8 The permanent fence When horses escape A study by the Weihenstephan University of Applied Sciences demonstrates that things outside the pasture were responsible for most pasture escapes. Even simple things like low-flying aircraft or unusual agricultural machines can panic the horses. Horses escape more often the further the pasture is located from the stables. A survey conducted by the University of Vienna of 161 horse farms concluded that 76 per cent of these operations have had to recapture escaped horses. Breaking out of the pasture was the most-cited reason for this. Most cases of horses escaping were easily resolved for everyone involved. In 16 per cent of the cases investigated by the Viennese scientists, however, the horse, at least, was injured. Cases of personal injury may be rare, but all the more devastating when they do occur as they mainly involve horses colliding with cars on the road. General Anyone who has horses knows how important a pasture fence is. The fencing for a pasture must be as stable and secure as possible. It has to besufficiently high and visible with a deterrent effect. Durability and, not least, the costs of installation and maintenance also play a role in selecting a fence. Horses must not be injured by fences. Fences that combine good visibility, mechanical stability and a psychological deterrent (electric fence)are particularly escape-proof and cause very few injuries. We want to give you an overview of different types of fences and practical tip on building fences in this brochure. A permanent fence is a permanent electric fence system that is installed once in terms of the posts and is not intended to be moved temporarily. Mobile plastic or metal posts can be used if required for internal enclosures.
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