Choosing the appropriate equine shelters for your farm relies on your budget and overall requirements. Regardless of the horse run-in shed or shelter you choose, it can save you time and money compared to a traditional barn.

Both run-in sheds and portable shelters are excellent structures for safeguarding horses from the weather. While horses need protection from extreme temperatures, they also like a spot to call home to remain content and relaxed.

A portable horse shelter provides quick and cost-effective coverage while also offering the freedom to come and go. Our portable shelters also come with storage built in so you can keep feed, tack or other supplies close at hand.

If you are considering whether to choose between a portable horse shelter for horses and a conventional barn stall, Portable Buildings of Alberta, horse shelter options are a more suitable option for several reasons, including:

1. Affordability: A horse shelter is considerably more affordable than a traditional barn. When you prioritize budget, yet still require a sturdy and reliable livestock shelter, our horse shelters offer an excellent alternative that is budget-friendly.
2. Ease of assembly: Our horse shelters are pre-builts and can be moved easily and quickly, in contrast to constructing an entire barn with stalls. When you require immediate shelter for your horses with the option of portability, these are an ideal solution for your property.
3. Enhanced ventilation: Horses must reside in an area with ample ventilation. Stuffy barns can result in various health issues that won’t arise when using an equine shelter from Portable Buildings Alberta
4. Premium Build Quality:  Our buildings are built with strict attention to quality materials and quality build practises.
5. Size and Capacity: Ensure that the shelter you choose is spacious enough to accommodate all your horses comfortably. It should provide ample room for them to move, lie down, and seek protection from the elements. Consider the height, width, and length of the shelter to ensure it meets your horse’s size requirements.
6. Location and Orientation: Select a suitable location that provides easy access for the horses and convenient maintenance for you. Ensure proper drainage to avoid water accumulation inside the shelter. Additionally, consider the orientation of the shelter to maximize natural light and provide protection from prevailing winds.

Horse shelters play a crucial role in maintaining the health and well-being of horses. Here are some reasons why equine shelters are necessary for horse health:

1. Protection from the Elements: Equine shelters provide horses with a safe space to seek protection from the blazing sun and extreme cold weather conditions. They offer shelter from rain, snow, wind, and excessive sunlight, minimizing the risk of weather-related health issues such as hypothermia, heat stress, or sunburn.
2. Regulation of Temperature: Properly designed shelters help regulate temperature fluctuations, providing horses with a more comfortable environment. They offer shade during hot summer months and can be insulated to retain warmth during cold winters, helping horses maintain their body temperature within a safe and healthy range.
3. Preventing Respiratory Issues: Adequate shelter can help reduce exposure to dust, pollen, and other airborne irritants that can trigger respiratory problems in horses. By providing a clean and well-ventilated environment, shelters help minimize the risk of respiratory ailments, such as allergies or respiratory infections.
4. Reducing Parasite Infestation: Horse shelters offer a controlled environment that can help minimize the exposure of horses to external parasites, such as flies and mosquitoes. Properly constructed shelters can be equipped with screens, fans, or other preventive measures to reduce the presence of pests, which can carry diseases or cause discomfort.
5. Rest and Recovery: Horses require regular periods of rest and recovery to maintain their overall health and well-being. Equine shelters provide a designated space for horses to rest, sleep, and recuperate without disturbances. A comfortable and stress-free environment promotes proper rest, which is essential for maintaining their physical and mental health.
6. Safe Handling and Care: Horse shelters provide a secure and controlled environment for handling and caring for horses. They offer a space for routine activities such as grooming, veterinary care, hoof care, and administering medications. This reduces the risk of accidents, injuries, and stress associated with performing these tasks outdoors or in less controlled environments.
7. Social Interaction: Horse shelters can facilitate social interaction among horses. They offer a common space where horses can interact, form social bonds, and engage in natural herd behaviours. Social interaction is crucial for the mental well-being of horses, promoting emotional stability and reducing stress.
8. Storage and Organization: Horse shelters often have dedicated storage areas for hay, feed, and equipment. Proper storage and organization help maintain the quality of feed, reduce the risk of feed contamination, and ensure that horses receive proper nutrition.

Horse shelters provide horses with a safe, comfortable, and controlled environment, contributing to their overall health and well-being. They protect horses from the elements, reduce the risk of health issues, and support their natural behaviours. Proper sheltering is an essential aspect of responsible horse care.

If you are from Alberta you know that we get every kind of weather…we get it all, and we can get it all on the same day.

We get high heat in the summer, sometimes above 30 degrees celsius, and we get extreme cold in the winter sometimes negative 40 and then the wind chill can be even worse.  We get long hours of sun and long hours of wind.  We also get rain, snow and hail.

A horse needs to be protected from all these things, especially if they don’t have trees to hide in.

You will need a shelter that can protect your horse from the elements, such as the blazing sun and extreme cold, rain, or snow.

There are different types of shelters available for horses, such as run in shelters corral shelters and row barns.

Portable horse shelters can provide quick and affordable cover and give horses the freedom to come and go.  They also have a roof and walls which help the horses get out of the wind and under cover from hail and rain and sun.

Here are some tips on helping with the maintenance and up keep of your horse shelter. Maintaining a horse shed is important to ensure that it remains safe and functional for your horse. Here are some tips for maintaining your horse shed:

A horse shelter should allow for at least 12 square feet of space per horse.

Usually, most multi-horse horse shelters are 10 feet high at the opening, and 8-9 feet high at the back.  This allows the roof to slope.

The width varies based on how many horses you will have in the field, but normal widths are 10 feet, 16 feet, 20 feet and 24 feet.

As long as you have a shelter solution that allows horses to shade in times of extreme weather, a barn is not necessary.

Portable horse stalls are movable, temporary enclosures designed to house horses. These are often used at horse shows, events, rodeos, or temporary facilities. They can also be a solution for people who need to set up temporary boarding situations or if they move their horses frequently and want to provide consistent, familiar housing for them.

When selecting a portable stall, it’s crucial to consider the safety features, the quality of materials, ease of assembly, and the needs of the horse. A horse should be able to lie down, turn around, and move comfortably within the stall. Proper ventilation and protection from weather elements are also critical.