Last year our mares did not have shelter. It was an agonizing winter for us both as we knew they had no way to get out of the cold and, most importantly, the damp. We swore that we would not let them go through that again and so earlier this year put up a portable shelter which, as many of you know, blew away. Now there is a more permanent structure out there for them. We both are feeling quite relieved tonight, and so blessed for the friends that we have in our lives.
Deb went down to the pasture while I was working and watched the construction. Of course, she took photos. This is a carport with the sides enclosed, definitely an inexpensive solution when looking at some of the shelters out there that run into the thousands of dollars.
Everything arrived on a trailer.
They started by putting up the bones of the building and firmly anchoring it.
Then came the beginnings of the roof.
Once that was complete, the siding started to slide into place.
One guy seemed quite at home working up high.
Once the sides came down a ways, the trim was put on the roof.
Then things really started to come together.
The finishing touches were applied.
And there it was - our new, more solid, shelter for the girls. There's even enough room in there for when our herd starts to grow a little.
Ain't that a pretty sight?
Now we're ready for the snow.
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Comments: 38
This one does look like it will last awhile.
Dannielle - we got it open at both ends on purpose - when there is more than one horse that will be in there, it is important that there are two ways out. That way, if some fussing happens between them, no one will get trapped. We also angled it so that no winds should blow directly into the shelter.
Sue - yes, it was a kind of a barn raising, though the folks that put it up were part of the deal - the company from whom this was purchased assembles it on site.
Andrea - you have no idea the relief.
Chuck - yes, and drier.
Trish - it really is hard. All the other animals live in the house so we know that they are not suffering. The horses do get used to the colder weather, and at times seem to really enjoy it (they can get quite frisky on a cold but sunny day). Really, the most important thing is giving them a place to get dry during those bone chilling winter rains.
Hey Madame D - glad to see your froggy self here tonight - we are pretty excited as well.
Deb - yes, I know that you aren't ready for snow, but now they are :-)
Lynn - you are I were commenting at the same time - I think I answered your questions just above this.
I'm in the midst of doing report cards...kitchen table is filled with assessment folders but I thought I would take a 15 minute break and Gather and what do I find...but an article that certainly will bring relief to two friends of mine.
Gus plans to come hide out there at times, too.
Ina - Gus is welcome anytime, though you may have to educate him a little about horses before he arrives - they can be pretty big and scary.
Christine and Rosa - yes - it's a good thing!
Magi - yes, we are leaving both ends open - it is safer for the horses that way - we've positioned it so that the worst of the winds should blow against the sides and the trees in back will act as a windbreak.
Jerome - yes, horses are really quite hardy, and certainly this breed is adapted to the cold - but it really helps for them to have a place to get out of the cold rain.
David - that made me smile.
Sue - last winter I really agonized over the horses not have a place to get dry - this just makes everything better.
Roy - yes, it sure is.
Rose - we definitely were celebrating last night.
Sonia - yes - it is a relief. Deb has had horses for years and years but I am relatively new to this experience. I am still learning that they don't have the same levels of discomfort as humans when it comes to the elements but the one thing they do need to keep them comfortable is a way to stay dry.
bob - yes, relief and smiles.
marianne - having this now certainly does ease the disappointment of losing the other one - and it was definitely better to go through this in the Fall and not the middle of Winter.
Thanks Peter.
Verie - a blessed relief - and they appear to be using it which is incredibly satisfying.
jessie - I've always loved heights so it would be a lot of fun for me to do that kind of work.
Mariana - you're right - they will appreciate this in the heat of the summer as well. I would love to see the curly horses and the old fashioned tack!