Welcome to Horse Illustrateds weekly installment of the Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with the ASPCAs Right Horse program. This weeks adoptable horse is Barn Shark! Check back weekly for a new featured horse so you can find your Right Horse.Photo courtesy Horse and Hound Rescue FoundationAdoptable Horse: Barn Shark, a 6-year-old, 15.2hh Thoroughbred geldingOrganization: Horse and Hound Rescue Foundation, Guthrie, Okla.Get to Know Adoptable Horse Barn SharkBarn Shark has a name you wont forget and a face thats just as memorable! This sweet and sturdy boy was responsibly retired from racing and came to Horse and Hound sound and ready to start his second career.After some time in training and an adoption, Barney (barn name) was returned through no fault of his ownhe was just a bit more forward than his (wonderful!) adopter was looking for. He was well-loved and beautifully cared for, and Horse and Hound is so grateful for the time and training she gave him.Now, Barney is back with Horse and Hound and looking for his perfect match. Hes continued to show us hes smart, sweet, and willing. He has a good brain, handles windy days like a champ, and is settling back into Horse and Hounds program with ease. While he has some energy under saddle, hes not naughtyjust a young guy who enjoys having a job.Barney is suitable for an intermediate or confident rider looking to bring along a young, athletic partner. He has no limitations and could go in a variety of directions with the right person.Contact Horse and Hound Rescue Foundation today about ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, Barn Shark!Photo courtesy Horse and Hound Rescue FoundationASPCA Right HorseASPCA Right Horse is the online adoption platform of The Right Horse Initiative, a collection of equine industry and welfare professionals and advocates working together to improve the lives of horses in transition. A program of the ASPCA, their goal is to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To find more adoptable horses and foster horses, visit www.myrighthorse.org. To learn more about The Right Horse, a program of the ASPCA, visit www.aspcarighthorse.org.The post ASPCA Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week: Barn Shark appeared first on Horse Illustrated Magazine.

10 min read Last updated: January 2026 Struggling to spec electric fencing that your horses respect in fickle UK weather? This guide shows exactly how to hit 3,000V at the fence line, pick a lowimpedance energiser at roughly 1 joule per mile, and size with a summer bufferso your paddock stays safe, reliable and costsmart yearround. Quick Summary Short on time? Here are the key takeaways. Area: Target Fence Voltage What To Do: Aim for 3,000V at the furthest post; set the energiser to deliver 4,0005,000V at the unit in summer. Test with a fence tester weekly at the far end. Why It Matters: Maintains a deterrent shock even with weeds, wet clay and long runs. Common Mistake: Relying on energiser LEDs instead of a line reading and accepting under 3,000V at the end post. Area: Energiser Sizing What To Do: Use a low-impedance unit rated around 1 joule of output per mile of fence. Overspec slightly to cope with vegetation and voltage drop. Why It Matters: Right sizing keeps power flowing through light shorts and seasonal growth. Common Mistake: Buying a small unit that sags in July and teaches horses the fence is negotiable. Area: Power Source Choice What To Do: Pick mains for permanent fences near a socket, solar for remote fields, and battery for portable strip-grazing. Include a suitable leisure battery and keep it charged. Why It Matters: Matching power source to use case gives consistent performance year-round. Common Mistake: Choosing battery or solar without budgeting for battery capacity and winter management. Area: Earthing Setup What To Do: Drive at least one earth rod deep into moist soil; add extra rods for longer systems, spaced a couple of metres apart. Keep all connections tight, clean and corrosion-free. Why It Matters: Good earthing is essential for a strong shock and stable voltage. Common Mistake: Using a short, dry, or loose earth that starves the fence of a return path. Area: Tape & Layout What To Do: Use 2040mm polytape for visibility; run 23 lines set at nose and chest height, and tension to reduce wind whip. Use proper insulators and tidy corners and joins. Why It Matters: Visible, well-installed tape trains horses faster and wastes less power. Common Mistake: Using thin wire or saggy tape that horses dont respect and that bleeds power. Area: Seasonal Care What To Do: Summer: start with 4,0005,000V at the energiser, mow or strim under the bottom line, or lift it slightly. Winter: monitor battery health, angle/clean solar panels, and keep spares charged and dry. Why It Matters: Seasonal tweaks prevent voltage drops and outages in UK weather. Common Mistake: Ignoring vegetation in summer and battery performance in cold, wet months. Area: Weekly Testing & Fixes What To Do: