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View Full Version : Should I break the bank for a Shelter?

Murasaki
17th Nov 2006, 07:01 PM
Have just recently acquired a 16.3hh Percheron/TB X who lives in field with our Welsh Mountain pony mare. Last year we just brought the WMP into an out building if the weather was really bad, but they are inseparable and the big one won't fit into the outbuilding, so cant even bring WMP in now as he will be frantic if left alone. Tonight is windy and rainy and they are both rugged but still soaked. I am trying to avoid spending £2,000 on a ready made field shelter...what do you think? I saw some Horse tents on the internet, around £800 which will at least give them a bit of shelter....the field is 3 acres with trees on 3 sides.....comments or suggestions please? I nearly brought them both into the kitchen tonight :)
JustJas
17th Nov 2006, 07:05 PM
How well sheltered os your field and do you rug?
My mares (arab, part-breds and a cob) have managed in a very exposed field without a built shelter whilst rugged and and not always with good hedges- the topology of field has been enough.
Murasaki
17th Nov 2006, 07:40 PM
They both have average weight waterproof rugs on now and expecting to put heavier ones on when snow and ice come.
Unbridled
17th Nov 2006, 10:05 PM
Honestly, if you have a good stand of trees and shrubs in your field a shelter isn't strictly necessary, providing they have nice, waterproof rugs. But still, I know how you feel. My two have a shelter and we live in the deep South...so it's not like it gets terribly cold. But seeing them standing (outside of the shelter) in the rain night before last nearly had me in tears. I have a barn...just no funding for stalls yet. :(
Lucy J
18th Nov 2006, 07:15 AM
in my experience they never go in the shelter. my oldie and his shetland companion only ever went in the shelter in the summer to stay away from the flies. trees and shrubs should be plenty. i had a fal rug on my oldie and this was in scotland. it never once soaked through. you would be better investing your money in a couple of expensive medium and heavy weight rugs and always have a dry spare so if one soaks through you can replace with a dry one.