How to Build a Horse Feed Shed
Although it can be challenging to build yourself, a three-sided horse feed shed can be a useful addition to almost any horse facility. The structure provides protection from the elements, as well as a place to feed the horses. It can also provide a safe place for a veterinarian or farrier to treat horses.
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Things You'll Need
- Tractor
- Post hole digger, or post hole digging attachment for tractor
- Measuring tape
- Stakes with flags or other temporary markers
- 4-by-4 posts, 12 to 14 feet long and pressure treated
- Metal or wood siding of your choice
- Tools required to attach specific kind of siding
- Cement or cement mix
- Roofing materials, will vary depending on choice of roofing
- Ladder
- Eyebolts (optional)
- Ties (optional)
- Feed buckets (optional)
- Hammer
- Nails
- Drill
- Saw (optional)
- Gate (optional)
- Chain (optional)
- Lighting materials (optional)
Instructions
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Build Your Shed
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1
Select a level location for your feed shed. Feed sheds are typically built in a rectangular shape with three enclosed sides and one long side left open for easy access.
Take into consideration the general arrangement of your property. You will want the feed shed on high ground with convenient access routes for humans, horses and vehicles. You will also want to face the opening of your shed in the opposite direction from where the wind normally blows, to help protect horses from elements.
If the ideal area for the shed is not level, you will need to use the tractor to level the area. It may be necessary to haul in dirt or clay to make the area level.
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2
Measure out and mark post locations using stakes, flags or any other kind of temporary marker.
The size of your feed shed will depend on how many horses you plan on feeding from it.
You should allow at least 12 square feet of space for every horse, approximately the size of a standard horse stall, to minimize possible conflict between horses.
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3
Dig post holes that are two to three feet deep. It is important to measure the post holes and make certain they are all an equal depth. Uneven posts will create problems when you put the roof on your shed.
Your posts should be six to eight feet apart, depending on the size of your structure.
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4
Place posts in holes. Fill in hole with cement or cement mix around pole to anchor it securely in the ground. Repeat process until all poles are in the ground.
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5
Attach siding to the posts to build the walls of your shed. Siding can be wooden or metal, depending on personal preference. The tools you will need to attach siding will vary depending on the type of siding. You should consult the store where you purchased the siding for specific instructions on how to install it, as some products have warranties that can be voided by incorrect installation.
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6
Construct the roof of your shed. It can be made of wood, shingles, or metal. How your roof is built is a matter of personal preference. Factors that may influence your roof choices include your desire for weatherproofing and cost and availability of materials.
Customize Your Shed
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7
Install feed and water buckets for your horses. You may also want to attach eyebolts to the wall of your stall and attach a lead rope or cross tie to clip each horse to while eating. This will keep horses from fighting and stop dominant horses from stealing feed from other horses.
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8
Cut windows into your siding, if desired. You will need a saw and, if you are using metal siding, a grinder or other tool to smooth down rough edges.
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9
Add a gate to your shed by constructing or purchasing a large gate, then attaching it to the front posts of your shed. Keep gate closed by wrapping a chain around center post or attaching an eyebolt to the opposite post to allow This will enable you to keep horses in the shed and can be especially useful in case of veterinary emergencies.
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10
Add lighting to your shed. You can have an electrician wire your shed for electricity and install outdoor light fixtures to make your shed easily usable during both day and night.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are uncertain of how to perform a certain task, contact a construction professional in your area to help with specific issues.
If you are feeling overwhelmed at the prospect of building a horse shed from scratch, barn and shed building kits are available for purchase from a variety of sources.
Danger, injury or death can result from improper use of tools, accident or poor construction.
References
- Photo Credit Early Morning Barn and Shed image by steverts from Fotolia.com
