For as long as equines have been domesticated, horse and pony owners have looked for ways to keep them warm, safe and protected from the elements. In the wild, horses will search out places to shelter when the weather is too hot, cold, wet or they simply need somewhere secure to rest. However, this is often not possible for domesticated equines, unless they are lucky enough to reside in a paddock lined with mature trees and bushes. Consequently, for the domesticated animal, horse shelters can be hugely beneficial for their health, comfort and wellbeing.

There are a variety of types of horse shelters to choose from, depending on the climate, budget and the terrain it will be built upon. One of the most common choices is a lean-to horse shelter, consisting of three walls, a pitched roof, and one open side. The popularity of this particular option is probably down to its simplicity and cost effectiveness. Horse shelters can either be bought pre-made or constructed by the horse or pony owner. They can also come as portable shelters which can be handy if the structure needs to be dragged around to different locations. Moving the shelter around helps with hygiene and is useful if flooding does become a problem. Whether the individual decides to go down the DIY or pre-built design route will depend on just how handy they are with a hammer and nails.

Once the style of horse shelter has been decided on, the details can be decided. The material used is usually wood as metal can get too hot and can also be noisy in bad weather. The size of the shelter will be dictated by the number of horses that will be using it. There needs to be enough space for all of the horses to stand and lie comfortably in it and the entrance must be adequately wide, so that more dominant horses can’t stop others from entering. A recommended size is about 100 sq. ft. (9 sq m) per horse. However, if a larger area can be provided, it is worth doing so. The more assertive equines can make it difficult for others to stay in the shelter if there is limited space.

After the design has been sorted out, the location of the shelter can be considered. It is important that the shelter is placed in an area of the field that will not flood. The back wall should face the prevailing wind and the shelter should be positioned well away from gates or fences. This makes cleaning easier and means there is plenty of room for horses to both enter and exit the shelter.

Once the shelter is complete, it is important to assess the structure for any sharp edges or protrusions that could harm the horse should it rub or brush up against it. Check for nails, screws, edges of metal siding, pieces of rough wood that might be sticking out and any other dangerous obstacles.

Horse shelters can be a useful investment, as well as a high-value, budget friendly one considering the amount of use the average shelter will get in its lifetime. Horses and ponies are able to keep dry during bad weather, reducing the risk of rain scald, mud fever and other conditions associated with the wet and cold. They will also keep warmer, making it easier for them to keep condition on and meaning less rugs and covers are required. In the summer, a horse can retreat to the shade offered by a good horse shelter, resulting in less overheating, heat rashes and sunburn on horses with white markings and pink skin. In short, they can be a horse or pony owner’s best friend and are well worth considering when deciding how an equine will be kept and what buildings are required to keep them comfortable.