According to the USDAs Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, one new vesicular stomatitis (VSV)-positive equine premises has been identified in Yavapai County, Arizona.Since October 2025, VSV has been identified at 11 equine premises in Arizona, as well as in one wild horsefrom the Salt River Wild Horse Management Group in the Tonto National Forest. All confirmed caseshave been vesicular stomatitis New Jersey virus (VSNJV) serotype.The last outbreak of VSV in the U.S. occurred from May 2023 through January 2024, affecting 319 premises across California, Nevada, and Texas. VSV circulates annually between livestock and insect vectors in southern Mexico and only occasionally results in incursion to the U.S.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.About Vesicular StomatitisVesicular stomatitis is a viral disease of horses, donkeys, mules, cattle, swine and New World camelids that occurs in the Western Hemisphere. It is named for the characteristic vesicular lesions it causes in the form of blisters, crusts and ulceration of the lips, muzzle, nose, tongue, ears, sheath, teats and/or coronary band. The virus is transmitted by biting midges and therefore is seasonal.Clinical Signs for vesicular stomatitis include:Vesicle formation leading to ulcerative lesions on the lips, muzzle, nostrils and tongue. The tongue is often the most severely affected area.Ulceration of the inner surface of the lips.Crusting of the muzzle, nostrils, and/or inside the ears.Excessive salivation secondary to the oral lesions.Difficulty picking up and chewing feed.Lameness due to painful erosions on the coronary band.Lesions can occur on the udder, sheath and inside of the ear.Lesions can develop secondary infections resulting in slow-to-heal wounds.Animals on pastures are at increased risk of vesicular stomatitis.Initial diagnosis is based on recognition of characteristic vesicular lesions. Infection is confirmed via laboratory testing for serum antibodies and/or virus identification in fluid samples from active lesions. Veterinarians are required to report suspected cases to state/federal animal health officials who will direct sample submission to an approved regulatory laboratory for diagnostic testing.There is no specific treatment for vesicular stomatitis. Best practices include implementing good biosecurity and treating affected horses with pain relievers, anti-inflammatories and supportive care as recommended by a veterinarian.Isolating all affected animals and placing the premise on immediate quarantine is required until all horses have fully recovered and no active lesions are present. The State Veterinarian will work with the local veterinarian to determine and implement necessary quarantine procedures.

Horse Sport Ireland was pleased to attend the MEP Horse Group meeting today in Brussels, with the invitation facilitated by MEP Nina Carberry.Dr Sonja Egan and Avalon Everett attended on behalf of Horse Sport Ireland, joining policymakers and equine sector representatives at the European Parliament alongside the European Horse Network. The MEP Horse Group is an informal cross-party group of Members of the European Parliament that works to raise awareness of the social, cultural and economic importance of the equine sector, while providing a platform for dialogue between policymakers and stakeholders across Europe.The European Horse Network represents the collective interests of the European equine sector at EU level, bringing together leading organisations from across the industry to engage with policymakers on areas such as animal welfare, traceability, transport, veterinary issues and the economic contribution of horses across Europe.Todays meeting focused on key issues impacting the industry across the EU, including strengthening equine traceability, improving welfare standards, veterinary oversight, and responsible equine transport.It was particularly encouraging to hear European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen speak about her personal connection to horses. She reflected on her love of equestrian sport, the cultural and traditional importance of horses, and the significant contribution the equine sector makes to both domestic and European economies. She also spoke about the values and life lessons that horsemanship has taught her.It was fantastic to engage directly with President von der Leyen and with MEP Sen Kelly during the event, and to discuss the importance of the equine sector in Ireland and across Europe.Horse Sport Ireland would like to extend sincere thanks to MEP Nina Carberry for facilitating the invitation and for her continued support and advocacy for the equine sector at European level.The post Horse Sport Ireland joins MEP Horse Group Meeting alongside European Commission President appeared first on .

