Field shelter spec advice

[Not_so_brave_anymore]

So after my anxiety post about rugging yesterday, I defo want a proper field shelter. I only have one small pony (12hh).

What's the smallest size I could get away with? I'm trying to keep it small to keep it on the flattest section of the field before it starts to slope away. Would 12x10' be too small? 12x12 seems to be the smallest "standard" size.

I was thinking of digging down to level the ground, but my neighbour says that the rain will then just run down the step we've dug and collect inside the shelter. Any experiences? I'm in Devon, it's wet.

The location is on the boundary of two paddocks. I was thinking of putting a gate on the front and also a gate on one side so it could be accessed from either paddock, and also I could close both gates and put a bed down if I needed to keep her "in" for any reason. Are gates safe for this purpose? I wanted metal gates rather than wooden doors because I've had issues with this pony crib biting wooden stable doors.

Any other suggestions very welcome!

 

[Errin Paddywack]

If you use gates make sure they have horizontal bars and no diagonal struts.

 

[Lady Jane]

12x10 for a 12hh would be fine. Get the drainage right. Many big horses are in 12x12 stables. If you had more than 1 then I would want to more than double the space

 

[Not_so_brave_anymore]

If you use gates make sure they have horizontal bars and no diagonal struts.

What's the actual danger here? Why is a diagonal more dangerous than plain horizontal?

 

[meleeka]

I’ve seen metal gates used with plywood on the inside, to stop legs getting stuck in it. 12x10 is fine. My stables are 11ft square and plenty big enough for a 12hh pony.

I’ve just put a tonne of MOT1 aggregate down in my shelter because it flooded at the back last year. I’ve put rubber mats on top and it’s fixed the problem.

 

[FinnishLapphund]

What's the actual danger here? Why is a diagonal more dangerous than plain horizontal?

Because even if a horse have never pawed at a gate (or door) before, they might decide to start doing it one day, and they're much more likely to get a hoof, leg, or possibly even head, trapped in the angled spaces on a gate with diagonal bracing.

 

[Errin Paddywack]

I should have explained about the gate. I had a foal get its leg stuck in a gate with diagonal struts and then panic. Thankfully she did get it out ok but I was envisaging a broken leg. Taught me a useful lesson.

 

[Goldenstar]

You need to put them on high ground I made the mistake with mine the first year.
I moved it after and we added some stones in summer to the new spot and bashed them down put the shelter on top .