3 Questions To Ask Before You Install A Run-In Shelter

Posted on: 4 August 2018

Thinking about building a run-in shelter for your horses? That could be a wise idea, especially if your horses are able to roam a large swath of land. The run-in shelter provides a safe place for them to lay down, get some shade, and possibly even eat and drink. The best part of a run-in shelter is that they're fairly simple structures. Most have walls on three sides and a slanted roof. The front is open so the horses can come and go as they please. This open-air type design is also effective because it eliminates the potential growth of mold, fungus, and other elements.

You can build your own run-in shelter or buy a pre-built structure from a horse shelter dealer. No matter which option you choose, there are a few items to consider. Below are three questions to ask yourself as you plan your run-in shelter.

Where will you place it? This may be the most important question to ask. The whole idea of the shelter is to provide relief away from their permanent shelter. For that reason, you probably want it far from the structure where they sleep, such as the barn. You also want it on high ground so it won't get flooded during periods of heavy rain. Also, consider weather patterns. Does wind seem to blow from one direction? Is one side naturally shaded? Be careful about which direction the open side faces.

Do the horses get along? If you have multiple horses, it's not uncommon for one to assert its authority over the others. That can especially be true with a run-in shelter. The dominant horse may take the shelter for himself or herself, leaving little room for the other horses to relax. The dominant horse could commandeer the trough or the water. If this is an issue with your horses, you may want to consider multiple shelters. However, if they seem to get along, one shelter should be sufficient for multiple horses, as they likely won't all be in the shelter at the same time.

How will you drain water? This is an important consideration. Putting the shelter on high ground is a good start, but it can't eliminate all risks. The horses could be messy with the water, leading to muddy ground around the shelter. That could lead to poor footing and potential injuries. In cold weather, the water could freeze on the shelter floor, also creating injury risk. Consider a drain in the floor and some kind of pipe that leads the water away from the shelter and surrounding area.

Ready to install your run-in shelter? Contact a horse shelter dealer in your area. They can discuss your needs with you and help you decide on the right option.

To learn more, reach out to companies like Rarin' To Go Corrals.

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