Run In Shed Construction

If you decide a run-in shed meets your horse shelter needs, here are some great tips:

Site It Right:

Locate your shed in a well drained area with the closed side towards the prevailing winter winds.

Don't put the shed under large trees. Falling branches or trees can damage the shed.

Locate for convenience! Think about hauling water and hay. Think about mucking. The distance will matter more and more as the years go by. Trust me on this.

Size It Right:

Build it large enough so that your horses can stand and lie comfortably. A larger structure helps everyone get along; bossy horses can't box out the gentler souls. Think about horse herd hierarchy when housing your horses!

Allow 12'x12' per horse – about the size of stall – as a general rule of thumb. Minimum height at the lowest point should be at least 8' and at least 10' at the front.

Be sure the ceiling is high enough that a horse will not be able to hit its head, even if snow drifts in at the entrance.

Build It Right:

If possible, use 6"X6" uprights.

Smaller sheds don't need supports, but larger sheds require interior bracing. The best choice is round, rather than sharp-edged square posts.

Add gutters...this keeps ice around the entrance to a minimum.

Check the building code in your area for specific requirements and building permits.

Footing inside the shed should be dry and cleanable. Keep the shed mucked out. Make sure there is good drainage around the water source or provide water outside the shed.

A run-in shed is a safe and efficient choice for the small farm. They can be customized in any number of ways to meet your needs and they'll keep your horses safe and secure.

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