According to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 10 horses in Louisa County, Virginia, have tested positive for equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1), and 25 horses have been exposed. One horse has been euthanized. The premises is under quarantine.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.EHV 101Herpesvirus is highly contagious among horses and can cause a variety of ailments in equids, including rhinopneumonitis (a respiratory disease usually found in young horses), abortion in broodmares, and EHM.In many horses, the first or only sign of EHV-1 infection is fever, which can go undetected.In addition to fever, other common signs of EHV-1 infection in young horses include cough, decreased appetite, depression, and a nasal discharge. Pregnant mares typically show no signs of infection before they abort, and abortions usually occur late in gestation (around eight months) but can be earlier. Abortions can occur anywhere from two weeks to several months following infection with EHV-1.Horses with EHM usually have a fever at the onset of the disease and might show signs of a respiratory infection. A few days later, neurologic signs such as ataxia (incoordination), weakness or paralysis of the fore- and hind limbs, urine retention and dribbling, loss of tail tone, and recumbency (inability to rise) develop.Herpesvirus is easily spread by nose-to-nose or close contact with an infectious horse; sharing contaminated equipment including bits, buckets, and towels; or clothing, hands, or equipment of people who have recently had contact with an infectious horse.Routine biosecurity measures, including hygiene and basic cleaning and disinfection practices, should be in place at all times to help prevent disease spread.Current EHV-1 vaccines might reduce viral shedding but are not protective against the neurologic form of the disease. Implementing routine biosecurity practices is the best way to minimize viral spread, and the best method of disease control is disease prevention.

Ocala, FL A warm and sunny Florida day set the scene this morning at World Equestrian Center Ocala (WEC) for the first featured class of the day, the $62,500 Alltech Grand Prix Qualifier CSI3*. Forty-eight horse-and-rider combinations representing 12 different nations competed for the top spot on the podium, but it was Lauren Balcomb (AUS) who went early in the jump-off order andSource

Ocala, FL The WEC Grand Arena welcomed 28 horse-and-rider combinations under the sun late Thursday morning for the final $32,000 Grand Prix CSIU25 of the WEC CSIU25 Series, both sponsored by Forestier Sellier. Catsy Cruz (USA) crafted a track that proved difficult for the field, seeing only two partnerships jump a clear effort to advance to the jump-off. Hannah Rohrbach (USA) andSource

Stallion management has a major impact on the success of a breeding program. | Adobe StockStallion management is an underserviced area, yet subfertility or infertility has a vast effect on the success of a breeding plan, said C. Scott Bailey, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACT, associate professor at Cornell Universitys College of Veterinary Medicine, in Ithaca, New York. Bailey described key management factors veterinarians should evaluate in live cover stallions during his presentation at the 2025 American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention, held Dec. 6-10, in Denver, Colorado.While mare management often dominates reproductive discussions, Bailey emphasized that overlooking the stallion can derail an entire breeding season. From anatomy and physiology to housing and behavior, small management gaps can have significant fertility consequences.Understanding Stallion Anatomy and Fertility TimelinesPuberty in male horses typically occurs between 12 and 24 months, with full sexual maturity between 4 and 5 years old. Breeding stallions prior to two to three years of age can result in subfertility and long-term behavior problems, Bailey noted.He said the glans penis enlarges markedly during erection, and ejaculation occurs directly into the uterus. The testicles lie horizontally within the scrotum, and rotation or torsion up to 180 degrees can be normal during breeding.Trauma to the penis and scrotum are common with live cover and often emergent, said Bailey. Seminal vesiculitis (inflammation or infection of the seminal vesicles, which are the structures that produce semen) can also occur and rarely, a blocked ampulla (a disorder in which accumulated dead sperm obstruct the widened end of the vas deferens, which is the conduit of sperm) or urethral tears. Timing also matters following illness or injury. After a systemic disease event or testicular insult, it takes 66 to 71 days for newly produced sperm to appear in the ejaculate. So, there will be a period