Why Every Horse Paddock Gate Needs an Electric Bungy Fence

Simple Solutions for Healthier Grounds, Safer Horses, and Hassle-Free Handling

If you’ve ever spent time around horse paddocks, you’ll know the humble gate is a hotspot for trouble. From muddy bogs to injured horses and busted gear, it’s often the most problematic spot in the whole paddock. Installing an electric bungy fence just before the gate is a simple, cost-effective fix that can save you a heap of headaches. Here’s why it’s worth making this quick improvement to your set-up.

1. Beat the Mud and Prevent Erosion

Anyone who’s managed a horse paddock through an Aussie winter knows the pain of a churned-up, muddy gateway. Horses congregate at the gate, trampling the same patch of earth until it turns into a sloppy, slippery mess. Not only does this look terrible, but it creates a risky surface for both horses and humans, and accelerates erosion by hooves. By placing an electric bungy fence a metre or so in front of the gate, you keep horses off that vulnerable bit of ground. The result? Drier, firmer footing all year round and less paddock repair work for you.

You can see in the image at the bottom of this post, the grass is re-growing in that space.

2. Reduce Crowding at the Gate

The gate is like the local servo at knock-off time — every horse wants to be there! Without a barrier, they tend to crowd and jostle, which can lead to scuffles, nips, or even a full-on barney. With an electric bungy fence in place, horses have to keep their distance and wait their turn. This makes introducing a new horse to the herd safer, too, as it gives everyone a bit of breathing room.

3. Safer Passage for All Horses

When there’s more than one horse in a paddock, things at the gate can get hairy quick. Dominant horses might block the timid ones, leaving you stuck in a tangle of hooves and ears. The bungy fence acts as a “safety bubble”, giving you space to bring horses in and out one at a time without the mob crowding you. It also reduces the risk of accidents, like a horse barging past or kicking out because it feels boxed in.

4. Protect Your Gear and Gate

Ever hung a hay net, rug or lead rope on the gate, only to find it trampled or chewed a few minutes later? With an electric bungy fence, your gate is out of reach for curious noses and nibbly lips. You can safely hang things like halters, feed bins, or even leave your wheelbarrow nearby, confident they won’t end up as chew toys or get dragged into the mud.

5. Reinforce Your “Safety Bubble”

Horse handling is all about maintaining a calm, controlled environment. A bungy fence in front of the gate lets you reinforce the idea of personal space — for both horse and handler. It creates a predictable routine every time you enter or exit the paddock, reducing stress for everyone involved. Horses quickly learn that they can’t rush the gate, which means less pushy behaviour and a safer experience all round.

6. Make Horse Handling Easier

Whether you’re catching, feeding, or simply moving through the paddock, everything gets easier with less crowding and clearer boundaries. The bungy fence streamlines your daily routine, minimising the chance of accidents and making chores more efficient. You’ll be amazed how much smoother things run when you’re not wrestling with a herd at the gate.

7. Works with Rugs

Even though some rugs won't pass the electric fence charge, when in contact with the horse, the noise of the bungee cord rubbing along the rug will be a good deterrent for most horses. Added bonus!

Where Can I Get Them?

I get mine from Big Red Fencing. They generally cost around $50 per kit (this one can stretch as far as 11m which is a really good size for standard paddock gates). This also gives you plenty of room to open, keep the tension and get horse's in and out, then re-attach to the electric fence.

I also suggest don't leave this on the ground; ensure you re-attach it every time you go through the gate (it can help to keep the electricity flowing through the fencing). Note, in the below picture, where I put the handle (see left hand side of fence), as this allows you to walk in with the horse, continue to walk through, open the bungee gate and get the horse to block the exit whilst you turn to face and re-attach. This helps keep other horses away from you and reinforces the "turn to face the gate" safety release back into the pasture/paddock.

Bungee gate installed in corner near gate

Final Thoughts

For such a small and affordable addition, an electric bungy fence before your paddock gate packs a big punch. It tackles mud and erosion, keeps your horses safe, and makes your life simpler. If you’re after a smarter, safer way to manage your paddock, give this simple trick a go — your horses (and your boots) will thank you for it.