ElectroBraid® America's #1 Electric Horse Fence

1. Understanding ElectroBraid®

What is ElectroBraid Horse Fence?

ElectroBraid is a permanent electric fence designed especially for horses. It serves as 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 and feels like high-quality braided yachting rope. Two helix-shaped coils, like springs, of copper wire are braided into the outer jacket of the rope. Typically, four strands of ElectroBraid are mounted with insulators on fence posts. Fence posts can be wood, vinyl, or steel, and can be spaced up to 35 feet apart.

Is this a permanent or temporary fence?

ElectroBraid is versatile. It can stand alone as a permanent perimeter fence, be added to protect a board or wire mesh fence, or be combined with vinyl or pipe fencing (See Applications). While it's often done, we do not recommend its use as a temporary fence. It is difficult to avoid introducing twists that may crimp and buckle the copper conductors during relocation.

2. Engineering & Durability

How durable is ElectroBraid?

The high-grade polyester fiber is the same fiber used in automotive seat belts and parachute harnesses. Polyester resists degradation from ultraviolet light, salt, manure, and most farm chemicals. ElectroBraid is engineered to braid copper wires into a cushion of polyester fiber. This construction allows for bending and stretching without putting strain on the copper itself.

Copper is a soft metal. Will it break?

No. While a lone copper wire might break, ElectroBraid weaves copper conductors into a cushion of polyester fiber. The wires form two helical coils like springs, allowing them to bend and stretch without strain. Because these wires cross three times every inch, the system can bypass localized damage and restore full current to the rest of the line.

Does copper rust?

No. Pure copper oxidizes naturally, forming a dark green patina on the surface. Like paint, this thin coating prevents further oxidation without weakening the copper or reducing conductivity. Pure copper has been known to last hundreds of years.

3. The Psychology of Safety

How does it work?

ElectroBraid is both a physical barrier and a psychological deterrent. Once a horse receives a shock, they will maintain a wide berth. They won't rub against, crib on, or try to jump the fence. The horse simply learns to stay clear.

Is the electric shock harmless?

National safety standard labs, UL and CSA, use the safety of a two-year-old child as the standard when testing and approving fence energizers. The resulting shock is completely harmless to humans and horses alike. There has never been a serious injury reported from a UL-approved energizer since testing began in 1940.

Are there any sharp edges or hard surfaces?

No. ElectroBraid has no sharp points, hard edges, or splintering boards. The smooth polyester braid is soft to the touch, reducing the risk of cuts, abrasions, or puncture wounds—even in the event of a direct collision. This makes it one of the safest horse fences available.

How can it be painful to a stallion but not harmful to a foal?

The shock is extremely low amperage, lasting only 3/10,000 of a second. It causes a painful muscle contraction but lacks the current to cause any harm. It delivers an immediate, unpleasant sting that acts as a lasting psychological deterrent.

4. The Horse's Perspective

How do horses feel about ElectroBraid?

Our customers tell us "Horses love ElectroBraid!" As herd animals, the open view allows them to take comfort in seeing the rest of their herd. Stallions can see their mares, and the open sightlines provide the constant assurance that there is no place for predators to hide.

Why is it different?

Much of traditional fencing uses small-diameter steel wires that are difficult for horses to see and potentially dangerous upon impact. ElectroBraid is highly visible. The horses know their boundaries. In the case of a panicked horse, ElectroBraid is designed to absorb the energy of the impact, avoiding a break or cut. It bounces the horse safely back into the pasture with no harm to the animal or the fence.

5. Practical Economics & Installation

Why is the installation cost low?

ElectroBraid can be self-installed with hand tools by almost anyone. It's like stringing a clothesline. Fence posts can be set between 25 and 35 feet apart depending on terrain and local snow conditions. By contrast, many conventional horse fences require a post every 8 or 10 feet.

Why is the maintenance cost low?

Properly installed corner and end posts won't move, and brass and copper components won't corrode. ElectroBraid stands up to lightning strikes remarkably well; the double helix of copper often functions like a lightning arrestor, preventing damage to the energizer. If a tree falls on the fence, you can simply cut it off and the braid should spring right back.

6. Technical Comparisons

The Original vs. The Imitations

Since our patent expired in 2015, many have sought to mimic the ElectroBraid design. We encourage you to confirm they are making the same commitment to the high-quality, premium materials required for such a demanding task. Is the warranty a strategy in order to compete, or a legitimate, time-tested commitment to you and your fence?

Compared to Woven Tapes

Woven electrical horse tape contains parallel conductors that absorb some of the physical strain of the fence, making them prone to breaking even in windy conditions. In ElectroBraid, the copper conductors are threaded in coil-like springs, allowing all tension to be taken by the fiber strands.

Compared to High Tensile Wire

Steel wire is good for cattle but not for horses. Horses are high-strung animals that often don't see the steel wires, which can break under impact and may cause a serious puncture or laceration.

7. Safety & Technical Standards

Can I use any energizer?

No. Please ensure your energizer is low impedance and certified safe by UL or CSA. We recommend a minimum of 2 joules of output power—and more for large fences. Match your fence length to 1/10th the energizer's rating for best results.

Grounding and Safety:

Proper installation, grounding, and maintenance are essential. When ElectroBraid is kept taut and powered at the appropriate voltage, horses quickly learn to respect the boundary. The psychological deterrent of the pulse discourages interaction with the fence, keeping both the animal and the perimeter secure. While no fencing system is entirely risk-free, maintaining high tension and consistent voltage virtually eliminates the risk of getting caught in the fence. Always adhere to the installation manual and prioritize a robust grounding system for optimal performance.