Mobile field shelter – how often do you move yours?

While there are no set rules or requirements stating that you should move your field shelter once it is in place, there are lots of benefits associated in doing so. After all, you may as well utilise the fact that your shelter is indeed ‘mobile’ rather than just revelling in the fact that you didn’t need planning permission to build it!  Here are some of the things we love about being able to move mobile field shelters, as well as our handy hints to help you move them easily.

• Grass is the cheapest feed out there – take advantage of it. Being able to move your shelter regularly will mean being able to rotate your paddock.  You will be able to efficiently utilise your pastureland by giving your access to certain areas while allowing other areas to rest, recover and regrow.  This will result in your horses having a constant patch of fresh grass to feed on.
• Protect horses from the elements. During the heat of the summer, it would be beneficial to place your shelters in a shaded area if you can.  It’s important to keep horses cool and comfortable in the heat which will in turn keep the amount of flies and other bugs attracted to the heat, at bay.  Moving your shelter often in the summer will also help you to avoid a bare patch being left behind and the weeds growing in it.  In winter, when the ground gets boggy and we begin to battle with the mud, it would be ideal to move your shelters/horses to more grassy areas to insure they have fresh pastures for grazing and to help keep them clean.  Being able to angle your shelters away from the direction of any strong winds will mean you can create a sturdy wind break for your horses too.
• Play to your horse’s personality. Nobody knows your horse better than you, so if you know he prefers one bit of the paddock to another, or he enjoys a favourite spot under a tree, you have the flexibility to let him graze in his favourite place whenever you like.

How to move your mobile field shelter easily and safely:

Our mobile field shelters are usually built on skids and unlike many other companies, we only supply galvanised steel skids which means they are coated and won’t rust.  They could easily last in the region of 30-40 years.  The skids allow you to move the shelters around reasonably easily.  We will also supply you with a tow strap and shackles.  You may also like to consider the following when moving your shelter:

1. When towing your shelter make sure you move off slowly in a low gear without jerking movements.
2. Ensure all bolts/screws are tight and re-tighten if necessary.
3. When moving, tow in a straight line at no faster than 5mph.
4. If you need to turn the shelter please ensure a large turning circle.
5. Be careful of narrow gateways/field entrances.
6. Always try and face the shelter away from prevailing winds.
7. Caution must be exercised when towing on uneven ground.
8. Beware of the 3’ canopy when towing near overhanging trees etc.
9. Try to site your shelter on flat, level, firm ground.
10. Where your shelter is sited you must anchor the building down to the ground. We recommend timber stakes knocked into the ground at the four corners, and either side of the opening and fixed to the building.

We are always happy to chat to you without obligation regarding any of our timber structures so please don’t hesitate to call 01233 884502, email info@nationalstables.co.uk or send us a message and we will get back to you soon.