Product Spotlight: Hot-Rail Electric HTP Rail

This innovative new product combines the best of Centaur HTP technology with electric fencing properties to give it the ultimate safety – and make it easier than ever for you, as a horse owner, to install. The fence is made with an extremely durable material to withstand cracking, fading and peeling in even the harshest weather. Because of its strength and durability, it’s backed by a 30-year Manufacturer’s Limited Warranty.

Centaur HTP has been a trusted brand in fencing for more than 20 years. They use advanced technology to create a fence that absorbs impact without breaking or weakening – and most importantly, it won’t crack or splinter which is a main cause of injury to horses.

Additionally, Centaur HTP fences are economical and can be easily designed and installed by following the company’s easy installation instructions. The fencing is virtually maintenance-free and will keep its appearance for years so you’ll never have to worry about painting it.

The horse fencing is available in white, black, and brown. For more information about Centaur HTP Technology, visit Horse Fence Direct.

Round Pen Beginner Exercises

When training your horse in a round pen, there are several things you should keep in mind so both you and the horse get the ultimate benefit.

First, horses are known as “fight or flight” animals. So, if they ever get frightened, it’s likely they’ll choose to run instead of fight. After running for awhile, they’ll eventually get tired. A round pen is a great tool to use, as the horse will be able to move around without getting too far away from the horse owner. There are many methods of training a horse in a round pen – many of which can be trial and error – it’s best to find one that works well for both you and your horse.

The first time you train in the round pen, it’s important to give your horse time to become acquainted with the area. Some owners choose to let their horse live in the pen –  instead of their horse stall – for a few days before training begins. As long as the horse has access to food and water, this is a fine method to use.

One of the main ways to exercise your horse is to use a long whip or rope to lead the horse into a trot around the pen. The rope isn’t meant to hit the horse, but instead just to make a noise that will keep him moving. You can keep this going at an easy trotting pace instead of a run.

Another thing to master is getting the horse to accept the dominance of the horse owner. You can do this by getting your horse to walk a few laps, then instructing him to turn around and walk the other way. This can be done repeatedly until the horse’s sole attention is one you instead of looking outside the round pen.

Lastly, pressure is an important factor to consider while in the round pen. As a horse owner, you should know when to apply pressure and when to back down. Some common gestures that are used to show pressure are raising your hand, tossing the rope, or even just looking at your horse. These gestures usually cause a horse to speed up – by removing pressure, your horse will slow down or stop.

Keep in mind the above techniques as you’re training your horse in the round pen. Soon, your horse will recognize you as a leader and will properly follow your commands.

Build a safe and inexpensive horse fence

Luckily, building a safe horse fence doesn’t have to cost you a fortune. Some of the safest fencing options available today are relatively inexpensive and are created from like ropes and tape that are made of poly material. Each of these materials offers increased flexibility. Simply put, if your horse runs into the fence, he or she won’t be cut. Instead, the strong materials will keep horses in place.

When constructing a fence using rope or tape, one of the most important things to consider is the fence’s visibility. It’s essential your horse can see the fence so they know they’re enclosed. When shopping for fencing, there are a few things you can consider to ensure it’s a safe option for your horse:

Color – Choose a fencing color that contrasts with your surroundings. For example, if you live in a colder climate that gets a lot of snow, make sure at least every other (if not all) of your fencing strands are a dark color so your horses can see it easily.

Width - Although thin tape is normally cheaper, it’s not as visible to your horse – and this is one spot you shouldn’t cut corners. If cost is a big factor in your decision, consider alternating wide tape with thin tape to increase visibility.

Durability - Consider purchasing UV-resistant fencing. This helps protect your fence from being damaged by the sun or other harsh elements.

Assembly – Use 3-4 strands of rope or tape to meet your required height and eliminate the risk of your horse trying to go under the fence.

Horse Fence Direct is proud to offer a wide selection of products to meet your unique needs. To learn more about us, take a look at our selection of horse fencing.

