Livestock, including horses, can naturally tolerate all types of weather.  However, when they are confined in a corral or other confined area they may need some type of shelter from the elements because they do not have the freedom to seek shelter.  A shelter can be a simple three sided shed constructed of posts and plywood, an open shed with no walls or a large barn with side doors and a series of runways for exercise and protection from the elements.  The basic purpose of a shelter is to protect animals from the elements.  The shelter also needs to be a safe place for your livestock.

• Select a Well Drained Area
• Eliminate Exposed Bolts and Loose Metal
• Proper Orientation of the Opening
• Opening a Minimum of Ten Feet
• Protection from the Wind
• Protection from the Hot Summer Sun           

The key to a quality livestock shelter depends on location.  If you decide that a three sided shelter is best for your situation, keep in mind that the open side needs to face downwind or at least have one side of the shelter facing the wind.  Some recommendations are to face the opening to the South for full sun.  This is fine in locations that are not windy.  The shelter can also be on both sides of a fence so the shelter will work for animals in two pastures.  Remember that the fence inside of the shelter needs extra attention to prevent injury to the animals since they may have considerable contact with each other.
You also need to select a location that is well drained and preferably on a slight rise to keep the mud and water to a minimum.  You need to make the shelter large enough for your animals.  If you have more than one animal that will use the shelter, remember that the dominant animal may keep the shelter to themselves while the others suffer.  The wind in Montana probably has the most impact on livestock that are confined to a corral or small pasture.  A cold windy, rainy day where the temperature is in the forties can be extremely hard on animals.

A three sided shelter is typically built with a post-frame technique of construction in a size that maximizes the use of construction material.  The posts are typically set on eight foot centers and must be treated to prevent rotting.  You can also use steel posts and a steel frame.  The height of the structure is typically eight feet at the lowest end with a slope of three inches for every twelve inches in the length of the roof.  The front portion of the shelter can also have a steep drop.  The drop in the front may not be appropriate if you intend to clean the shelter with a tractor. The dropped front also tends to allow excess water in the front of the shed but can strengthen the shelter.  The sides are best constructed of plywood that is typically the safest for livestock, especially horses which tend to injure themselves without even trying.  Metal can tear in the wind and injure animals.
 
If you prefer, there are many commercial firms that will construct the shelter or you can visit the MidWest Plan at http://www.mwps.org.

Plans Courtesy of Midwest Plan Service www.mwps.org