Field shelters are an ideal solution if you’re having trouble getting planning permission, don’t own the paddocks your horses are in or just want a cost-effective stable solution that can add a lot of flexibility. They generally come as static or mobile versions, each having its pros and cons, but both could be exactly what you’re looking for.
In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about buying the perfect field shelter for your horses.
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If you’re ready to start speaking with manufacturers then feel free to fill out our query form below and some of our trusted partners will get back to you with the next steps. Or visit our locations page and see what’s available in your area.
What are the benefits of a field shelter?
Static Field Shelters
With the right planning permission, a static field shelter can be the ideal stable, tack shed, storage unit, hay barn or even carport. They make a very versatile and generally cost-effective equestrian building that can bring to life your stable dreams at a very reasonable price.
But do you need planning permission for a field shelter? We’d always recommend checking with your local council to confirm anything but it is very likely that you will, especially if you’re thinking of a large field shelter that will be a permanent addition to the site.
Mobile Field Shelters
If you’re struggling to get planning permission then a mobile field shelter might be the right alternative. Mobile field shelters are portable because they usually have some form of skids or sledge feature on the bottom that allow them to be towed around. So not only can a mobile field shelter help get around any tricky planning problems, but they have even more flexibility in as much as they can be moved to wherever you need them. If you don’t own the paddock or just don’t want a fixed stable or animal house then a quality portable field shelter would be ideal!
What to look for in a Field Shelter
As with any major purchase, there’s a lot to think about when ordering a field shelter. If you’re thinking of a static shelter then the first place to start is with the base.
Field Shelter Bases and Flooring
The base and flooring of your field shelter are very important. Depending on your local council regulations you might not even be able to lay a permanent base of concrete or similar so you might need something a bit different. Some have no fixed floor so you can add a flooring of your choice. For example:
Wood chips – wood chips are a cheap and effective way to add a floor to your field shelter. It can be bought in bulk and can be stored easily for if/when it needs to be switched out. It also acts as a nice, natural underlayer for your horses and other animals to bed down on. But be warned that if it rains substantially and you don’t have sufficient drainage around the shelter it can absorb a lot of water and can become unstable and mushy, meaning it will need to be switched out.
Stable mats – Stable mats are one of the most popular flooring materials used for field shelters. They can be made from various foam and rubber materials which can be watertight and naturally insulative. These can even be used in addition to wood chips to give your field shelter and a solid multi-layer base. They are also easy to clean and muck out and can even be bought on places like Amazon for super convenience when you really need it.
Grass mats – These are similar to traditional stable mats but they allow the grass to grow up and through the mats until they become almost unnoticeable. This protects the ground and acts as an effective optional underlayer that also helps with drainage.
Like with all things stables, we recommend talking to one of our trusted partners who can guide you through the best options to your exact needs and requirements.
Field Shelter Construction
The general construction of most field shelters is from high-quality wooden timber. Specifics will vary depending on the manufacturer but you can be sure that any of our partners will use quality materials and the utmost care and attention to detail when constructing your shelter.
The roofs are obviously another very important part and can vary drastically between manufacturers. Sometimes planning permission will require a specific type of roofing, for example, a coloured onduline or similar. But there are many available, here’s a list of a few other types:
- Felt shingles
- Slate
- Roofing sheets
- Wooden shingles
- Cement tiles
And all of these come in different types and sizes. Again, we’d recommend speaking to one of our trusted partners to help you find the perfect fit for you.
How much will a field shelter cost?
Like with anything it’s difficult to put a fixed cost on a field shelter, especially when there are so many types and variables to consider. But I’m sure that’s not the answer you’d hope to get so we’ll give you some examples:
A very basic 10’ x 10’ static unit can be ordered for around £1000 including VAT. It’s not unusual to add full skids for an extra couple of hundred and then a series of additional extras (that we cover in the next section) can bring that price up. At this price range you’ll be getting a basic, but solid field shelter that should fit the needs of most people. Some manufacturers will charge more, and some less. If you mention what type of budget you’re working with in the query form we can help pick the perfect manufacturer for you.
Upping the size and quality a bit, a 12’ x 12’ can be closer to £2000. If you’re looking for a double opening 12’ x 24’ they generally start around £2500 – £3000. Then if you want one of the largest standard sizes at 12’ x 36’ that can be more like £4500 or more. Completely custom field shelters will drastically vary depending on what you want, but all of our partners should be able to build exactly what you’re looking for at a very reasonable price.
Additional extras such as partitions, stable conversion kits, rails, talk bars and more will vary in price but can sometimes add a substantial amount to the final price.
Whatever your budget is though, there should be a field shelter that can meet your requirements. Get in contact with us today and we’ll help you find the perfect one.
Field Shelter Additional Features
There are many additional features that you can choose to add to your field shelter to ensure that it’s the best option for your horses whilst also ensuring the structural integrity and reliability of the stables themselves.
Here’s a list of some of our favourite additional extras that we think are a must if you want the best experience possible:
Guttering – Not all field shelters come with guttering so making sure you have some to help manage the rain is key. This is generally a quite inexpensive addition but can make such a notable difference. Keeping your field shelter in good condition is vital and keeping the water away from the base is a brilliant way to do this.
Tow bars – If you’re looking to move your field shelter around your field then tow bars will be needed. Make sure when discussing your needs with the field shelter installer that you confirm how many tow bars you need. One should be fine, but having two – one on each end – can be a massive time and hassle saver for a relatively little extra money.
Other extras we really like are boarded gates, sliding doors, anti bite strips and ground anchors. All nice extras that can be added to your field shelter with ease if you find the right equestrian builders.
Conclusion
We hope this has helped give you a better idea of what to look for when searching for field shelter builders. Feel free to reach out to us or fill in the quote form at the top of the page to learn more and take the next steps to getting your perfect field shelter.