of subfertility.Natural vs. Managed Stallion BehaviorBailey contrasted modern stallion housing with feral social structures. In natural bands one or two mature stallions maintain a harem of mares, while bachelor bands consist of displaced or younger males. Importantly, testosterone production is closely related to the presence of mares, said Bailey. Harem stallions have twice the testosterone of bachelor stallions. But within one week of a stallion entering a harem, they will produce 200% the testosterone, and vice versa with a stallion displaced from harem. In addition, as in mares, photoperiod influences stallions reproductive hormones.Under natural conditions stallions approach mares head-to-head. Mares in estrus reposition themselves, and stallions might mount without erection. After breeding, the mare simply walks away.In contrast, managed stallions are often housed in isolation with limited exercise and minimal contact with maressometimes even less social interaction than a bachelor stallion.Natural mating is anything but natural to a managed stallion compared to the feral situation, said Bailey. Managed stallions have minimal physical contact with mares, and we do not even allow penetration without some sort of barrier, such as a matted panel, between the mare and stallion.Modern expectations are also compressed: erection within two minutes, mounting within seconds, limited thrusts, and ejaculation on the first attempt. When that sequence falters, problems such as poor libido, mounting issues, aggression, incomplete ejaculation, or urine contamination of semen might arise.Practical Stallion Management Tips to Improve Breeding SuccessOne way to mitigate these issues is by changing housing, said Bailey. We can imitate a harem by pasturing mares close by, allowing visual and olfactory contact with mares but not other stallions. Stallions with behavior problems can be reversed with patience, time, and confidence.His additional management recommendations included:Maintain a consistent schedule, environment, and personnel. But sometimes you need to change the environment to reset the stallions behavior, such as moving from the breeding shed to the field, said Bailey.Ensure the mare is in strong estrus, particularly for young or problematic stallions.Allow safe physical contact between the stallion and mares when appropriate depending on the individual horses and those handling them.Correct unsafe behavior in a way that avoids negative breeding associations.Keep detailed records of breedings and use them to assess performance.Analyze semen, including post-breeding samples, to confirm sperm concentration and motility along with absence of blood or urine.Perform genital cultures every 10 mares to screen for sexually transmitted disease.In some situations, Bailey said adding semen extender after breeding might offer some benefitsfor example, when sperm quality is suboptimal or subclinical infections are suspected, because extenders contain antibiotics and can help move residual sperm toward the oviducts. He also noted that a newer technique called deep-horn reinforcement, modeled after deep uterine horn insemination used elsewhere in the industry, has not been shown to improve outcomes in stallions used for live cover.Take-Home MessageWhen conception rates dip, attention often turns immediately to the mares. Bailey emphasized the importance of stallion physiology, social environment, behavior, and handling protocols for fertility outcomes.Subfertility is rarely random, ?he said?. By aligning management more closely with biology and by critically evaluating housing, behavior, and semen quality, veterinarians and breeding farm managers can improve live cover success and protect the long-term reproductive soundness of valuable stallions.

Equine welfare charity, World Horse Welfare (WHW), has developed a tool which enables yard managers and horse owners to assess the welfare of horses in their care.The Horses Experiences on Yards (HEY) tool is an online document which is based on the Five Domains Model (nutrition, environment, health, behavioural interactions and mental state),key areas that influence horses ability to not just survive but thrive in their environment. The HEY tool asks yard managers and horse owners to record what percentage of the time each of the 15 individual needs of the horses in their care are being met. It thenencourages them to come up with both short and long-term actions for any needs where there is an opportunity to provide a more positive experience.The tool was developed by WHW in conjunction withanimal welfare scientist and consultant Dr Jill Fernandes, of Animal Centric, and equine welfare scientist Cristina Wilkins.Rethinking assumptionsHaving used Animal Centrics expertly facilitated Welfare Assessment of Horses on Yards (WAHY) process to