What should I consider when selecting a horse shelter to ensure safety and durability?

We understand this is a big decision for you and you have a lot of questions. Not only that but, this is also a big purchase. We want to make sure you are completely informed when it’s time to buy.

First off, you need to decide if you want the shelter to be portable and easily moveable or do you want it to permanently mounted to the ground. The permanent shelters are built like little barns with posts in the ground and, once they’re there; they’re not moving. Portable shelters can be easily moved for clean-out and pasture maintenance. Our shelters are portable and we anchor them to the ground; so you get the benefits of permanent and the ease of portability.

The next, and maybe the most important decision, is what material the shelter is built with. Typically, most shelters are built with a wood frame because it’s cheaper and easier. Anyone with a few tools can slap together a wood shelter. Just because wood is used more doesn’t mean it’s better. Overtime the as the wood shrinks and swells the screws and nails come loose and drastically weaken the structure. Also, the loose nails can seriously injure your horse. The wood frames are advertised to be portable but, every they’re moved they get weaker. Also, all wood will rot. Our shelters are built with fully-welded steel frame and then painted with an equipment grade rust-inhibitive paint. Move the shelter as many times as you want; you can’t hurt it. Our shelters can last up to 20 years with wood ones only lasting 3-5 years.

Most wood shelters are usually built the same. They have the “pole-barn” steel that goes all the way to the ground and plywood on the inside. This is very unsafe for your horse. Just one kick and their leg could go through the plywood or steel and then when they try to pull it out; their leg is completely shredded. Now, you have a huge vet bill or even worse; you have to put your best friend down. We build our shelters different; ours are much safer. The wood on the bottom is tongue and groove 2×6 Southern Yellow Pine. This makes for a safe, durable and long-lasting finish. Above the wood is the steel in any color you want.

In addition to the above; wood-framed shelters are built with huge 6×6” beams as the skids. This causes two problems. First, this can create an opening on either end where a horse can easily get their leg caught. Second, when it comes time to clean out the shelter; you aren’t able to get a skid steer over the beam. Our shelters sit flat on the ground with only 2” to drive over for clean-out. Drive in, scoop the poop and back out. It doesn’t get any easier than that.

Our shelters also come with a 3’ shade over the front. This gives you and addition 3’ of coverage. We also include a “breezeway” opening in the back. This also the wind to blow through in the summer to keep your horses cool and can be closed in the winter.

We also offer endless customization options including dividers, stall fronts, tack room, tie offs, inset sides, and gates.

I hope this answers some of your questions. If you have more please reach out.

Steel-Frame Shelter

Wood Framed Shelter