For horses, choose electric fencing that is easy to see: wide tape or thick rope instead of thin wire. Here you will find the ZoneGuard tapes of 10, 20 and 40 mm and the 6 mm ropes, all on 200-metre rolls.
Why tape and rope for horses?
A horse that spooks or plays is more likely to run through a fence it cannot see well. Wide, contrasting conductors make the boundary clear. Rope and tape are also softer than steel wire, so the risk of cuts is smaller if a horse gets tangled. That is why many horse owners choose 40 mm tape for the top line and rope or narrower tape for the lower lines.
Tape or rope for your field
- Open, windy field: 6 mm rope, such as the Basic or Plus version in white or black-white, moves less in the wind.
- Sheltered paddock or horse walker track: 40 mm tape is the most visible.
- Temporarily fencing off part of a field: 10 or 20 mm tape is light, rolls up quickly and fits on a reel.
- Calm look: the brown 40 mm Plus tape or the braided white-green rope stands out less in the landscape. Horses still see it, but the contrast is smaller than with white.
Points to note
Even the most visible tape only works when there is enough voltage on it. Horses with a long winter coat or mane feel less, so measure regularly. Keep tape taut enough that it does not sag, but not so tight that it snaps in the cold. Read more about all conductors in electric fence wire, tape and rope; the rest of the fencing is under field fencing, and feed, care and stable supplies in everything for your horse.
Frequently asked questions
How many lines of tape does a horse field need?
Often two to three, depending on the size of your horses and whether there are foals or ponies with them. The bottom line must stop an animal going underneath.
Which colour tape do horses see best?
A colour that contrasts with the background, such as white against green grass. White-black rope is also easy to distinguish against sky or trees.
Is 40 mm tape better than 20 mm?
It is more visible, but catches more wind. In a sheltered field 40 mm is pleasant; on open ground, many keepers choose rope.