gauge the experiences of the horses at our own rescue and rehoming centres, we know how valuable it is to sit down as a team and objectively assess your horses wellbeing in their current environment, said vet Malcolm Morley, World Horse Welfares Director of UK.It prompted everyone involved to step back, reflect on what we do day-to-day and, in some cases, rethink our assumptions. That shared reflection has helped us to identify whats already working well and where we can make some adjustments to improve our horses mental and physical experiences.We saw an opportunity to take this concept and develop a tool that was accessible at a yard level with a view to encouraging those involved in the day-to-day care of horses to consider what changes they might be able to make to improve their horses welfare.We hope it gets people talking and sharing their thoughts, with the horses at the centre of the discussion. Everyones opinion matters in this process this really should be a team effort!Aimed at yard ownersWhile the HEY tool, which is free to use, is suitable for all owners with multiple horses, it has been primarily designed to consider welfare at the overall yard level so its most suitable for yard managers/owners to work through with their teams. The process of developing the HEY with World Horse Welfare and Cristina Wilkins has been so thought provoking, and what I like most about the HEY is that it continuously brings us back to the horses perspective. We are challenged to keep asking ourselves, What actually matters to the horse? said Dr Jill Fernandes. Christina Wilkins added: Even the most experienced teams can become accustomed to the way things have always been done. Bringing in a structured process especially one supported by external expertise, such as that offered by Animal Centric can reveal opportunities that might otherwise go unnoticed. Its heartening to see World Horse Welfare taking this initiative a step further and developing a tool that enables other yards to begin this process themselves, making reflective, horse-centred welfare assessment more accessible across the sector.World Horse Welfare has produced some accessible videos explaining how to use the HEY tool, which can be found, along with the HEY itself,here.Image World Horse Welfare.More from Your HorseIt is possible to overcome fear when youre riding a horse, says BHS coachToo cold or just right? Experts explain when to put a rug on a horse (and when not to)Could not wearing high vis leave horse riders liable in a road accident? Solicitor answersHow to provide a stabled horse with the three Fs (and why its so important that you do)The post Charity launchesfree tool to help assess horses welfare on yards appeared first on Your Horse.

13 min read Last updated: January 2026 Setting up electric fencing for your horses and want it safe, horse-friendly and fully UK-compliant? This guide shows you the exact kit, layouts and checks to useso you keep horses in, the public safe and regulators happyincluding the key step of fitting warning signs at least every 50 m. Quick Summary Short on time? Here are the key takeaways. Area: Compliant energiser What To Do: Choose a CE/UKCAmarked energiser that declares conformity to BS EN 60335276 and power each fence from a single energiser or circuit. Install to the manufacturers instructions and keep the declaration of conformity. Why It Matters: Ensures safe pulse limits and legal compliance for horses and people. Common Mistake: Running multiple energisers on one fence or not retaining compliance paperwork. Area: Safe power & earthing What To Do: Fit an IP44 outdoor RCD at 30 mA with 40 ms trip at 5In, and place earth stakes in damp ground at least 10 m from any mains earth; add linked stakes if needed. Why It Matters: Reduces shock risk and delivers consistent fence performance. Common Mistake: Skipping the RCD or positioning the fence earth too close to the buildings mains earth. Area: Separation & barbed wire What To Do: Keep at least 150 mm between electrified and nonelectrified wires and never electrify or run live conductors against barbed wire. Why It Matters: Prevents combined shocks and reduces injury risk. Common Mistake: Clipping live tape to existing barbed or stock wire to save posts. Area: Public signage What To Do: Fit warning signs on public sides every 50 m; use signs at least 200 100 mm with 25 mm letters and place them clearly visible. Why It Matters: Warns walkers and riders and meets UK guidance. Common Mistake: Only signing gates or using small, faded, or poorly placed signs. Area: Conductor choice What To Do: Use UVstabilised 2040 mm white tape; pick 40 mm for permanent windy sites and 1220 mm for temporary or sheltered runs to reduce sail effect. Why It Matters: Broad, visible tape is safer and better respected by horses. Common Mistake: