"Steel framed, membrane covered buildings. . . "

[TarrSteps]

. . . such as Cover-All products used for storage, arenas etc. Does anyone have experience with them in England? They are becoming all the rage in NA and I was curious to know if they've jumped the pond to any real degree and, if so, what people's experiences with them have been. Obvioulsy it's much easier to live without an indoor than in parts of Canada and the US but would they not be a useful solution to wet weather and footing issues? Even as a longing or slow work area, with a small footprint, I would assume they would provide at least a basic exercise/turnout option. I haven't seen any mention on here, even with all the posts about the recent horrible weather and I was just curious if anyone had looked into them as a relatively affordable option.

 

[dozzie]

They are advertised but I dont think they have caught on. YET!!!

 

[Tia]

They will.

 

[LauraBR]

I have seen them advertised and thought they looked really good- really light and airy inside. Did wonder about 'greenhouse' effect though, esp given that gardeners use v similar looking things to keep plants warm!

 

[lillie07]

I **think** I read somewhere that they are about 90k, so they don't really make much sense financially (thats if im not imagining reading that!!) I am also fairly sure you need PP to erect one.

 

[Super_Kat]

Some people in the UK do have them but I've read an advert and apparntly in the summer (when you'd expect them to get hot) they stay cool. I have to say they do look very light and airy though

 

[Enfys]

[ QUOTE ]
I **think** I read somewhere that they are about 90k, so they don't really make much sense financially (thats if im not imagining reading that!!) I am also fairly sure you need PP to erect one.

[/ QUOTE ]

90K

They aren't anything like that much here! We are just pricing them up now, I don't want a huge one, just big enough to do a bit of work in during the winter out of the wind. As it will be going in the horses winter field behind the main barn it can also double up as a winter shelter too.

I've been told that PP (as for UK) isn't the same at all, my neighbour said "it'll cost you $35 for permission........maybe" As we're on agricultural land I can't see them being that fussy, and nowhere near as petty as UK regulations about blending in it appears, down the road we have a red and white stripy barn, in the other direction there is a massive dairy farm with a dozen vast TURQUOISE roofed barns, I love it!
They are brilliant and are popping up all over the place here, I've seen 3 go up in the neighbourhood since I've been in this house.

Cruiser, whereabouts are you then? Do you have one yourself? Any good/bad reports to pass on about them?

 

[TarrSteps]

Enfys: I'm in Southern Ontario, although relocating to England later this year. Where abouts are you?

I don't have one but a couple of my clients do. So far everyone seems very happy with the option and they certainly seem to be gaining popularity judging by the rate they're going up around here!

They do indeed stay relatively cool in the summer but I have to say I haven't found them significantly warmer in our frigid winters. But then nothing's been warm around here recently!

I find them about the same as steel arenas in acoustics, "spookyness" etc. and the only time I don't like them is when snow is zipping off the roof. The roll down doors are not my favourite option because they are unweildy to work with a horse in hand but I've seen workable door alternatives. Overall they seem to be good, relatively inexpensive (vs traditional arenas) and easily installed options for covered riding and storage.

They do have to be maintained and inspected regularly to make sure the tension stays consistent but most of the companies seem to have good warranty plans. The only person I've heard having trouble with tearing skimped significantly on proper installation.

I know quite a few race horse people who basically work horses outside but have small structures for longing, breaking, and rehab fitness work for "farmed" horses. It would seem in some ways this would be a great "niche" in a country where outdoor riding is available year 'round but not necessarily every day so I was just curious as to why they haven't caught on in the UK.

 

[Enfys]

Hi Cruiser,

Thanks for that info, it's always useful to hear about something first hand.

I have to laugh, you are going (back?) to the UK whereas I haven't long come from there! Is this a permanent move then? (Sorry, I'm nosey)

I am near Burford/Paris in Brant County. Well, ish, "near" seems to be relative here doesn't it?