Frequently Asked Questions

What is ElectroBraid™?
ElectroBraid™ is a permanent electric fence designed especially for horses. It is both a physical barrier and a psychological deterrent. It is highly visible to horses, strong, durable and resilient.

What does it look like?
ElectroBraid™ looks like high quality braided yachting rope. A double helix of copper wire conductors is braided into the outer jacket of the rope. 3 or 4 strands of Braid™ of ¼ inch diameter are mounted on electrical insulators on fence posts. Fence posts can be wood, vinyl, steel or fiberglass, spaced 7 to 15 metres apart. ElectroBraid™ comes in white, black or speckled.

Why is it new and different from other braids or horse ‘safe’ wires on the market?
Traditional electric cattle fencing uses small diameter steel wires which are hard for horses to see. The ropes of ElectroBraid™ are highly visible, and unlike other visible horse tape or wires they are strong! Their break strength is equal to the steel wire but they are resilient like the ropes in a boxing ring. ElectroBraid™ can absorb the energy of a panicked horse at full gallop and will typically bounce the horse back into its pasture with no harm to horse or fence.

How durable is ElectroBraid™ Fence?
The high-grade polyester fiber is the same fiber used in automotive seat belts and parachute harnesses. Polyester resists attack by ultra-violet light, salt, manure and most farm chemicals. The copper develops an oxidized outer layer or 'patina' that protects the copper wire from corrosion. The Braid™ carries a 25 year warranty. A quality energizer can last up to 10 years.

How does it work?
ElectroBraid Fence is both a physical barrier and a psychological deterrent. Once a horse receives a painful shock the horse will not go near the fence again. It won't rub against the fence. It won't crib on it. And it won't try to jump over it or go through it or go under. It doesn't want to get shocked again.

Is the electric shock harmless?
The electric shock from a NZ approved fence energizer is completely harmless. The shock is extremely low amperage for 3/10,000 of a second, once a second. The shock is similar to the static shock you get from touching your TV screen, but more painful. Once shocked, neither you, nor your horse, want to touch the fence again.

How can an electric shock be painful to a stallion but not harmful to a foal?
The brief electric shock causes a painful muscle contraction but there is not enough current to harm your physiology, heart or nervous system.

What makes ElectroBraid a safe horse fence?
There are no impact injuries. There are no sharp points or hard edges. There are no boards to break or splinter. There are no wires to cut or puncture. Even minor cuts can become seriously infected. The worst potential injury with ElectroBraid™ is if a horse is able to wrap a strand of Braid™ completely around a rear leg and struggles. The prospect of such an accident can be virtually eliminated by wiring and grounding the fence correctly, by keepi