Using thin wire/rope thats hard to see alongside paths and bridleways. Area: Insulators & connectors What To Do: Fit purposemade insulators (widemouth rings on timber; inline/tube on strain points), use tape connectors at joins and corners, and tension from robust end posts. Why It Matters: Prevents leaks and shorts and keeps power flowing across the fence. Common Mistake: Tying knots in tape or using improvised insulators like hose. Area: Rights of way layout What To Do: Provide a 3 m usable width (about 4 m fencetofence), keep live wires 1 m outside that edge or shield them, and uphold the 150 mm separation rule. Why It Matters: Keeps all users safely away from electrified lines. Common Mistake: Narrowing paths so users must brush past live tape. Area: Maintenance & testing What To Do: Inspect weekly in wet/windy spellstest voltage, clear vegetation, wipe dirty tape, check insulators and earthingand record your checks. Why It Matters: UK weather degrades insulation and the regs expect ongoing maintenance. Common Mistake: Only investigating faults after escapes or obvious sagging. In This Guide What UK rules make an electric fence safe for horses? How to choose the right energiser and power safely Tape, rope or wire: whats best for horse paddocks? Install posts, insulators and tension the right way Safe layouts near bridleways and public access Maintenance, testing and troubleshooting in UK weather Budgeting your paddock fence: a practical shopping list In summary: safe, visible and compliant fences keep horses and people safer Electric fencing is one of the safest, most flexible ways to manage UK horse paddocks if you install it to the right standard. Done well, it keeps horses in, keeps the public safe, and stands up to wet, windy British weather.Key takeaway: Use a BS EN 60335-2-76 compliant energiser, keep 150 mm separation from any non-electrified wire, run only one energiser per fence, fit warning signs every 50 m next to public paths, and choose highly visible 2040 mm tape with proper insulators and tensioning.What UK rules make an electric fence safe for horses?In the UK, electric fences are safe and legal when you use a BS EN 60335-2-76 compliant energiser, maintain 150 mm separation from non-electrified wires, power each fence from a single energiser or circuit, avoid barbed wire, and signpost public sides every 50 m.BS EN 60335-2-76 limits pulse energy, duration and repetition rate so horses and people receive a brief, non-harmful shock rather than a continuous discharge. Reputable units carry CE or UKCA marking backed by a declaration of conformity. As UK specialists at Dalton Supplies put it:Reputable units are placed on the market with either Conformit Europenne marking or United Kingdom Conformity Assessed marking supported by a declaration of conformity... Buy compliant units from reputable suppliers, keep the paperwork, install in accordance with the manufacturers instructions and with the British Standard. (Dalton Supplies)BS EN 60335-2-76 also sets two essential layout rules highlighted by Professional Electrician:The supporting devices for the electrified wires should be constructed so that those wires are at least 150 mm from the vertical plane of the non-electrified wires... Not more than one energiser or one independent fence circuit of the same energiser should be connected to one fence. (Professional Electrician)Where fences run alongside public rights of way, you must display warning signs at least every 50 m. Gallagher specifies each sign should be a minimum of 200 x 100 mm with 25 mm letter height so theyre clearly visible (Gallagher).Finally, never electrify barbed wire or run electrified conductors against it. The UK reference manual from Dovebugs is unequivocal:Barbed wire should not be used as a conducting wire in an electric fence or used in conjunction with any fence which has part of it electrified. There is a risk of serious injury from prolonged exposure to electric shocks. (Dovebugs Electric Fencing Manual)Even though there is no single Electric Fencing Act, the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, and the Animal Welfare Act 2006 all require that your installation prevents foreseeable danger from signage and visibility to maintenance and safe energiser selection (Conwy Country Supplies).How to choose the right energiser and power safelyChoose a CE/UKCA-marked energiser declaring conformity to BS EN 60335-2-76, fit an outdoor-rated RCD (IP44) set to 30 mA with a 40 ms maximum operating time at 5In, and place the energiser earth at least 10 m from any mains earth.A compliant energiser manages pulse energy and timing so wildlife and people dont receive a dangerous continuous shock. Keep paperwork proving conformity (and your installation notes) with your yard records its part of demonstrating safe practice should an