Mobile field shelters

[Loveponies]

I am planning on getting a 24 x12 mobile field shelter. Do I need to do any preparation to the ground or can you simply "plonk" it down. It will be fitted with skids. Field has fairly long grass as not been grazed for 3 months but reasonably level. Sandy soil.
I doubt I will ever actually move it once in situ as council seem to turn a blind eye to most horse activities and others locally have never been asked to move their shelters.
Thank you

 

[PeterNatt]

So as to avoid stressing it's frame you would be best off to get the ground completely and accurately levelled as that way it is sitting passively and squarely on the ground.

 

[meleeka]

It should be ok if the ground is flat. Will it have metal skids? They are pretty sturdy if so. I’d recommend properly anchoring it down asap. It must be awful when they take off.

 

[SEL]

After mine was destroyed in the Feb storms make sure you have an air gap at the back. Still might not have stood up to the 100,mph gust that killed it, but would have had a better chance!

 

[gallopingby]

Mine had metal skids and was anchored down by the firm who l bough it from, also had an air gap. Sadly l also lost it in the storm when it took a header and ended up some distance away. Make sure you check how it will be held down and the length of the stacks, they probably need to be at least half a metre.

 

[asmp]

Just make sure you get a well made one. Some look like they’re really flimsy. I bought one a couple of years ago and have moved it around the field several times, using my car when the ground is dry and a tractor when it’s not. I’m in mixed minds whether to tether it down as I wonder if you’re more likely to lose the roof in very strong winds.

If you’re in the south I can recommend the company I bought from.

 

[Marigold4]

Mine turned over in a storm when I first got it. I took out slats at the back to allow the wind through and it has stayed upright ever since. I don't tether it.

 

[The Bouncing Bog Trotter]

You need to find out what your local planning authority feel about mobile field shelters. Here, if they go on a prepared base or are connected to utilities (power and water), they are no longer deemed as being mobile and need PP.

Agree about ground tethers and also orientate it so that it has its back to the wind.

 

[Loveponies]

Just make sure you get a well made one. Some look like they’re really flimsy. I bought one a couple of years ago and have moved it around the field several times, using my car when the ground is dry and a tractor when it’s not. I’m in mixed minds whether to tether it down as I wonder if you’re more likely to lose the roof in very strong winds.

If you’re in the south I can recommend the company I bought from.

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

One of my liveries has (with my permission and the caveat that it MUST be moved at some point) put up her own field shelter, made by partner who is a carpenter by trade.

She put down mud-mats before putting the shelters up. Makes the thing way way easier to move.

 

[Sandstone1]

I have had one since summer, not yet pegged down but will be soon. I am thinking of moving it to a slightly better position for winter before it gets too wet. Any tips suggestions for moving it? Its on skids and I will not be moving it far.

 

[asmp]

I have had one since summer, not yet pegged down but will be soon. I am thinking of moving it to a slightly better position for winter before it gets too wet. Any tips suggestions for moving it? Its on skids and I will not be moving it far.

I bought a tow rope from Screwfix, clipped it on to the loops on the skids and used the car or tractor to tow it. Just watch your fence posts - husband got too close to one and chipped a bit off my field shelter! ?

 

[cauda equina]

Mine (on metal skids) came with some hefty nylon webbing for towing them.
I moved them with my Disco until it broke the diff, now a neighbour does it with his tractor

I've another on wooden 'skids' which I didn't think would be towable, but when it needed moving a guy with a digger lifted one end with the bucket and dragged it along