher above the ground than other men, you will know what that means. -Rudolf C. Binding

11-22-2008, 04:41 PM
redboy Started Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Eastern Shore of Maryland Posts: 2,754	Valarie, That looks so nice, I love it!! I have the electric rope fence, as well, and have been very happy with it for the last 4 years. Originally, I put up wood posts and ran 4 strands of electric rope fence with my wood posts 12 feet apart. The last bit of fence I put up has 3 strands electric rope fence, with metal t-posts, that are sleeved with the 'Sure Fit' vinyl t-post sleeves, posts 24 feet apart. The 'Sure Fit' sleeves already have the hardware attached/formed onto the sleeve. The sleeves were a very good deal b/c I didn't have to put the individual hardware on the each post for each strand of rope fence, it looks nice and it covers the t-post thereby creating less chance for injury. Good luck, RB Last edited by redboy : 11-23-2008 at 08:06 AM.

11-22-2008, 05:33 PM
divinemisselle Bombproof Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: At the bar... Posts: 8,359	We've been on this farm for 13 years now. First we put up 3 strands of the 2" white tape. It disintigrated after just one year. Next we used the 1/2" electric tape. Some of rolls lasted just fine, others disintigrated. We are finally redoing all the lines with 4 high of electrobraid, and I'm thrilled with it. The only disadvantage that I'm seeing is that the deer are rough on it and it stretches and sags a bit. But all I have to do is retighten by hand and it's fine. I've used electric all these years to keep my mustangs, separate my stallion, used it with mares and foals, and absolutely have to have it for my draft. __________________ . Lead me not into temptation..... I can find it just fine on my own.....

11-22-2008, 07:11 PM
seerfarm Bombproof Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Out with the Herd! Posts: 9,633	I also have the 7 strand electorbraid and love it, I have 4 strands run (3 live and 1 ground). Fairly maintenance free, very safe and it looks great. __________________ "One must be a god to be able to tell successes from failures without making a mistake".

11-23-2008, 12:33 AM
sundancer maiden Long Yearling Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Udall, KS Posts: 1,499	Wow, thanks for the advice! I see a lot of wire around here, for cattle and it scares me. Just looks like it could do tons of damage to a horse caught in it! Sounds like the tape doesn't hold up that well, I kind of wondered if it could handle Kansas wind. The Electrobraid sounds like the way to go! Would it work with the sleeves? They would help, I've got T-posts w/ caps. The sleeves do sound better. __________________ You don't have to be crazy to be my friend, but it helps!!!

11-23-2008, 06:56 AM
redboy Started Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Eastern Shore of Maryland Posts: 2,754	I ran my rope fence thru the sections designed for the tape fence, so that's how I made it work for me. Otherwise the way the sleeves are designed for the rope fence, it just rests up against it with tension. That seemed like it would require, almost, a professional fence installer to get the correct tension. And professional fence installer I'm NOT. I have been totally satisfied with my way, and it works. I'm going to see if I can find the Sure Fit website for you. Good luck, RB PS., Go to www.doublejfencing.com They carry the 'Sure Fit' sleeves and that's who I got mine from (originally I bought a box of 25 from Tractor Supply, they were, of course, more expensive thru them). Double J will ship directly to your home. Last edited by redboy : 11-23-2008 at 07:20 AM.

11-23-2008, 07:44 AM
Horse poor Started Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Idaho Posts: 2,776	I had the tape for a few years and hated it, then the wires in it broke quite easily. I now use the braid and it turns the fence runner the best. Three strands does the job very well as long as no one unplugs the fence. She uses her whiskers to see if the fence is on. __________________ Stop telling God how big your storm is. Instead tell the storm how big your God is.

11-28-2008, 10:29 AM
fishing_trex Greenbroke Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 3,429	If the rope is kept tight, it works ok. But if a horse gets a foot wrapped in it (such as kicking through it) it won't break and can really injure a horse. So keeping it tight is really important. __________________ -- There are two ways to slide easily through life -- to believe everything or to doubt everything. Both ways will save you from thinking.

11-28-2008, 09:14 PM
sundancer maiden Long Yearling Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Udall, KS Posts: 1,499	I am going to go with rope, Electrobraid. It seems to have gotten the best reviews! Trex, thanks for the advise. I know that no fence is perfect! You'd think horses like getting hurt! I will be sure to keep it tight. A rope would do less damage than those thin wires. They can slice right through the flesh! __________________ You don't have to be crazy to be my friend, but it helps!!!

11-30-2008, 01:15 PM
Slim Pikkens Seasoned Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 4,047	Your choices should depend upon application. To keep costs down, my preference for perimeter fencing is good, strong fence wire. You will need a hot wire and a ground wire. With this system, if the land is fairly flat, the posts can be 30-50' apart. This allows the wire to move a little in the wind, which the horses will respect. Now, we get some pretty gusty winds at times and I've watched it shred 5/8" ribbon. It's best used, like the rope, for dividing pastures, or keeping livestock out of the garden should an animal get loose.

11-30-2008, 01:15 PM
tammy Yearling Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Deckerville, Michigan Posts: 591	I use 3 strands of hot wire, I have no problem with my mare but I did have a problem with my neighbors stallions walking thought it like it was not there. So I ended up putting a strand of barb wire ( I hate this idea) around the top more towards the outside, this seem to work they got out and got "bit" several times now they respect my fence keeping my mare safe and unbred.

12-01-2008, 01:25 AM
sundancer maiden Long Yearling Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Udall, KS Posts: 1,499	I already have 4 strand of smooth wire. The electric will be to keep them off of it. I tried studying every type of fence possible, years ago. I know there is NOTHING perfectly safe. I finally put up pipe fence, for posts and top rail; with the nonclimb horse fence wire. I had 1 horse that got spooked one day (the neighbors got a new pony). All the horses were running around, acting all silly! Well, Lil' Bit tried to jump the fence, she didn't quite make it.She tripped her front hooves just good enough that she landed on her head. We really fought, but she died about 36 hours later. What really gets to me is that there was a 12 foot gate, wide open just 10 feet away!!! I want a good hot wire to keep them away. I have big pens with the pipe, the wire is around the pasture. You could surround horses with cotton and they'd still find ways to get hurt! __________________ You don't have to be crazy to be my friend, but it helps!!!