incident occur.Where mains supplies feed the energiser, Professional Electrician advises residual current device protection with a rated residual operating current not exceeding 30 mA and an operating time not exceeding 40 ms at 5In, and to use IP44 equipment outdoors (Professional Electrician).Earthing is the backbone of fence performance. Gallagher recommends placing the energiser earth at least 10 m from any mains earthing systems and using proper earth stakes driven into permanently damp ground if possible (Gallagher). Poor earthing is the most common cause of weak shocks.Position live conductors away from normal touch height where the public may brush past, and always run a single energiser (or a single independent circuit from the same energiser) to any one fence to prevent excessive combined discharge. Test output regularly and record checks to comply with the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.Quick tip: If youll be walking field margins that adjoin lanes, wear visible kit such as hivis rider gear and sturdy riding boots especially on dark winter afternoons.Tape, rope or wire: whats best for horse paddocks?For most UK horse paddocks, 2040 mm UVstabilised tape is safest and most visible, with 40 mm best for permanent windy sites and 1220 mm better for temporary stripgrazing to reduce sag and sail effect.Horses see broad white tape far better than thin wire, which is why UK safety guidance favours visible conductors near public paths and bridleways. Wider tape can catch the wind; in exposed fields a 20 mm or 12 mm tape reduces flutter and keeps tension.When you want maximum visibility and strength, a premium 40 mm tape like Optima makes sense: 10 x 0.4 mm stainless steel conductors, just 0.85 ohms resistance, a hefty 330 kg break strain, and around 61 for a 250 m roll (Farmcare UK). This is ideal for semi-permanent perimeter lines and for habitually cheeky horses.For lighter duty or temporary runs, a 20 mm option like Liveline offers value at 20.99 for 200 m with an 80 kg break strain fine for rotational grazing if you keep post spacing tight and tension correct (Farmcare UK).Never tie knots in tape: they break conductors and starve the line of power. Use proper tape connectors and tensioners so current flows across joins and corners. Reinforced edges reduce fray in wind and extend life in the UKs damp winters and sunny summers.Hightensile wire has its place in permanent, stockfenced boundaries, but if you choose it, the BS specifies a minimum nominal diameter of 3.15 mm with a zinc coat weight of 275 g/mm to BS443 and EN10244 (Dovebugs). For horses, wide, visible tape remains the safer default. And remember: barbed wire must never be electrified, and if it exists in a boundary, keep electrified lines at least 150 mm away in the same vertical plane.Pro tip: In summer, combine visible tape with insect protection for sensitive horses. Our customers often pair reliable fencing with breathable fly rugs and sheets to keep paddock time comfortable.Install posts, insulators and tension the right wayUse purpose-made in-line or tube insulators, wide-mouth screwin rings on timber posts, and proper tape connectors, then strain conductors tightly from end and corner posts.Insulation is nonnegotiable. The UK reference manual advises using plastic or porcelain inline insulators and purposemade tube insulators; makeshift options like cut garden hose quickly attract moisture and contaminants, leading to leakage and shorts (Dovebugs).Screwin ring insulators are fine for wooden posts and work with both rope and tape just make sure you choose a widemouth design so the tape isnt crushed or split under tension (AVS Fencing). On corners and ends, fit strainer insulators rated for the pull youll apply.Strain your lines properly. For permanent or semipermanent tape, tension from robust end and corner posts using manufacturerapproved tensioners. For temporary strip lines, use reel systems and plastic posts set closer together to minimise sag in wind (AVS Fencing).Step-by-step install basics:Plan line routes to avoid hedges/trees touching conductors and to keep the public side clearly signed.Set solid end and corner posts; intermediate posts at spacings tight enough to stop tape billowing (shorter spans in windy sites).Fit purpose-made insulators to every contact point; avoid staples and improvised materials.Run tape level and straight; connect sections with proper tape connectors (never knots).Attach warning signs at least every 50 m where a public path or bridleway runs alongside.Install the energiser, earth stakes and RCD as per manufacturer and BS EN 60335276 guidance.Test voltage along the fence and troubleshoot any highresistance joins or vegetation shorts.Quick tip: When youre putting posts in on gloomy afternoons, highvisibility layers help you be seen by road