Five Reasons Electric Braided Fence Might Be the Right Solution for Your Farm

5 Reasons Electric Braided Fence Might Be the Right Solution for Your Farm

Photos courtesy of Cashmans

by Lisa Kiley

When it comes to

choosing the right fence for your horse, there are many options to consider. Usually, the two main concerns that come to mind are: Is the fence horse-safe, and how expensive is it? Even though safety should be the number one priority, it doesn’t mean that you can’t look for an economical solution as well. If you are planning a new fencing project or thinking of adding on or upgrading, electric braided fence is a smart choice. Let’s look at why this style of fence may be a perfect fit for your farm:

Safety – The braided structure is durable and strong, but the softer material provides cushion on contact. When tensioned properly, it provides ‘give’ while still being able to bounce back into place. If your horses do bump into it, they are much less likely to sustain injury. When horses are properly introduced to electric fencing, they are not likely to test the fence. The safest enclosures for horses are the ones that they do not touch, so the electricity should be kept on consistently. Using at least three strands also reinforces a visual barrier.

Economy – The pricing per linear foot for electric braided fence is one of the lowest you can find. It‘s not just because the fencing materials are reasonably priced, it is also because there can be longer spacing (up to 50 ft. in some cases) between fence posts. This leads to a huge savings in post material, time saving during installation, and reduces the amount of insulators and hardware needed. However, all braided electric fencing is not the same so be sure to invest in a quality brand that will hold up well over time.

Ease of Installation – One of the best features of this style of fencing is that it is easy to install on your own. Putting the fence in yourself will save a tremendous amount on installation costs, and the headache of finding a reputable and reliable contractor. Additionally, you will learn how the system works, so if you decide to add on to the fence, or repairs need to be made, it is something you can handle yourself. DIY fence projects go in on your time frame and work around your schedule and budget.

Ease of Maintenance – When installed correctly, this type of fencing is very resilient. This means that even if a tree branch falls on the fence or deer run through it, it will bounce back. For this reason, look for products that have a breaking strength of at least 1,300 lbs. This also means that there is less likelihood that horses will have the opportunity to get out of the fencing if these circumstances occur. Should the fence become loose it can be retensioned, and in the rare case that it does break, it can be easily spliced to mend.

Flexibility – While you may appreciate the aesthetics of a board fence, an electric braided fence can be used to help mitigate the cost. Even if you have board fencing at the front of your property or near the barn, electric braided fencing works great for larger areas, expansion projects, or splitting pastures. In areas where you do have a board fence, adding a top line of electric braided fence can help protect against chewing, cribbing, and pushing. This fencing can also be used for a variety of livestock, not just horses.

There are a lot of great reasons to choose electric braided fencing. Selecting the right product means choosing a quality brand. While there are many different options, picking the best one will determine how long-lasting, safe, and reliable it will be. Look for a braid with several strands of copper wire to increase connectivity. The copper wire should also be tin coated to prevent oxidation, which will add to the longevity of the fence. Another critical consideration is knowing that the supplier will offer support during the project. They should help you plan, select the correct materials, and answer questions along the way. 

For more information on fencing, visit: cashmans.com.