Test at the longest/weediest point each week and aim for 3,000V+. If low, fix in order: earthing, vegetation, joins/insulators, then energiser/battery. Why It Matters: Proactive checks stop horses exploiting weak spots. Common Mistake: Testing at the energiser only and skipping a systematic fault-finding order. Area: Budget & Brands What To Do: For a 1acre paddock with 23 tape lines, budget ~90180 for tape and 80200 for a battery energiser (about 300+ total before posts/gates). Choose supported brands: Hotline for value power, Gallagher for premium features and a 7year registered warranty. Why It Matters: Realistic budgeting avoids under-spec purchases and ensures spares and support. Common Mistake: Under-budgeting or picking discontinued/unsupported brands that hinder maintenance. In This Guide What voltage does a horse electric fence need? Which energiser type is best for your paddock? Hotline vs Gallagher: which offers better value for UK horse owners? How much will a one-acre electric fence cost? Power sizing: joules, low-impedance and coping with UK weeds Installation essentials: grounding, tape and visibility Seasonal setup: summer weed growth, winter battery care and UK weather Weekly checks and safety: how to know your fence is working Planning electric fencing for your horse field can feel like a maze of volts, joules and brand names but a few clear rules will get you a safe, reliable setup that works year-round in UK weather.Key takeaway: For most UK horse paddocks, aim for 3,000 volts at the fence line, power it with a lowimpedance energiser sized at roughly 1 joule per mile of fence, and overspec slightly for summer weeds and long runs.What voltage does a horse electric fence need?For horses, you need a minimum of 2,0003,000 volts, with 3,000V ideal; go to 4,0005,000V output if you have long runs or heavy vegetation. This ensures your tape still delivers 3,000V+ at the far end once grass growth and damp UK conditions sap power. Technical guidance from HorseRail confirms that pairing adequate volts with a properly sized energiser is key to consistent performance.Voltage is the attention getter your horse feels. If the reading at your furthest post drops below 3,000V, many horses will lean, itch and eventually walk through. In summer, growth bleeds power to ground; in winter, wet clay soils increase leakage. Thats why you size for the worst week of the year, not the best. Quick tip: test at the farthest point of your fence once a week with a proper fence tester energiser LEDs are handy but the line reading is what matters.Which energiser type is best for your paddock?Choose mains for permanent fences near power, solar for remote UK fields, and battery for temporary or portable paddocks. Battery-powered units typically cost 80200, mains 100250, and solar 150400 in the UK market all suitable for one-acre horse paddocks (Dalton Supplies).Mains units (e.g., Hotline Gemini mains/12V or Gallagher M-series) give the most consistent power through tough conditions and are great for boundary fencing at livery yards. Battery units (e.g., Gallagher B10/BA20 or Hotline Shrike/Gemini on 9V/12V) are ideal for strip-grazing and seasonal divisions easy to move and store in winter. Solar energisers shine in truly remote paddocks with no mains access; models like the Hotline FireDrake pair a panel with a battery for set-and-forget operation. UK-focused suppliers also note that solar kits handle variable light surprisingly well if you get the panel angle right and keep it clean in wet months.Budget-wise, allow for a leisure battery if going battery or solar. One example from UK retail: a 55Ah battery in a Horizont Trapper solar kit has been reported to last around three months of continuous use, with replacements at roughly 14.99 (FarmCare UK). Monitor closely in prolonged wet weather and in the darker weeks around DecemberJanuary.Hotline vs Gallagher: which offers better value for UK horse owners?Hotline typically gives more power per pound for smallholders and horse paddocks, while Gallagher offers premium features and a 7year warranty (on registration) for long-term, permanent fences. Independent UK suppliers consistently position Hotline as the value workhorse and Gallagher as the premium, feature-rich option.Electric Fencing Direct summarises it well: Hotline units are rugged, competitively priced and ideal for seasonal grazing, while Gallagher adds highend tech and exceptional warranty support for extensive systems. The Hotline Gemini 40 (mains/12V) is around 89.99; Gallaghers compact BA20/B60 battery models are popular for small paddocks, with 7-year warranties when registered (FarmCare UK).Hotline equalisers are a better price point (you get much more power for your pound) but Gallagher offers 7 year guarantee if registered; for solar, Id pick the Hotline FireDrake 67 for power and price combo. FarmCare UK teamIf youre going solar and want serious punch for horses that test boundaries, the Hotline FireDrake range starts around 219.99 (FarmCare UK). Note that Voss