HELP! Laminitic pony has no respect for electric fencing...

[TommyTwoShoes]

Can someone talk to me about different moveable fencing options for a laminitic pony?

He has no respect for electric fencing what so ever and we desperately need a fencing solution.

I considered the orange plastic stuff that comes on a roll (the stuff that is used to fence off rings at shows).

The other option we've jokingly considered is harris fencing that is used on building sites, but it's surprisingly expensive!

Any advice welcomed!

 

[Micky]

Have you tried muzzling him?

 

[Tiddlypom]

Have you checked that the electric fence is reading at least 5000v throughout its length? Is it mains or battery energised? Holding his nose to the fence whilst you are wearing rubber gloves will put the frighteners on him, as long as the fence is working properly.

I have 5 strands on my strip grazing line, 2 of tape and 3 of polywire, to stop my mare from getting through.

 

[_HP_]

You must make sure the electric fence is taught and that it is working properly. Mine are kept in on one strand as long as its tensioned properly at both ends and is working full strength. If its not they'll walk straight over it.

 

[Dry Rot]

I've had a yearling breaking through white tape on a regular basis. So I checked the tape with the tester and whatdoya know! It is only conducting electricity along about ¼ of it's length!

The "bad" section removed today and the tape re-joined with a fisherman's knot that guarantees a good contact between both lengths (I think it's called a barrel knot or something).

Tonight, the yearling is on the correct side of the fence. Most of my fencing is powered from a mains energiser and I rarely have more that 2,000v which should be adequate for containing most stock. If it isn't, the fault is somewhere else.

The tape has very thin stainless steel wires woven into it lengthwise. As the wind moves the tape, it flexes these wires. Eventually, the wires break due to metal fatigue. When that happens, the tape will no longer conduct electricity, the horses don't get a shock, and as they reach further and further into the new grass, they find they can push through….so do!

 

[Fides]

If you are going to 'teach' him to respect it it is better to reverse them into it so they run away. Putting them into it forwards can result in them charging through it to end the 'bite' quicker.