For a pony, a couple of horses or a small paddock behind the house, an electric fence energiser with a stated range of up to 20 km is usually enough. This covers four ZoneGuard models: a 12 km mains energiser, a 10 km battery model and two solar versions, with a stated range of 6 and 20 km.
Worked example: how much wire do you really have?
Say your paddock is 50 by 40 metres. The perimeter is then 180 metres. If you run two lines of tape, you have 360 metres of conductor; with three lines, 540 metres. That is far below the stated range of every energiser in this group. Still, the margin is useful: the range on the box applies to a single wire without vegetation, and tape touching wet grass loses current. With a generous margin, you keep enough shock on the line even in a wet summer.
Ponies and small horses
Ponies are often cleverer with fences than you think: they test the wire, crawl under a bottom line set too high or lean on it if the shock is weak. A well-earthed energiser, tape at the right height for a smaller animal and regular measuring help more than a heavier energiser. Choose the power source based on your paddock: a socket nearby makes the 12 km mains energiser the simplest option.
When not this group
If you also keep sheep or goats behind netting, or your fence becomes longer than a few kilometres, see the powerful energisers from 50 km. If the paddock is far from a socket, you will also find the solar and battery versions together in energisers without mains power. All energisers are under electric fence energisers.
Frequently asked questions
Is 6 km enough for one pony?
For a small paddock with one or two lines of tape, usually yes, provided the earthing is good and the bottom line stays clear of grass. If in doubt, take the 20 km version.
What height should I choose for the tape with a pony?
Match the height to your pony's height at the withers: the top line at around chest height and a lower line so it cannot get underneath.
Can I extend later?
Yes, as long as the total length stays well within your energiser's range. If the fence becomes much longer, a heavier energiser is wiser.