Farming energisers were discontinued in the UK from February 2024, so stick with readily supported brands like Hotline and Gallagher for spares and advice.How much will a one-acre electric fence cost?For a typical one-acre horse paddock using 23 strands of 2040mm polytape, budget roughly 90180 for tape plus 80200 for a battery energiser; expect a mid-range total from about 300 before posts and gates (Dalton Supplies). That estimate scales up if you choose solar or a higher-powered unit for heavy vegetation.Polytape built for horses is wider (2040mm) for visibility and safer contact, costing 3060 per 200m reel. Two to three lines typically use 600900m of tape for an acre, so 90180 covers tape alone. From there, add energiser, posts, insulators, grounding rods and a tester. Solar energisers average 150400, while mains are 100250 if you can site your unit near a power source. Pro tip: buy once, cry once slightly oversizing your energiser saves you from replacing it when summer growth arrives.At Just Horse Riders, we recommend pairing your fencing project with a quick check of other seasonal yard essentials. If your horse is leaning to scratch because of flies, fitting a dedicated fly sheet can reduce that urge and protect your new tape browse breathable fly rugs for summer. In winter mud, sturdy clothing helps with fence checks and repairs keep comfortable in durable womens jodhpurs & breeches or kit out younger helpers with childrens breeches.Power sizing: joules, low-impedance and coping with UK weedsUse a lowimpedance energiser rated around 1 joule of output per mile of fence, and start summer with 4,0005,000V at the unit to maintain 3,000V+ at the far end through vegetation. This oversize for summer approach prevents the all-too-common July voltage sag.Low-impedance energisers push power through light shorts (like wet grass) without stalling; theyre the standard for horse fencing. HorseRails technical guide recommends around 1 joule per mile paired with 3,000+ volts for horses and to oversize slightly for seasonal changes (HorseRail). In practice, UK suppliers suggest models like the Gallagher B40/BA20 or Hotline Gemini/FireDrake for portable or solar setups that can hold their own against British weeds and long lines (Electric Fencing Direct).Quick tip: if you notice animals testing the fence most at the far corner, take your reading there first, not at the energiser. You want 3,000V+ at the end of the run thats the number that matters to your horse.Installation essentials: grounding, tape and visibilityInstall at least one proper earth rod (more for bigger setups), use 2040mm polytape for horse visibility, and keep your joins, insulators and corners tidy to stop power bleeding. A well-earthed, visible fence trains faster and holds its voltage.Grounding is the silent hero of any electric fence. Poor earthing is the number one cause of its on but my horse doesnt care. Drive your earth rod(s) deep into moist soil, space multiple rods a couple of metres apart if needed, and ensure tight, corrosionfree connections. An earth return system can also help on very dry, sandy or chalky ground, but for many UK fields the standard earth rod approach works well thanks to our regular rainfall.For horses, visibility matters as much as the zap. Choose 2040mm polytape rather than thin wire so horses recognise the barrier and avoid panicking. Keep your lines straight, at chest and nose height for your herd typically two lines suffice for calm groups, three for keen jumpers or inquisitive youngsters. Tighten tape sensibly to prevent wind whip.Training makes a huge difference: introduce horses on a low setting first (some UK retailers cite starter options like Fenceman DP350B or CP450), then move to a higher setting for determined leaners once they understand the boundary. During the learning phase, protect legs from any exploratory tangles with supportive horse boots & bandages, and keep on-hand cleaning supplies for minor scrapes from curious noses with yard-ready grooming kit and washes.Seasonal setup: summer weed growth, winter battery care and UK weatherIn UK summers, oversize your energiser and trim vegetation regularly; in winter, monitor battery health and keep connections clean and dry. Wet clay, frost and exposed paddocks all demand more from your system, so maintenance is nonnegotiable.Summer: growth touches your lower line, siphoning voltage. Start the season with 4,0005,000V at the energiser, mow or strim under lower strands, and consider lifting the bottom line a notch for heavy weeks. Wider tape also helps horses see the fence in bright light and wind. If flies are causing rubbing and fence testing, reducing the itch factor helps lightweight fly rugs can lower the urge to lean and scratch.Winter: battery performance dips in the cold and in prolonged wet. Keep solar panels clean and angled to winter sun; store spare batteries off the ground, charged and dry. The 55Ah leisure battery example that runs for around three months is a ballpark be ready to top up sooner