users and other yard staff. Consider a lightweight hivis waistcoat or jacket and supportive, grippy yardready riding boots.Safe layouts near bridleways and public accessProvide a minimum 3 m usable width for equestrian access (4 m total between fences), set live wires 1 m outside that edge or shield them, and place warning signs every 50 m on public sides.The British Horse Society (BHS) is clear that the path must be safe for all users without anyone being forced close to an electrified line. Their guidance states:Part of the width requirement is to provide safe passing for all users without any party having to go close to an electrified wire... If it is not possible to shield the wires, each wire must be taut between secure upright posts at least 1 m outside the edge of a useable width of no less than 3 m. (BHS)Along public rights of way, fit warning signs every 50 m, each at least 200 x 100 mm with 25 mm letters, so riders and walkers can clearly see the hazard (Gallagher). Keep electrified conductors at least 150 mm away from any nearby nonelectrified wires like stock or barbed strands to prevent combined shock risk (Professional Electrician).On registered common land youll generally need Secretary of State permission to erect electric fencing unless it meets certain temporary criteria; always check in advance and prioritise highly visible tape to reduce risk to the public and loose stock (BHS).Pro tip: When youre turning horses out on grazed tracks beside rights of way, well-fitting protection can reduce knocks if they spook or play near boundaries. Browse supportive horse boots and bandages for daily turnout.Maintenance, testing and troubleshooting in UK weatherInspect and test weekly in wet or windy spells, checking voltage, tape sag, insulators, vegetation, earthing, and sign integrity, and record checks to meet Electricity at Work expectations.UK rain and winter mud reduce insulation and increase leakage across dirty insulators and algaecoated tape. Dalton Supplies and BS EN 60335276aligned guidance recommend routine testing and maintenance: walk the lines, clear vegetation, wipe down tape if its dirty with a damp cloth, and replace brittle insulators (Dalton Supplies).Recheck earthing at the start of each wet season: additional earth stakes, correctly spaced and linked, can restore punch to long paddock runs. If voltage drops dramatically at joins or corners, replace worn connectors and retension tape. After storms, inspect for fallen branches and for any tape that has twisted or frayed.Through winter and early spring, keep your horses comfortable as you rotate grazing. If youre stripgrazing behind tape, plan rug weights to conditions and choose hardwearing, waterproof turnout rugs so horses stay settled when grass is sparse and winds are up.Quick tip: In summer, UV degrades poorquality tape. Choose UVstabilised options and store spare reels out of direct sunlight to extend life.Budgeting your paddock fence: a practical shopping listExpect tape to cost 2061 per roll depending on width and strength, with additional spend on a compliant energiser, earth stakes, insulators, connectors, tensioners and warning signs.Heres a simple example for a 200 m paddock line (one perimeter strand):Conductor: One 250 m roll of premium 40 mm tape (e.g., Optima, 10 x 0.4 mm conductors, 0.85 ohms, 330 kg break strain) at around 61 great for visibility and longevity in windy sites (Farmcare UK).Or budget option: One 200 m roll of 20 mm tape (e.g., Liveline, 80 kg break strain) at 20.99 for temporary or sheltered runs (Farmcare UK).Energiser: BS EN 60335276 compliant, CE/UKCA marked, correctly sized for your total fence length and vegetation conditions (keep the declaration of conformity).Power safety: IP44 outdoor RCD at 30 mA with 40 ms trip at 5In, suitable mains cabling, and a minimum 10 m separation from mains earthing (Professional Electrician; Gallagher).Earth: One or more galvanised earth stakes, linked and driven into damp ground.Insulators: Widemouth screwin rings for timber posts and inline/tube insulators for strain points (avoid improvised materials) (Dovebugs).Connectors and tensioners: Tape connectors for every join, corner and gate handle point (never tie knots), plus tensioners to maintain a tight, visible line.Warning signs: 200 x 100 mm minimum with 25 mm letters, fitted every 50 m along publicfacing sides (Gallagher).Posts: Permanent timber or Tposts for perimeters; plastic stepins and reels for temporary stripgrazing.At Just Horse Riders, we recommend planning fieldwork around the forecast and kitting yourself out for comfort and safety. If youre refreshing boundaries for winter turnout, browse durable winter turnout rugs from trusted brands like WeatherBeeta and Shires. On hot, flyheavy days, consider lighter paddock setups and add fly rugs for comfort. If youre