As a horse owner, you understand the challenges of keeping your horses safe and happy. Housing them in stalls all day is out of the question, but they still need protection from the sun to thrive in a paddock environment. If you run an equestrian business, you also want your horse shelters to attract clients and benefit your barn’s overall aesthetic.
Many horse owners favor sheds to protect their horses from the heat. However, the more confined environment can be challenging to clean, and herd dynamics might mean some horses are left outside. Shade structures provide shelter while maintaining proper ventilation. Best of all, your horses can choose when to come and go, so they still enjoy the freedom of the paddock. Knowing how to design any shelter you choose benefits you and the horses alike.
The Importance of Shelter for Horses
Horses can be challenging to manage in the heat. Their size and temperature-regulating mechanisms mean they can take longer to cool down if they get too hot. Horses exposed to heat and humidity for extended periods may get heat stress, which can be dangerous. However, keeping them in stalls can be just as risky. They need to move around to digest their food.
The answer is to have shade structures for them in paddocks — well-ventilated structures they can use to escape the sun.
Several convincing reasons exist to indicate why shade is invaluable for your horses:
- Skin protection: Horses with white skin can burn quickly in the sun, especially if they have large white facial markings. Shade structures provide UV protection, which can prolong their lives.
- Insect relief: Horse flies and many other insects prefer full sun and avoid semi-enclosed spaces. Some studies show that horses use shelter to escape the relentless insects you’re bound to find at any barn.
- Eye comfort: Horses are prey animals, and their eyes have evolved to absorb as much light as possible. While the forelock partially protects their eyes, bright weather can cause discomfort if they lack relief from direct sunlight.
- Comfort and happiness: If you’re an equestrian, impracticality is likely the only thing that prevents you from taking your horse home. You’d probably give them a bedroom and access to your garden if you could. Either way, you want your horse to be as comfortable as possible. Shade structures allow them to shelter in the paddock without enclosing them during the day. They get to choose whether to use the shade.
Types of Horse Shelters
Depending on the setup at your barn, you can choose from several shade structures. If you experience severe weather, permanent shade structures may be more suited to your situation. However, if you only have a few months a year when your horse needs a shelter, you could choose a temporary option. You can also choose between open-air and enclosed structures. Some standard horse shelters include:
- Sheds: Permanent sheds provide your horses with an easy-to-access alternative to avoid inclement weather. They often have three sides, a roof and an open front so horses can choose when to come and go. They’re usually constructed from wood or metal to be safe and sturdy and prevent possible injury to your horse. The roofs of these structures can be noisy in the wind or rain, which might scare spooked horses away from them when they need them the most.
- Corral shelters: A corral shelter is a temporary, portable structure that attaches to most corral gates. They’re fantastic for temporary paddocks but may need an additional enclosure kit in strong winds and other inclement conditions.
- Agricultural shade structures: These permanent structures have a steel base covered in shade fabric. They provide shade yet allow some light to pass through and allow plenty of ventilation to keep your horse comfortable and cool.
Designing an Effective Horse Shade Shelter
You have several factors to consider when you design a shade structure for your horses. Of course, it must protect them from the sun, but it should also fit with your barn’s aesthetic and flow. Keep the following in mind to design the most effective horse shelter:
- Proximity to other buildings: One of the best things about shade shelters is keeping your horse’s water cool. Place the shelter near water lines to streamline the process. Keeping it close to the ad-lib feeding area makes sense so your horses can enjoy their roughage while protected from the heat.
- Ability to observe horses: Any horse owner knows how much trouble horses can get into in the paddock. Consider placing your shelter in an easy-to-see location so you can keep an eye on them.
- Accessibility for cleaning materials: It should be easy to access your shelter with whatever equipment you use for mucking out.
- Number of horses: The size of your shelter will depend on the number of horses occupying the paddock. If you have your horses in individual paddocks, you only need a small space for each shelter. Group paddocks are slightly different. There should be enough space for all the horses to use the shelter if needed.
- Ventilation: Airflow is essential for any horse shelter. The ideal shade structures allow enough ventilation to prevent moisture and ammonia buildup, creating a healthier environment for your horses.
- Safety and security: One of the most critical considerations in shelter design is horse safety. For example, the materials should withstand the wind — your horses could spook and hurt themselves if the shelter blows away.
Maintenance and Care for Horse Shade Shelters
Building shade structures for horses can be a DIY effort, but hiring a professional is ideal to ensure the finished product is safe and functional. Once you’ve scheduled an installation with professionals who know how to build a shelter for horses, all you need to consider is the care and maintenance.
Inspect your shade structure often for signs of wear or damage, including rust and fraying fabric. Clean the area regularly to remove dirt, ammonia and dust and maintain a hygienic environment for your horses. Ensure the fabric remains taut and intact to keep your horses safe and prolong the life of your investment.
Simplify Your Horse Shade Shelter Construction With USA SHADE
Shade structures are ideal for horses in individual and group paddocks. They give your horse the freedom to choose where to graze. They are safe, reliable, durable and designed for longevity. If you’re looking for a shade structure for your horses, USA SHADE is here to help. With over 25 years as the proven leader in fabric structure design and technology, our in-house design experts can help you find the perfect structure for your horses.
With a four-week lead time, our quick-ship product line lets you plan with confidence, get your structures up sooner and be prepared for any weather. Upgrade your barn’s aesthetic and make your horses happy and comfortable with USA SHADE. Browse our quick-ship products, or reach out to us to get your barn upgrade today!