Livestock, such as horses and cattle, often need to be outdoors during the day. Animals need to move around instead of staying in a stable all day, but, in the case that rain hits, the animals will also need some kind of temporary shelter. Portable horse shelters offer this type of protection. Set up outdoors, these portable shelters give animals shade and a place to go in case rain hits. In some cases, these sturdy structures can even be used as long-term or permanent shelter for the animals.

All portable animal shelters are made from a galvanized steel frame and a heavy-duty polyethylene canopy. Common shapes for these shelters include rounded-roof truss buildings, although peak shapes are also seen regularly on farms. Regardless of the shape, portable horse shelters should be open to allow animals to run through and in or out. If more protection is needed, however, one of these can be modified with gates or doors to keep the animals contained.

When you set up portable horse shelters outdoors, the canopy should be in an open location with a water source nearby. Hay can also be added to the shelter as a place for the animals to lie down. If a portable animal shelter is used as a stable or similar permanent structure, these elements should be kept in place. However, the animals should always have a water source, regardless of weather, a food source, and a place to sleep. A larger frame may be needed to keep all animals in one place.

Portable horse shelters are designed in a variety of sizes. No matter if you chose a rounded or peak design, the sizes range from ones small enough for one horse to 30 feet by 100 feet – the size of a riding arena. On a practical level, a shelter to shade and protect several animals would be the 22 feet by 24 feet by 12 feet design, equipped with gates for long-term use.