during dark, wet spells (FarmCare UK). If youre regularly checking fields at dusk, add a layer of safety for you, too a simple hivis waistcoat or hat band makes you visible to yard traffic and road users if your route crosses lanes.Hardware: both Hotline and Gallagher design for British conditions wet clay, driving rain, frost, and exposed uplands. Look for robust, UVstabilised posts and quality insulators that wont go brittle by spring. If youre kitting out on a budget, keep an eye on seasonal deals in our Secret Tack Room clearance for yardwear and accessories that make fence work more comfortable.Weekly checks and safety: how to know your fence is workingTest your fence weekly at the furthest point and aim for 3,000V+ on the line; fix poor earthing, vegetation shorts or weak joins before horses exploit them. Consistent, proactive checks beat emergency repairs every time.Most energisers feature status LEDs, but a dedicated fence tester is the gold standard use it at your longest or weediest run. If youre under 3,000V, work through this order: a) earthing (rods deep, tight and corrosionfree), b) vegetation (trim back and lift bottom line if needed), c) joins and insulators (clean, tight, nonmetallic insulators for tape), d) energiser output (confirm spec and battery state). If a unit feels undersized once summer arrives, dont be afraid to step up a class; both Electric Fencing Direct and HorseRail advise building in a buffer.At Just Horse Riders, we often hear from customers whose horses only started respecting the fence after they switched to highly visible tape and bumped voltage to hold 3,000V+ at the end post. If your horse still rubs hard even with a solid zap, check comfort factors a correctly fitted winter layer can reduce itch and moulting rubs; browse dependable turnout rugs for cold snaps and cosy stable rugs for offfield downtime.FAQsWhats the minimum voltage for a horse electric fence in the UK?2,0003,000 volts minimum, with 3,000V ideal at the fence line. For long runs or heavy weeds, plan for 4,0005,000V at the unit to maintain 3,000V+ at the far end (HorseRail).Which is better for a remote paddock battery, solar or mains?Solar is best if theres no mains power (e.g., Hotline FireDrake from 219.99+), battery suits portable stripgrazing, and mains is ideal for permanent fences near a socket (Electric Fencing Direct; FarmCare UK).How long does a leisure battery last on a horse fence energiser?As a ballpark, a 55Ah battery in a popular UK solar kit has been reported to last around three months of continuous use; monitor more frequently in dark, wet winters (FarmCare UK).Hotline or Gallagher which offers better value for horses?For most smallholders and mobile paddocks, Hotline delivers robust power at a friendlier price; for long-term, permanent fencing, Gallaghers premium features and 7year registered warranty are compelling (Electric Fencing Direct; FarmCare UK).How do I check if my horse fence is working properly?Use a fence tester at the furthest point weekly and aim for 3,000V+. Fix earthing, vegetation shorts and weak joins first; energiser LEDs are helpful but dont replace a line reading (HorseRail).What will a one-acre electric fence cost me in the UK?Expect around 90180 for 2040mm polytape (23 strands, 600900m) plus 80200 for a battery energiser; midrange totals land at roughly 300+ before posts and gates (Dalton Supplies).Any final tips to stop horses testing the fence?Use visible 2040mm tape, train on low then increase power, hold 3,000V+ at the end post, and manage flies or winter rubs so your horse isnt hunting the fence for relief. If youre upgrading yard kit while youre at it, our curated WeatherBeeta selection and rider-safe riding helmets help keep both horse and handler comfortable and protected during fence checks. Shop the Essentials Everything mentioned in this guide, ready to browse. Shop Fly RugsShop Boots & BandagesShop Jodhpurs & BreechesShop Hi-Vis GearShop Turnout Rugs

Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) is launching major digital investment and innovation within its Horse Source passporting platform, focused on delivering even faster turnaround times, improved data accuracy and a more transparent experience for foal owners and veterinary professionals.This innovation represents a substantial investment in system design, development, testing and automation.The objective is to increase efficiency in the process, particularly during peak periods, and introduce new automated workflows that will allow applications to move even more efficiently, from submission through to passports being issued. The improvements to Horse Source are being introduced later this year.Late last year, HSI and its partners commenced software development aimed specifically at further improving turnaround times within the HSI national passporting system and adding convenience to the customer.This work includes new digital tools, automated workflows and system integrations that reduce the number of steps involved in the process, and