Top Choices for Portable Horse Fencing

Portable horse fencing is a great way to keep your horses safe both at home and while traveling. If you’re a person who enjoys trail riding in different areas, it’s important you have a fencing solution that will work well when on the road – especially when you plan an overnight trip. Portable horse fences are also a great fencing solution for at home, especially if you want the freedom to move it around as needed for grazing.

Horse Fence Direct offers several options to suit your individual needs. Below are two of our favorite options for portable horse fencing:

Gallagher Fencing – Gallagher fencing has been manufacturing safe and durable fencing for over 60 years. It’s created from a high-quality and virtually maintenance-free material that’s designed to last for more than 15 years. This type is great for portable horse fencing, as their step-in posts can be easily installed and moved around as needed. Additionally, the posts are lightweight and easy to handle. Upon impact they’ll flex, then return to an upright position without weakening the post foundation.

Gallagher also manufactures electric tape fence that’s ideal for both semi-permanent and portable structures. The tape, make from several metal wires, is highly visible and a great choice for safe horse control.

Electrobraid – This type of fencing is easy to install and designed to provide a safe and secure solution for your horses. It’s strong, durable, and can be used for both a permanent or portable horse fence. Its portability and easy installation makes it perfect to be moved around for rotational grazing.

Product Spotlight: Bayco Finish Line Fencing

Bayco Finish Line Horse Fencing is unique. It’s designed to address all of the common concerns of a horse owner like visibility, durability and safety. And, it’s a safe, maintenance-free alternative to fences that are designed with high-tensile wire. The product is designed to give stretch should your horse accidentally run into it and will protect him from harmful injuries that occur with other fencing products. That means no cut skin, no broken limbs, and no torn tendons.

This type of fencing is a great alternative to wood fencing, as it can easily be attached to things like posts, rods, and trees. It can also be adjusted by hand, unlike other types of fences that require tools. Finally, it’s a great choice regardless of which climate you’re in, as it can withstand strong sunlight, rain, snow, and even ice.

As a horse owner, it’s great for you as well, as the fence is virtually maintenance-free when installed properly. The high-quality material isn’t affected by heat or cold, so it will hold its tension for years and won’t need maintenance along the way. Another benefit is that you can pick the design and materials that fit your budget, so you’ll get a look that fits your needs.

Here are a few of the many other benefits:

• Stretches up to 24% of its length
• Releases if a horse becomes entangled
• Bounces back into shape if a tree should fall on it or horse runs into it
• Retains more than 70% of its original tension after one year, as compared to 30% for high tensile wire
• Contains UV inhibitors, which prevent fading and breakdown
• Withstands temperatures from -40° F to 122° F

Consider Bayco Finish Line Horse Fencing for a strong, high-quality horse fence solution to meet your needs.

Using electric fencing in your garden

Electric fencing can be used for more than just a safe and secure horse fence. Many farmers have discovered this type of fencing as an effective solution for keeping unwanted guests out of their garden. One of the most common unwanted guests are deer, who like to wander into gardens at eat the produce. Without a barrier, it’s an easy task.

Luckily, Gallagher Fencing has a solution. The company has been providing quality fencing solutions for more than 60 years for pasture management. In recent years, they’ve developed fencing strategies that will help protect high-value crops and food plots. The staff will work with you to plan and design a fencing solution to fit your needs.

When talking about deer, it’s important to note their lack of depth perception. Gallagher uses this to their advantage by installing two electric fences – an inner and an outer – with 3 feet of space between them. Then, conductors are installed on both the inner and outer fence posts at various levels above the soil. As a deer approaches the outside posts, it will get a small (but harmless) shock.

To make sure this method is effective, it’s important to remove the conductors at the end of the season. That way, the deer will get used to wandering through the garden again. At the beginning of the next season when the conductors are reinstalled, deer will have to readjust and learn the lesson again, which will ultimately make it more successful.

A high-quality electric fence works by delivering a high-voltage electric shock when an animal touches the conductor. The animal will feel a slight pain; enough for them to remember not to touch it next time. All Gallagher electric fences are quality tested and designed to be painful, yet harmless to the animal.

If you have unwanted visitors to your garden next season, keep these tips in mind – and consider using an electric fence around the its perimeter.