5 features you must look for before buying horse sighter wire. 

Horse fencing sighter wire is a specialised type of sighter wire that is used to create a visible boundary for horses in a paddock or other enclosed area. The wire is typically made of thin, high-visibility material, such as plastic or metal, and is attached to posts or other fencing structures to create a visible barrier for the horses. 

It also helps prevent horses from accidentally running into the fence and getting injured. 

If you have a limited budget and want to know the must-have features of a horse sighter wire to create an effective boundary at your property, then keep reading. 

At Stock & Noble, we are the exclusive supplier of a horse sighter wire called, Border Line™. In the last 20 years, the product has been a success for horse studs and other equine properties in Australia, New Zealand, and Europe. Using our years of experience and continuous engagement with horse owners and fencing contractors, we will share 5 critical things to look for in a horse sighter wire. 

The knowledge will help you evaluate different sighter wires available in the market and choose the one that is perfect for your property, your budget and your animals. 

1. The diameter of the horse sighter wire.
2. The ability to be tensioned
3. The right fit for your property
4. Anti mould defence and UV stability
5. Electric vs. non-electric wires

1. Horse sighter wire should have an appropriate diameter

When choosing a sighter wire for your horse fencing, it is important to consider the diameter of the wire. A suitable diameter will provide a more effective visual guide for the horse and help them keep safe. 

Typically, horse sighter wires are available in 4mm to 8mm diameter. 

Thinner horse sighter wires like Border Line™ with a 4mm diameter are purely made of nylon or plastic and typically have no steel in them. Thus, adding extra flexibility and ensuring the horses’ skin is likely to be neither grazed nor cut on contact. 

The thicker horse sighter wires like Horsecote or Legacy Line have an 8 mm thickness and a metal wire running within to hold its shape. The thickness does add to the visibility but compromises the flexibility. Without the metal wire, the fence is more flexible and ultimately safer because over time the plastic can break down around the metal and gets exposed, thus becoming a safety issue. 

Finally, the decision is yours. The most common diameter for sighter wire is 4 mm. This diameter provides a good balance between visibility and strength. It is also easy to handle and is appropriate for most horse fencing applications. For heavy-use areas or greater visibility, a thicker diameter such as 8 mm may be more appropriate. 

2. Horse sighter wire should be well-tensioned

Most horse sighter wires claim that they can be tensioned. However, you need to check with the supplier or manufacturer of the product up to what level can it be tensioned. 

For example, Border Line™ can be tensioned up to 3%, which means the fence will stay stretched, straight and strong when done so. If there is an impact the horse won’t get entangled in it. Once the impact is over the fence will return to its original position. Border Line™ is also pre-stretched while manufacturing, making it hold its tension over time reducing the need to continually tension the fence. 

3. Horse sighter wire should be the right fit for your property.

Sighter wire is a good solution for your horse property if you are looking to create a functional boundary on a fixed budget and prefer a safer option than steel wire fencing. 

In our experience, larger paddocks on horse studs and other equine properties where safety is paramount have successfully used Border Line™ horse sighter wire. 

Smaller internal areas can also benefit from the use of sighter wires. The use of these is often combined with electrics in order to ensure that fences are respected.  

4. Horse sighter wire should have anti-mould defence and UV stability

Australia and New Zealand are typically faced with harsh weather conditions. Your horse property is no exception. The fencing is exposed to extreme sunlight as well as can be ruined by mould in moisture-laden sections of the property.  

It’s highly beneficial in protecting your fencing as well as increasing its life if the horse sighter wire comes with high UV protection and anti-mould technology built in.  

 5. The benefits of electric vs non-electric horse sighter wires should be considered

 One of the main benefits of using horse fencing sighter wire is that it allows horse owners to easily identify the boundary of the paddock or enclosure, which can help prevent horses from escaping or becoming lost. Additionally, the wire is often used in conjunction with other types of fencing, such as electric fencing, to create a more secure barrier for the horses. 

Every horse property has a different fencing requirement depending on the nature of the horses and other factors. Before you choose your sighter wire, check if it can be electrified or not. 

If you want your sighter wire to have high visibility as well as electricity then choose a thicker horse sighter wire with added electrics like Hotcote, Shockcoat or Legacy Line Electric. 

If you want higher flexibility and horse safety, simple functional sighter wires like Border Line™ could be a good option for your property. The only way electric fencing could be added to this fencing is via a separate electric wire like EquiRope, which is highly flexible too. 

So, if you don’t mind metal in your horse fencing, electric sighter wires would work for you. However, if you prefer purely plastic or nylon wires with electrics then consider using a combination of sighter wire plus electric rope. 

Are you confident to choose your horse sighter wire? 

You wanted to build your horse fencing using the safe and effective horse sighter wire but wondered what you should look for before making the final purchase. 

Now you know which features you should look out for in your perfect horse sighter wire. Along with a suitable diameter, colour also plays an important role in assessing the visibility of your preferred fencing. There are different types of whites available and the brighter the white is, the more visible the wire will be to your animals. 

Once you’re through with all the must-have features of your horse fencing, the next step is to compare different horse sighter wires available in Australia and New Zealand. Dive into a detailed comparison based on cost, warranty, longevity and other important parameters. 

Overall, horse fencing sighter wire can be a useful tool for horse owners in ensuring the safety and security of their horses in enclosed areas. It’s easy to install and maintain and can provide an effective and visible barrier for horses. If you want to know more about the suitability of a particular horse sighter wire feel free to book a personalised consultation. Our fencing expert will guide you in making the decision that matches your need and your vision.