Run in Shed

The Importance of a Run In Shed for Pastured Horses

Why do you need a run in shed if you have acre upon acre of lush pasture for your horses to graze? Many people mistakenly think that because horses live in all sorts of weather in the wild, our domesticated equines only need basic grazing land to thrive. The main difference between housing a herd of horses on a fenced pasture and a herd grazing in the wild is shelter. Naturally occurring wooded areas provide shelter from the harshest of elements, should the herd need the break. Low hanging branches are favorite gathering spots of wild equines, as they rest in the shade during the hottest hours of the day.

In captivity, it is a horse owner’s job to ensure that the same basic elements are available to our horses as they would find in the wild. Run in sheds provide a great way to allow your horse to get out of the elements without enclosing them in a stall or barn during bad weather. A run in shed gives a horse the same freedom and protection they would find if grazing on open land naturally.

Basics of a Run in Shed

A run in shed is simply a covered area without walls that provides shelter. As the name implies, it should be large enough for a horse to run in, turn around, and run out, if needed. This is especially important if you have multiple horses that will have access to the run in shed, as dominance issues can be a seriously problem should a passive horse not have the ability to flee from his dominant herd members.  Most commonly, a run in shed has four poles that hold an angled roof made of aluminum or steel.

In areas with heavy winds, it may be beneficial to install walls on the sides of the run in shed that get the most wind. This allows horses a way to get away from the biting winds of the winter months.

Benefits of a Run in Shed

Aside from shelter, a run in shed is a great way to keep water troughs free of algae. Placing a water trough in the shade of a run in shed will prevent day long direct sunlight that encourages algae growth.

Hay and feed can also be provided inside the run in shed. Keeping round bales of hay in an open pasture exposes the hay to moisture that promotes mold growth. Moldy hay can cause colic, and have deadly results. Hay stored in direct sunlight dries out, losing its valuable moisture content and breaking down the nutrients of the hay.

Regardless of your reason for considering a run in shed, few find the investment to be anything less than worthwhile. As with any structure that will be used around horses, be certain you purchase a run in shed made of high quality materials and install it properly to prevent injuries.

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