Sun shade for Ale

MrA

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Feb 8, 2012
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Need to make something as his current field has zero shade all day. Was thinking about using these 2.4m metal poles and tying to fence posts (wooden) and perhaps making something triangular in the corner of his field so he would have some sort of shade. I could fix a really lightweight fabric to the top? Any other ideas

102500
 
Even if I perhaps fashion it like a wind break and position it to give shade at midday, that might work no
 
In some paddocks round here I've seen fencing panels attached to the fencing to make the corners of the field solid like a hedge would. It wouldn't give shade when the sun is directly overhead but it seems to work well the rest of the time. That said whether it's natural or man made shade I usually see horses stood out in the sun!
 
I thought Ale had access to a big oak tree. Maybe youve moved him away from that bit now.
Tarps tend to get quite hot but they do provide shade, but they whip in the wind if not secured enough. You could try attaching to fence posts but i think it would be too flimsy.

There was shelter with fence panels and a roof that were on fb a few days ago. The horses could stand in the different sectors to avoid the wind and sun. Mind i think mine would rub and bust it in no time.

I fenced and moved my two over the weekend to be under the trees for shade. They only had a couple of trees where they were and it was in full sun most of the day. Where ive moved them to now in the morning its a bit more shaded because of the sun coming up from over the hill then trees from the hill to shade till about 2pm then they can get behind the trees in there field for shade for the rest of the day if they choose. There only on a small patch currently to force them into the trees but it has long grass to occupy them. Once theyve eaten that off i can open up the next section but thats in full sun all day.
 
If you could get some at a reasonable price you could make an + shape out of straw bales? No overhead shade but same principle as fence panels, down side of that he may eat them!
Do you have a corner where you have robust fence posts, maybe fix up some kind of sun sail type thing, although whatever You attached it too would have to be very strong to withstand flapping in the wind.
 
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As already said the flapping in the wind or completely taking off might be an issue - though of course it's not that windy where you live. I like the idea of straw bales too..
 
A sun sail is probably ideal, not sure if the metal poles would be strong enough tied to posts, I get 8ft tree stakes for under £4 each at the local timber yard, they’d do the job and hold it at 6ft ish. I saw someone say to put it away from the fence so they can follow the shade as the sun goes over so might be better from that perspective too.
 
A sun sail is probably ideal, not sure if the metal poles would be strong enough tied to posts, I get 8ft tree stakes for under £4 each at the local timber yard, they’d do the job and hold it at 6ft ish. I saw someone say to put it away from the fence so they can follow the shade as the sun goes over so might be better from that perspective too.
Thanks for all the replies everyone, I could certainly do something like this and perhaps attach to the trees one side. I don't think he will even use it but would like him to have the option.

Used to have the huge oak tree but since moved from that field.

I'm just not sure about getting the stakes in. Wasn't looking for anything pernenant as not sure our yard owner would be very happy with that.

Do you think he will actually use it. He very rarely sweats in the field even in 36 degrees last year. He was never in the shade then despite having the option
 
From my experience a lot of them don't use it. Mine will stay out of the natural shade that he has and stand in the baking sun, and he's in the majority. Me, I'd be in the shade! In the winter they'll use the hedges for shelter though.
 
From my experience a lot of them don't use it. Mine will stay out of the natural shade that he has and stand in the baking sun, and he's in the majority. Me, I'd be in the shade! In the winter they'll use the hedges for shelter though.
Lucky for me that in the winter there are two sides with thick evergreen hedges and most of the time that's the direction the wind is coming from. Even in the thick snow with wind chill of -15 he had a large area of the field that was sheltered and he stayed in that area with hay and water etc quite happily until it passed.
 
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Anyway what's all this needing a shelter from the sun?! Lol today I was out with madam in woollen hat, thick winter coat and gloves. Argh. Please send some up here!
 
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I do have some large oak trees on one side of the field so perhaps I could ask to extend the fencing underneath those and clear away the vegetation beneath, at least giving him the option to take shelter if he wants
 
The only time my guys use the shelter is when it’s really hot and there’s lots of flies, never for bad weather.

I don’t struggle to remove the stakes here, just wiggle them back and forth for a few minutes and they lift out, but we are on sandy soil.

I think the idea of getting him access to trees is the best, if you can.
 
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I do have some large oak trees on one side of the field so perhaps I could ask to extend the fencing underneath those and clear away the vegetation beneath, at least giving him the option to take shelter if he wants
That would be the easiest option to be fair.
 
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I don’t struggle to remove the stakes here, just wiggle them back and forth for a few minutes and they lift out, but we are on sandy soil.

Haha. You just got me thinking about the stake i was banging in to make the boys new paddock a few days ago. It was like concrete. I gave up. I think i needed to bar the hole first. Its barely in the ground and is acting as a corner/gate post. Its a touch wobbly. Fortunately the paddocks only temporary. Im just not telling the boys its barely in.
 
So it's a no for the trees unfortunately as after further investigation that area is drainage and not very stable footing so wouldn't be able to secure any fencing and would worry about ale on it. I mean I could afford a shelter but I know they can blow over and ale would probably try and scratch it down.

I highly doubt he would use it in winter, maybe as a wind block if the wind was going the wrong way, which happens about twice per year.

It was 26 today at least, no sweat on him at all. All the horses who do have access to shade were out grazing at midday.
 
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That’s a shame but ho hum. I have seen people use a cantilever parasol to give shade in a pinch, just put the base outside the fence so they can’t rub it over :) I’ve used a gazebo in the past, legs outside the fence on one side and the ones inside in old dustbins to prevent them getting close enough to rub on them. But it doesn’t sound like he’s struggling with the heat, horses thermoneutral zone is up to 25c (from memory) anyway so it’s barely warm enough for them to register it.
 
That’s a shame but ho hum. I have seen people use a cantilever parasol to give shade in a pinch, just put the base outside the fence so they can’t rub it over :) I’ve used a gazebo in the past, legs outside the fence on one side and the ones inside in old dustbins to prevent them getting close enough to rub on them. But it doesn’t sound like he’s struggling with the heat, horses thermoneutral zone is up to 25c (from memory) anyway so it’s barely warm enough for them to register it.
I have him on a track in summer, well a partial track so I did consider a pop up gazebo over a section of it with the legs either side to give him some respite at midday if needed so may look into this more. Thanks
 
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