Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
This12′x20′three-sidedshedissetonawell-drainedsite,withan8′highbackwallset
to block the prevailing winds. The lower portion of the inside walls is lined with solid
wood to prevent kicking damage to the siding. This would be ideal for three ponies,
two yearlings, or two small horses.
Pasture Shelter
A shelter can be man-made or natural but it must provide a comfortable place for a horse
to get out of the elements. He needs protection from wind, cold precipitation, hot sun, and
flies. Trees out in the open provide shelter while still allowing cooling breezes that also
take away insects. Thickly wooded areas may provide shelter but are usually insect havens
with no breeze, and the undergrowth can be hazardous to a horse's legs.
Man-made pasture shelters are typically rectangles with one of the long sides open. The
backside of the shelter is oriented so the prevailing winds (usually from the north, west, or
northwest in North America) hit the back wall, and the open front faces the east or south.
Although a south or southeast opening usually provides winter sun and protection from the
cold north winds, each locale and each spot on your land may have different wind patterns
that you must take into consideration before selecting the site and building orientation.
Locate the shelter on well-drained, high ground so it doesn't become a quagmire during
