Run-in Sheds: 7 Common Questions

Whether you have several horses, a few goats or a herd of cattle, you want to protect your animals. A major part of protecting your animals is providing them with adequate shelter. Instead of keeping your livestock cooped up in a barn, let them run free in the pasture while also giving them a place to escape the elements by adding a run-in shed to your pasture. These sheds not only give your livestock warm, dry shelter, but they also give you incredible value. 

Run-in Sheds: 7 Common Questions

1. What is a Run- in shed?

 A run-in shed, also called a loafing shed, is a 3- sided structure typically placed in a pasture that gives horses, as well as other livestock, a place to escape the elements. They have an open side that allows the animals quick access to shelter if the weather turns bad.

These buildings are a great alternative to a traditional horse stable in a barn as it gives livestock a choice of running free in the pasture or simply running into the shed to find shelter. They come in various sizes and configurations, and can often be customized to fit your needs. Check out our Animal Run-Inn shed for a full list of features. 

2.  What kind of animals can use a run-in shed? 

A run-in shed is a versatile building that can be used for any livestock kept in a pasture, not just horses. Whether you raise grass-fed cattle, free range pigs, or own some pet goats, a run-in shed is a perfect addition to your pasture. 

3. How will a run-in shed affect my animals? 

Although it’s a common practice to keep livestock penned up in a barn, this can lead to many negative health effects. Whether you own some horses or are raising some cattle, adding one of our structures will allow your animals to spend more time in the pasture. Not only will your livestock be more physically healthy, the natural environment of a pasture will improve their mental well-being. 

4. What size run-in shed do I need? 

The size of shed you need is largely determined by what kind of animals you have and the number of animals you want to provide shelter for. 

Run-in shed sizes for horses– For 1-2 horses, a 10×18 shed is the minimum size needed. If you have 3-4 horses, a 12×24 shed is the minimum size needed. For each additional horse, approximately 60 square feet should be added. Keep in mind that having several small run-in sheds is generally better than one big shed. 

Run-in shed sizes for cattle– For cattle, your shed should have approximately 60 square feet of space for each cow and 100 square feet for each cow and calf. If you have 4-5 cows, you’ll want a shed that’s 12×24 or larger. 

5. Where should I place my run-in shed? 

A run-in shed should be placed with the opening facing away from the prevailing wind, as well as towards the area likely to get the most sun. That usually means your structure should have its opening toward the south or southeast.

This will provide the most protection against storms which typically come from the west or northwest, and it will also allow for maximum sunlight to enter the interior of the building. Keep in mind that our sheds are portable, so you can adjust their placement should you choose to. 

6. How are run-in sheds constructed? 

Using high quality materials and a sturdy building design, our run-in sheds are built to stand up to the elements, as well the typical wear and tear of a livestock shelter. 

Our Run-in Shed Features:

• Built on 4×6 pressure treated frame
• Reinforced steel corners 
• Hooks for moving
• 8×7 opening 
• Bottom 4’ of interior lined with plywood

Get a full list of features, as well as customization options by visiting our Animal Run-Inn page.

7. How much do run-in sheds cost?

A run-in shed can cost between $5,000 to $17,000, depending on size, upgrades, and optional extras. To get a more specific price, visit our Design Your Own Building page to customize one to your liking.

Reasons To Own A Run-in Shed

If you are wondering whether a run-in shed is a good investment for you, we’d like to give you a few things to consider. Here are just a few of the benefits to owning your own shed.

Value

For a relatively small investment, you can increase the quality of life for your livestock without having to spend your hard earned cash on an expensive barn. If owning your own herd seems expensive, our run-in sheds can help you get the most from your money. 

Quality of Life

If you want to increase the quality of life for both yourself and your animals, a run-in shed can do just that. These structures give your livestock a choice of where they spend their time. Whether they want to be outside in the sunshine or under a roof during a snowstorm, it’s up to them.

This can save you time, because you no longer have to open and close your barn doors when the weather changes. 

Convenience

If you’re tired of cleaning stalls and shoveling bedding for your horses, one of our buildings could provide you relief. With our sheds, your livestock can spend less time in the barn and more time in the pasture, so you can spend less time cleaning stalls and more time on things more important. If you also have a tack room, you will have room to store all your horse related items. For a list of all the things you should have in your tack room, read 53 Must Have Items.