postal delays.The investment reflects a long-term commitment to a modern, resilient and compliant passporting infrastructure that supports improved equine traceability and a better customer experience.Currently, when a customer submitted a passport application through Horse Source:a DNA kit and blank paper marking chart were issued to the customer.the customer arranged a veterinary appointment to have the foal marked.the hair sample and completed chart were returned by post to Horse Sport Ireland before being sent on to the laboratory by post.Even when everything runs smoothly, this stage alone can take a minimum of seven working days, depending on how quickly documentation and samples are returned.The next phase of Horse Source introduces a fully digital and automated approach to marking charts and DNA sampling.when a customer applies, a digital marking chart is issued automatically to the nominated veterinary practitioner/clinicDNA labels with unique barcodes are generated at the same timethe veterinary practitioner completes the marking chart online after examining the foalthe hair sample is taken and placed in an envelope labelled with the system-generated barcodethe sample is sent directly to the laboratory.This removes paper forms, eliminates multiple postal steps and ensures marking data and DNA samples are linked accurately within the system from the outset. These changes when introduced will remove the use of paper marking charts.DNA testing is carried out by Weatherbys. The laboratory testing phase takes 14 working days, which remains a fixed element of the overall process.A further development is the introduction of enhanced step-by-step tracking within Horse Source. Customers will be able to see when the DNA sample has been received by the laboratory and when testing has been completed. A step-by step checking system within the laboratory is also currently being developed which will give extra visibility on the process, once that development is complete.This provides a new level of visibility for customers and allows them to follow their application through each stage of the process, including the laboratory phase.Once laboratory testing is complete, DNA results and the completed digital marking chart will upload directly to HSIs registration and quality control systems. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Horse Sport Ireland (@horsesportireland)This allows the internal verification and quality control process to begin immediately, without the need for additional manual data entry or document handling, supporting a faster and more consistent route to passport issue.When combined with the fixed laboratory testing timeframe, these system innovations have the potential to reduce the overall end-to-end passporting process significantly, where applications, veterinary appointments and sample submissions are completed promptly. This represents another improvement in service delivery for foal owners and veterinary professionals.Horse Sport Ireland CEO, Denis Duggan, said: Our customers have experienced substantially improved passport processing times during 2025. Our priority now is to further reduce waiting times and continue to improve the passporting experience for our customers. This requires ongoing investment in technology, system design and testing. Our focus this year is to improve how marking charts and DNA samples move through the process.By introducing innovations such as digital marking and barcode tracking available to Horse Source customers, we are removing avoidable and unneccesary delays and creating a faster and more transparent passporting journey for Horse Source customers.To support the continued development and implementation of the Horse Source platform, updated passporting and related service fees will come into effect from the 1st of March, 2026. HSI has worked hard to ensure that these price increases have been kept to a minimum, keeping them broadly in line with inflationary rates.The updated fees support the continued delivery of a secure, compliant, and efficient system. The decision reflects a responsibility to maintain service standards while strengthening the long-term sustainability of the platform.A clear and transparent breakdown of all updated fees will be published on a dedicated webpage via the HSI website, including foal passport applications, change of ownership, amendments and replacements, importations and other passporting services.HSI will be further engaging with veterinary professionals and will update breeders, owners and veterinary bodies over the coming period and will invite veterinarians to demonstrate the improvements prior to going live. Further communications will be issued having taken this feedback into account.We thank our customers for their continued support as we strive to deliver the most efficient equine passporting system possible for the Irish equestrian community. The post New innovations on the way for Horse Source which will reduce passport turnaround times appeared first on .

