Where to locate your field shelter: Practical guidance for year-round horse comfort

Field shelters are designed specifically for open fields and paddocks, giving horses freedom of movement while still offering protection from the elements. However, even the best-built shelter won’t perform as it should if it’s placed in the wrong location.

Choosing the right position for your field shelter plays a major role in your horses’ comfort, health, and condition throughout the year. From summer heat and sun exposure to winter wind, rain, and mud, thoughtful placement ensures your shelter works with the seasons rather than against them.

Below, we share practical, experience-led advice to help you decide where your field shelter should be positioned — and when it might be worth moving it.

Why location matters

Horses are hardy animals, but prolonged exposure to harsh weather can quickly impact their wellbeing. During the summer months, horses are at risk of overheating and sunburn, particularly those with lighter coats or pink skin. In winter, cold winds, driving rain, and wet ground can cause horses to lose condition and struggle to stay warm.

A well-positioned field shelter gives horses the choice to seek shade, block the wind, or stay dry — all while maintaining good airflow and visibility, which are important for herd animals.

Key factors to consider when positioning a field shelter

1. Protection From Prevailing Winds

In the UK, strong winds are a common challenge, particularly through autumn and winter. Locating your field shelter where it is naturally protected from prevailing winds will significantly improve comfort.

Hedges, banks, tree lines, or natural rises in the land can all act as effective windbreaks. Ideally, the shelter opening should face away from the dominant wind direction to reduce draughts and driving rain.

2. Shade and Summer Comfort

Shade is essential during warmer months to help horses regulate their body temperature and avoid heat stress. If your field has any trees, positioning the shelter nearby can provide valuable natural shade.

That said, shelters should not be placed directly underneath trees. Falling branches, leaves, and debris can damage the structure and pose a risk to horses. Aim for a nearby shaded area rather than direct cover.

If natural shade isn’t available, shelter orientation becomes even more important.

3. Ground Conditions and Drainage

Avoid placing field shelters in low-lying or poorly draining areas, particularly in autumn and winter. Waterlogged ground quickly turns muddy, increasing the risk of slips, hoof problems, and general discomfort.

Where possible, choose higher, free-draining ground. Some owners also rotate shelter positions periodically to prevent excessive poaching and wear in one area of the field.

4. Accessibility and Practical Use

While horse comfort should always come first, it’s also worth considering access for:

  • Feeding and daily checks

  • Topping up water

  • Muck management

  • Moving the shelter when required

A well-located shelter balances protection for horses with practical day-to-day usability.

Using seasonal flexibility to your advantage

One of the biggest benefits of mobile field shelters is the ability to adapt as conditions change. Many owners choose to:

  • Position shelters in sunny, sheltered spots during winter
  • Relocate to shadier, more open areas during summer

This flexibility helps maintain both horse welfare and pasture quality throughout the year.

Final thoughts

There’s no single ‘perfect’ location for every field shelter, the best position depends on your land, local weather patterns, and how your horses use the field. By taking wind direction, sun exposure, drainage, and seasonal changes into account, you can ensure your shelter provides reliable protection year-round.

If you’re planning a new field shelter or would like advice on placement, we can help you choose a solution that works for both your horses and your land.

We design and build durable timber field shelters specifically for open-field use, offering practical guidance on placement and long-term performance as part of our service.