How Do I Know What Size Mobile Field Shelter I Need?

If you’re based in South West England and looking for a new mobile field shelter, one of the biggest questions you’ll face is: what size do I actually need? Too small, and your horses or ponies won’t be comfortable. Too big, and you could end up paying more than necessary while making the shelter harder to move around your land.

Here’s a simple guide to getting the right size mobile field shelter for your animals and your land.

Why Size Really Does Matter

Horses don’t always play nicely when space is limited. A field shelter that’s too cramped can lead to pushing, stress, or even injuries. On the other hand, oversizing your mobile horse shelter can mean extra costs and more hassle when you need to move it.

The sweet spot is a shelter that feels roomy enough for your horses to relax in, while still being practical to tow across your fields when you need fresh grazing.

How Much Space Do Horses and Ponies Need?

The British Horse Society (BHS) suggests:

  • One horse or large pony – around 3.0 m to 3.6 m (10′–12′) wide.
  • Add about 1.5 m (5′) for each additional animal.
  • A depth of 3.6 m (12′) works well for most setups.
  • Height should be at least 2.8 m (9′) to allow for headroom and airflow.

Of course, every horse is different. A relaxed horse may happily share space, while a dominant horse might try to claim the whole shelter for itself!

Common Mobile Field Shelter Sizes

Many mobile field shelters are designed for both ponies and horses, with dimensions that suit a wide range of herds. Some of the most popular options include:

For Ponies

  • 1 pony – 3.6 m × 3.6 m (12′ × 12′)
  • 2 ponies – 5.4 m × 3.6 m (18′ × 12′)
  • 3 ponies – 7.2 m × 3.6 m (24′ × 12′)

For Horses

  • 1 horse – 3.6 m × 3.6 m (12′ × 12′)
  • 2 horses – 7.2 m × 3.6 m (24′ × 12′)
  • 1 large horse – 5.4 m × 3.6 m (18′ × 12′)
  • 3 horses – 10.8 m × 3.6 m (36′ × 12′)

A 2.4 m (8′) front opening is standard, though wider options are often available. Ridge height is typically around 2.845 m (9′ 4″), with eaves at 2.235 m (7′ 4″).

Things to Think About Before You Order

Getting the size right isn’t just about numbers; it’s also about your horses’ personalities and your land. Consider:

  • Field conditions:  In winter, fields in the South West can become very muddy, especially where horses tend to gather. To keep your shelter usable year-round, it’s best to position it on the driest, most well-drained part of the field.
  • Wind direction:  You’ll want to avoid wind blowing directly into the entrance of the field shelter. Since the prevailing wind in the UK is usually south-westerly, try to position the opening so it faces away from this direction wherever possible.
  • Behaviour: Some horses are happy to share, while others guard the entrance. Depending on your horses’ temperaments, you may want to choose a larger field shelter or opt for a double entrance so that all horses can access it when they need to.
  • Future plans:  If you plan to add more horses to the paddock in the future, it’s worth choosing a larger field shelter now so you’re prepared when extra space is needed.
  • Access: Make sure the shelter can be delivered and positioned easily on your land. Our field shelters are brought in on a 16ft flatbed trailer, so good access, room for manoeuvring, and suitable ground conditions are all important to think about before delivery.

A bespoke design may also be worth considering if your horses have very specific needs.

Why Mobile Field Shelters Work So Well 

One of the biggest perks of a mobile shelter is that you usually don’t need planning permission. If you’re unsure about whether you need planning permission, visit our blog ‘Do You Need Planning Permission for a Mobile Field Shelter’.

They’re also:

  • Easy to move for grazing rotation.
  • Built from sturdy, weather-resistant timber.
  • More cost-effective than fixed stabling.
  • Great for horses who can’t be stabled.
  • No need for concrete bases or groundwork.
  • Low maintenance 

They hold their value, which is useful if you only need a temporary structure.

And because they’re mobile, you can reposition them across your fields as conditions change.

If you’d like some advice, a quote, or simply a friendly chat about what might work best for your horses and your land, get in touch.

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