Permanent Electric Horse Fence, continued
Posts: the posts for permanent electric horse fence can be wood posts, steel T-posts, stout fiberglass posts, vinyl posts, T-posts or wood posts covered with vinyl sheaths, or any effective combination of these. It is not just all right but highly desireable to make a permanent electric fence entirely of fiberglass posts, and in fact a whole family of products to build such fences has been developed (see Complete Fiberglass Fences). It is also possible to use only painted steel T-posts (see products 09-20 thru 09-23 and 09-96 thru 09-98), galvanized steel T-posts (see products 09-20A thru 09-24A and 09-96 thru 09-98), or T-posts covered with vinyl sheaths (product 09-94T), though in the case of vinyl-covered T-posts it is usual to employ wooden posts at stress points (the gates, ends, and corners).
Corner, End, and Gate Posts: The corner, end, and gate posts for permanent electric horse fence have traditionally been made of wood. These wood posts (which should be pressure-treated or otherwise rot-proof) should be 6 inches in diameter (if round) or at least 4 inches x 4 inches (if square). They should be sunk deep into the ground, or else should be set in cement footings that extend below the frost line and are buttressed by braces or earth anchors (see product 16-11). T-posts (see products 09-20 thru 09-23 and 09-20A thru 09-24A) or 2-inch fiberglass posts buttressed by braces, cement footings, or earth anchors can also serve as corner, end, and gate posts (see Complete Fiberglass Fences and 09-53 thru 09-60).
Line Posts: Wood posts, T-posts, vinyl-covered T-posts, and fiberglass posts can all serve as line posts for permanent electric horse fence. In general, these posts should be set deep enough to get below the frost line. Either painted or galvanized T-posts (see products 09-20 thru 09-23 and 09-20A thru 09-24A) can be used, and both of these are compatible with vinyl coverings. If fiberglass posts are used (see products 09-08D thru 09-08H, 09-10A, and 09-33 thru 09-50), these should be at least 5/8-inch in diameter. If substantial tension is placed on a fiberglass post fence system, dip posts with augers to prevent rising and ridge posts with plates to prevent sinking should be used at low and high points along the fence (see products 09-71 thru 09-75). The spacing between line posts can be up to 35 feet on a polyrope or polybraid fence, but should shorten down to 15-20 feet, mostly because of wind problems, when wide (1.5-inch to 2-inch) polytape is used.
