Horse Shelter -
Making The Most Of Natural Surroundings

A natural horse shelter may already exist in your field.

If you have overhanging trees these will provide welcome despite for your horse during inclement weather or the height of summer.

Perhaps consider erecting an open-fronted wooden field shelter if there is no natural barrier from the elements.

You will need to check beforehand with your local planning authority whether construction requires formal planning permission.

A Clean Water Supply Is So Important - Why?

If their shelter is too far from the water supply, particularly in extremes of temperature, older horses may find it exhausting to trudge back and forth and may be reluctant to leave the comfort of the shelter to quench their thirst. They can also quickly lose condition in the winter if all their energy is being diverted into keeping warm.

A piped water supply is a bonus - particularly if your field is in the middle of nowhere. If not, you will need to take water in clean containers to the field on a daily basis. Do not allow the water trough to become stagnant, or worse still, empty. Harmful bacteria flourish in standing water and unless your horse has an alternative natural supply such as a stream - he will be forced to drink the stale water.

You should also check on a daily basis that there are no foreign bodies in the trough - dead rodents, birds or mud will all contaminate the water source and spread disease and infection.

Is your field fenced in a horse-friendly manner? Find out by reading our recommendations for the Best and Worst Horse Fencing.

Perhaps you are wondering how to select the right paddock for your horse? Visit our Horse Grazing topic for lots of helpful information on paddock sizing.

You may find our practical tips for Cost-Effective Pasture Management beneficial - they are designed to help your horse thrive and enable you to get the maximum value for money from your grazing.

Return from Horse Shelter to our main Horse Care index for more helpful advice and horse care information - everything you need from health issues to stabling and grooming supplies!