Why mobile stabling is a good option for horse owners in winter

As winter wraps its chilly arms around us, I bet many of you are navigating the challenges of keeping our four-legged friends’ cosy and content. Enter the unsung hero of winter equestrian living – mobile stabling! Whether you’re a seasoned horse owner or just diving into the wonderful world of equine companionship, the perks of going mobile in the colder months might surprise you. Let’s saddle up and explore why these movable stables are not just a convenience but also a game-changer when it comes to winter horse care.

Here are some key reasons why mobile stabling for horses can be a beneficial option for horse owners, particularly during winter.

Flexibility and mobility

Mobile stables or shelters can be moved around easily, providing flexibility in managing your horse’s living arrangements. This is particularly useful for those who lease land, move frequently, or participate in horse shows.

When winter weather becomes severe, mobile stables provide a quick and effective solution to protect horses from harsh conditions such as heavy snowfall, freezing rain, and cold temperatures. They offer a temporary shelter option that can be set up to shield horses from the elements during the most challenging times of the year.

The flexibility of mobile stables allows horse owners to strategically place shelter where it’s most needed during winter. This flexibility is valuable for managing snow accumulation, wind direction, and other factors that may impact the well-being of the horses. Owners can move the stables to areas with less exposure to the elements or better natural windbreaks.

Temporary or emergency housing

Mobile stables and shelters can serve as temporary or emergency housing for horses. For example, if you need to isolate a sick horse, provide shelter during extreme weather conditions, or set up a quick, temporary solution in case of an unexpected situation.

Cost-effectiveness

Building permanent winter-proof stables can be a significant investment. Mobile stabling options are often more cost-effective, allowing horse owners to provide shelter without the expense of constructing a traditional stable. This can be particularly relevant for horse owners who don’t want to make a substantial financial investment in permanent structures for seasonal needs.

Owning a horse can be expensive enough. Feed, veterinary care, farrier services, tack, training, insurance, are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to finances, so who wouldn’t want to save some hard-earned cash on shelter without compromising on quality?

Plus, if you don’t have your own property with suitable facilities, you’ll need to board your horse at a stable or equestrian facility. Boarding costs can vary depending on the location and the services provided.

Easy to set up and take down

Setting up a permanent structure can be time-consuming and challenging, especially in winter conditions. Mobile stables are designed for easy assembly and disassembly, making them more practical for quick deployment when needed.

Seasonal storage

Placing mobile shelters strategically can create designated feeding areas, ensuring horses have a comfortable space to eat without being exposed to adverse weather conditions.

In case of unexpected winter storms or extreme weather events, mobile shelters offer a quick and flexible solution for providing immediate protection to horses.

Other items commonly stored in mobile field shelters/stables are:

• Feed and hay. Storing horse feed, hay and other forage materials in the shelter helps keep them dry and protected from the elements. Plus, you’ll always have a quick and easy supply to hand.
• Bedding. Storing straw or shavings used as bedding for the horses in the shelter will prevent them from getting wet and mouldy.
• Tack and equipment. Saddles, bridles, grooming supplies, and other horse-related equipment will be safe from the elements in mobile shelter. As will farm equipment such as wheelbarrows, buckets and other tools used in the care of horses and the maintenance of the surrounding area.
• Emergency supplies. It’s a good idea to keep emergency supplies, such as first aid kits or extra blankets, in the mobile shelter for quick access in case of unexpected situations.

If the portable stables are not needed during the warmer months, they can be easily disassembled and stored until the next winter season. This flexibility in storage can help prolong the life of the equipment and protect it from wear and tear during periods of non-use.

Do you need planning permission for a mobile field shelter?

99% of the time you will not need planning permission for a mobile field shelter. Check out our comprehensive blog regarding mobile field shelters and planning permission.

Other blogs you may find useful are:

• Alternative usage for mobile field shelters
• How often do you move your mobile field shelter

If you are looking to add a new mobile stable or field shelter to your ‘to do’ list, we can design, craft and erect the perfect shelter for your needs. Prefer self-assembly? No problem, we have DIY kits available for all our stables and timber buildings. Why not request a brochure today or call us 01233 740 944 if you prefer to chat things through in person.