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Use Run-in Sheds to Give Horses Freedom to Move

Three-sided run-in sheds can be beneficial for pastured horses. Just build a small stable and open shed close to the house. For several horses on a large property, build multiple run-in sheds farther away. These simple structures can be designed and built on a shoestring budget. Build them and the horses will use them one day. Watch them when the sun shines too hot or the wind, rain, or snowfall get annoying.

Benefits to Horses

Run-in sheds allow horses free reign. These handy structures allow horses to be outside getting fresh air and exercise during most every weather situation we find in Colorado. That freedom allows them to mingle and move around with one another.

Placement of Run-in Sheds

To be effective, run-in sheds need to be built in the right places. Look for well-drained areas and then grade the building site down 6- 8 inches and fill it with gravel covered with fine stone dust or pour concrete.

If the horses step up a little into the run-in shed, then it will drain properly. Also create shallow ditches to direct rainwater and melt off away from the sheds. Find out the direction of the prevailing wind and weather patterns. It makes sense to locate the building away from the danger of tree branches and to put the open side opposite direct winds.

Size and Shape of Custom Run-in Sheds

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How big should the shed be? That depends on the number of horses you tend. Plan for a roof at least 10 or 12 feet high and allow at least 100 square feet per animal. A rectangular structure anchored into the ground will be the most durable. Make the access door big enough so the dominant horse will not be able to intimidate or drive away the others. If your facility includes many horses, then build multiples.

Watch the Ventilation

Follow the rule of thumb for ventilation as if this were a full-fledged barn. Provide airflow so the moisture created by the breath of the horses can escape the room. Be sure it is not muddy or too wet. If the moisture cannot get out it will condense on a cold metal roof. Add wall openings and shutters to accommodate breezes. Latch the shutters in the winter to block the wind.

Sample Run-in Sheds at Lester Buildings

Project #313122 and equestrian run-in shed in Virginia measuring 14’ x 28’ x 9’6”. This building features 14 x 10 open bays, and a 14 x 8 tack room. The building features 12-inch eaves and soffit overhangs and an 8/12 roof pitch. The primary color is Pewter Gray with Barn Red trim.

Project #213505, (Pictured above) equestrian run-in sheds in Illinois measuring 15’ x 24’ x 16’. These shelters include skylights, plywood liner, vent doors and a grill stall partition. The primary color is Bone White with Black trim.

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Project #601549 and equestrian run-in shed in Minnesota measuring 30’ x 40’ x 10’. This building features signature Dutch doors with two 10’ x 10’ horse stalls and a built-in run-in shelter. The Primary color is Sandstone with Snow White trim.

Sapphire Construction, Inc. – Castle Rock, CO

We build run-in sheds, horse barns, and arenas—or any custom outbuilding you need. Call Sapphire Construction, Inc. at (303) 619-7213. Our team designs pole buildings using high-quality, engineer-tested materials from Lester Buildings.