How to Build a Solar Electric Horse Fence

No matter what type of riding you do or which breed of horse you own, creating a proper pasture is important. Installing an electric fence is one of the cheapest and most effective options, but it can be difficult to install that type of fence when there is no electrical outlet present. If you live in a remote area, or if there are no outdoor electrical outlets near the fence line, a solar electric fence can be an excellent alternative.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • Solar charger
  • Electric fence wire
  • Fence posts
  • Insulators
  • Sledgehammer or fence-post driver
  • Work gloves
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the area to be fenced. Find the total number of line feet to be fenced. You will need this measurement to determine what size roll of wire to buy and how many fence posts you will need.

    • 2

      Purchase enough electric fence wire to cover the area you measured. Purchase a solar charger designed to cover that size area or larger. It is better to buy a charger that is too big rather than one that is too small. Also purchase enough fence posts so that they can be placed 8 feet apart along the fence line.

    • 3

      Place stakes in the ground to help you keep a straight line as you put the posts in the ground. Drive the first post into the ground using a tractor-mounted post driver or a sledgehammer.

    • 4

      Measure 8 feet from the first post and drive the next one into the ground. Repeat the process until all posts have been installed. Each post should be driven to a minimum depth of 12 inches to provide the proper stability.

    • 5

      Attach insulators to each post. Most fence posts have hooks or snaps that make attaching fence insulators easy. Attach an insulator for each strand of wire you plan to use. For horses you need to use two or three strands of electric fence wire.

    • 6

      Attach the fence wire to the insulator on the first post, then stretch the wire along all the other posts as you go. Unroll the wire as you work, and make sure the fence is tight. Use heavy work gloves to protect your hands.

    • 7

      Attach the solar charger to a sturdy surface, such as the side of a barn or outbuilding. Make sure the spot you choose gets direct sunlight for much of the day.

    • 8

      Dig a small trench and drive in the number of grounding rods recommended by the charger manufacturer. Attach the grounding rods to the negative lead on the charger and the positive lead to the fence.

    • 9

      Allow the solar fence charger to charge for at least 24 hours before testing the fence and putting your animals in it. The charger should include an indicator showing its charging status, but always test the charge with a fence tester before turning your horses out in their new pasture.