What is an electric fence and how does it work?
A correctly designed and constructed electric fence works by the combination of a physical barrier and a psychological imprint created in the mind of the animal. A fencer unit (or energizer, controller) attached to the fence wires produces a short but painful shock, similar to a sharp whack from a riding crop, when touched by the horse. Once the horse has touched the fence a few times he learns where the pain comes from and will stay inside the boundary. These electric shocks or impulses are painful but harmless and it is essential to allow the horse to get a few shocks to train him. Additionally, it is equally important that he always gets a shock when he touches the fence to maintain his respect for it, so the fencer must be kept on at all times. Compared with barbed wire electric fences are much easier to install and move, lower in cost and will not harm the horse. They can also be used with an existing old fence to prevent rubbing or, in the case of wooden fences, chewing. An elect
