>>> One possible problem with electric -- we put Ellie in a paddock at our >>> trainers last December, where she proceeded to use the hot electric wire >>> to scratch her poll. You could hear the fence crackle, but her winter >>> coast was so thick she couldn't feel a thing! Has anyone else seen >>> this happen?
Yes, we have. I think electric is good fencing overall, but it has to be done correctly. Especially with the thick manes/coats of Iceleandics, you have to be darned sure your fence is putting out enough voltage, which make take several ground rods and/or a more powerful charger. If the fence doesn't have enough voltage, the "zap" won't be strong. Other complications can be the specific soil in your area ( some soils simply won't ground as well), and how dry you are - we don't get full "zap" out of our fence when we're in a drought. Electric fencing is dangerous without proper charge. I've heard people say they wanted a lower voltage so it won't hurt so much, but that's sort of like putting the lobster in cold water and heating it to boil because you can't stand to drop a living lobster into boiling water - it's NOT kind! (I've never cooked a lobster, btw.) The secret to electric is keeping the horse off the fence. The various fencing materials - wire, rope, or tape - all have inherent dangers if the horse gets tangled in it. Of course, all fencing materials have some dangers, and we do use electric, but we try to keep it safe. Karen Thomas, NC