watching the budget this season, check our Secret Tack Room clearance to stretch your yard spend further.Quick tip: Move horses away from your working area with a helper and a pocket of horse treats so you can tension and test lines without curious noses underfoot.In summary: safe, visible and compliant fences keep horses and people saferSafe UK electric fencing comes down to three things: a compliant energiser and power supply, highly visible and wellinsulated conductors, and thoughtful layout with clear signage and regular maintenance. Follow the BHS spacing rules, keep 150 mm from any nonelectrified wire, and test frequently especially through wet, windy months. With the right kit and habits, your paddocks will be safer, tidier and easier to manage yearround.FAQsAre screwin ring insulators suitable for electric fence tape instead of rope?Yes on wooden posts, screwin ring insulators work with both rope and tape as long as they have a wide mouth to prevent pinching and splitting the tape under tension. Choose purposemade plastic or porcelain designs and avoid improvised options (AVS Fencing).Can I mix tape with existing rope fencing?Yes for temporary upgrades, but keep at least 150 mm separation from any nonelectrified wires, power the fence from only one energiser or independent circuit, and use visible tape where the public or riders may pass. Strain tightly to minimise sag in UK winds (Professional Electrician).What UK law applies to electric fences near bridleways?The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and Animal Welfare Act 2006 require safe installation and maintenance, while BHS guidance mandates at least a 3 m usable width (4 m between fences) with wires shielded or set 1 m outside that edge. Fit warning signs every 50 m along public sides (BHS).How often should I check tape and insulators in wet UK weather?Check at least weekly in prolonged wet or windy spells: test voltage, clear vegetation, inspect insulators for cracks and contamination, and retension tape. This routine aligns with BS EN 60335276 principles and the Electricity at Work Regulations expectation of ongoing maintenance (Dalton Supplies).Is barbed wire allowed with electric tape?No. Do not electrify barbed wire or run electrified lines against it. Where barbed wire exists, maintain at least 150 mm separation from the electrified conductor to reduce entanglement and shock risk (Dovebugs; Professional Electrician).Whats the best tape for UK horse paddocks?Choose UVstabilised 2040 mm tape with multiple stainlesssteel conductors: 40 mm (e.g., Optima, 10 x 0.4 mm, 0.85 , 330 kg, ~61/250 m) for permanent, windy sites; 1220 mm (e.g., Liveline, 80 kg, 20.99/200 m) for temporary or sheltered runs (Farmcare UK).Do I need warning signs, and what size should they be?Yes where a fence borders a public path or bridleway. Fit signs every 50 m, at least 200 x 100 mm with 25 mm letter height, so theyre clearly visible to all users (Gallagher). Shop the Essentials Everything mentioned in this guide, ready to browse. Shop Hi-Vis GearShop Riding BootsShop Turnout RugsShop Fly RugsShop Boots & Bandages

Jessica Kurten has named the combinations who will represent Ireland at the Longines League of Nations (LLN) second leg in Ocala, Florida on March 21st.Ireland finished sixth of 11 nations in the Abu Dhabi opener and have since finished an excellent second at the four-star Wellington Nations Cup last weekend.There, Cian OConnor, Tom Wachman and Shane Sweetnam joined Jordan Coyle in the team and Kurten retains three of that quartet for Ocala, with Bertram Allen replacing Coyle.Allen will partner Quonquest De Rigo, who jumped double clear for Ireland in last years LLN final, while OConnor will be the mount of the London five-star World Cup podium finisher Chatouline Ps. Wachman and Tabasco De Toxandria Z, the duo who jumped double clear in last years Aga Khan on Wachmans debut in the Dublin showpiece, and Sweetnam with his incredible Paris Olympics mount, Irish Sport Horse James Kann Cruz, make up the team.Kurten said: We have selected a strong team of in-form combinations and Im looking forward to competing against the worlds best nations again at such a spectacular venue.Im excited to see what this team can do but, as you would expect, there are very strong teams in opposition. Well be doing are very best to get a result.Ireland won the Ocala leg of the LLN in 2024, and currently lie in sixth position of the standings on 60 points. France leads with 100 points after winning in Abu Dhabi, followed by Germany on 90 points and Brazil on 80 points, with Switzerland (70), Great Britain (55), USA (50), Italy (45), Belgium (40) and the Netherlands (35) close enough behind to ensure every clear round matters.The post Ireland team named for Longines League of Nations second leg in Ocala appeared first on .