Ocala, FL Additional tickets are now available for the two marquee events of the 2026 Longines League of Nations Ocala at World Equestrian Center Ocala. Secure a spot to watch the $350,000 Grand Prix CSIO5* on Thursday, March 19, 2026 and the $770,000 Longines League of Nations Ocala Team Competition on Saturday, March 21, 2026. Dont miss the chance to watch some of the worlds top horse-andSource

Ocala, FL World Equestrian Center Ocala is excited to announce significant updates to the 2026 Summer Series. International competitors can look forward to nine weeks of FEI competition featuring more than $3 million in prize money and a total of 39 FEI ranking classes across the circuit, including increased purses for all ranking divisions and weekly Grand Prix competition.Source

Ocala, FL The $32,000 Dover Saddlery Grand Prix Qualifier CSI2* opened feature competition in the WEC Grand Arena on Friday during Week VIII of the 2026 Winter Spectacular Show Series. After a thrilling 14-horse jump-off, it was Aaron Vale (USA) who proved untouchable aboard Thinkslikeahorses Chutter du Rouet PS (Chacoon Blue x Sir Shutterfly), galloping away with the top prize.Source

Wilmington, Ohio Kelsey Epperson saved the best for last in the $15,000 USHJA National Open Hunter Derby of World Equestrian Center Wilmington (WEC) Winter Classic 11. Out of a 21-horse field, Epperson and her final entry of the class, Stiletto (Maximus x Caprice), stepped out to take the top spot. New to the R+L Arena, Lynn Mullins designed the Hunt-N-Go track for Hunter DerbySource

Ocala, FL Hunter Derby Friday welcomed nearly 100 stunning hunters to GGT Footing Hunter 1 to compete in World Equestrian Center Ocalas (WEC) three staple derbies: $20,000 Golden Ocala 36-39 Hunt & Go Derby, $15,000 UF Veterinary Hospital USHJA National 3 Open Hunter Derby, and $10,000 USHJA National 3 Jr/Am Hunter Derby. Joe Carnicom laid the winding tracks that had horses jumping inSource

The rapidly growing role of artificial intelligence in equine health and welfare is one of the subjects that will be explored at the 2026 National Equine Forum which will take place in London on Thursday 5 March.Professor Tim Parkin, President of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, will chair the discussion which is entitled Artificial intelligence: the future is here.Other topics on the agenda include:beyond caveat emptor: looking under the bonnet of modern vettings, the equine industry in a changing world and on the brink: equine health conditions we cannot ignore. Speakers include a government minister, leading veterinary professionals and senior industry figures.There are also several bite-sized slots which will cover the social value of equestrianism, provide an update on the proposed fireworks legislations and explain the livery yard benchmarking system.Audience interactionThe final session will be the Memorial Lecture which will feature an interview withProfessor Chris Riggs, director, Equine Welfare Research Foundation and chief advisor, Mainland Veterinary Engagement, The Hong Kong Jockey Club.The winner the Sir Colin Spedding Award 2026 will also be announced.All sessions will feature a Q&A section to give the audience and the livestream viewers a chance to engage with the discussions.At a time when regulatory decisions, environmental changes and technological innovation are having an increasing impact on the equestrian sector, the National Equine Forum provides a vital bridge between government, the veterinary profession and those working at the sharp end, said Tim Brigstocke, chair of NEF. Our outstanding line up of speakers will be addressing some of the most pertinent critical issues, grounded in evidence and informed by practical experience.To buy tickets to attend in person or registration for the free live streaming click here.Image Shai Dolev Photography.Related contentGreat ways to enrich your horses environment and make them happierHorse behaviour explained: why everything they do has meaningGrooming advice for a mud- and dust-free coat that shinesWhy a versatile rubber curry comb should be in every grooming kitWhen do horses feel cold?The post AI in equine health and welfare among topics to be discussed at NEF26 appeared first on Your Horse.