Choosing the best location for your mobile field shelter at different times of the year is crucial to your horses’ comfort and well-being. Horses and ponies with thin coats and pink skin can get sunburnt and all horses are susceptible to heat exhaustion in the summer. On the other hand, just like us wet and windy winter weather can make them cold and quickly lose condition. For these reasons, it is fundamental that your animals have access to a well-ventilated field shelter that is shady in the summer and sheltered in the winter.
In this article, we look at the criteria you should take into account when selecting the location of your mobile field shelter throughout the year. But first, it is worth looking at why investing in a mobile field shelter is a good idea.
Mobile field shelters provide a flexible, economical and fast-to-install shelter for livestock that generally does not require planning permission (check with your local planning authority first). They come with a metal towing chain, skids, and anchor points, so you can tow them around a field or paddock with a 4x4 or a tractor to relocate them.
Erecting a mobile field shelter will allow you to provide the best conditions for your animals to live in at different times of the year. For example, you might want to keep the shelter in a sunny spot over winter and a shady location over summer.
When it comes to choosing the best position for your mobile field shelter, there are a number of factors to keep in mind. We explore these below.
With strong winds often blowing across the UK, it is important you choose an area that is protected from the prevailing wind in your area. A stiff breeze can significantly lower the temperature in the winter, making your pets feel cold. A hedge or tree line provides good protection.
If there are trees on your property, you will want to move the shelter to a shady spot for the summer, if possible. Make sure you place the field shelter close enough to the trees to benefit from the shade but not directly below them. Falling branches and debris can damage the building and frighten the animals.
If there are no trees on your property, make sure to position the shelter based on the sun’s orientation. In the summer, place it facing north or east, so the horses are exposed to less sunlight throughout the day. In the winter, place it facing south or west, so your pets can enjoy the sun during the warmest part of the day and avoid a cold northerly or north easterly wind.
Avoid placing the field shelter in low-lying areas prone to flooding, especially in the winter and autumn, to prevent mud and dampness. If you can, choose an area of ground with good drainage.
If you are thinking of buying a mobile field shelter for your field or paddock, take a look at the Chart Stables range. We manufacture strong and long-lasting mobile field shelters constructed from FSC certified pressure-treated timber. We deliver and install all over the UK; our standard service includes design, delivery, and installation. If you prefer to self-assemble your field shelter, you can save 20% off the purchase price.
