A quality horse shelter protects your animals from Melbourne's variable weather while providing a comfortable space for feeding, grooming, and rest. We have been building horse shelters and equine structures across Melbourne's west for years, and this guide covers what property owners need to consider.
Getting the size right
The minimum recommended shelter size for a single horse is 3.6 metres by 3.6 metres, though 4 metres by 4 metres provides more comfortable space. For multiple horses, add approximately 3 metres of width per additional animal.
The shelter should be deep enough that horses can stand inside comfortably without being exposed to wind-driven rain. A depth of at least 3.6 metres is standard, with 4 metres preferred. The roof should be high enough at the front to allow horses to enter without ducking, typically 2.7 to 3 metres at the eave.
Materials and construction
We build horse shelters using a combination of timber framing and steel roofing. The frame is typically treated pine or hardwood posts set in concrete footings, with hardwood or treated pine rails. The roof is Colorbond sheeting with proper guttering to manage water runoff.
Kick pads along the lower sections of the walls are essential. These are typically steel or hardwood sheets that protect the timber framing from hoof damage. Without kick pads, horses will damage the structure within months, so this is a non-negotiable part of our builds.
Site selection and preparation
The shelter location should provide natural drainage away from the structure. Placing a shelter at the bottom of a slope where water collects will create a muddy, unhealthy environment for your horses.
We recommend orienting the open side away from the prevailing weather, which in Melbourne generally means facing the opening north or northeast. This provides maximum protection from winter rain and cold southerly winds while allowing sunshine in.
The base area should be compacted and ideally covered with road base or crusher dust to provide a clean, well-drained surface. We can prepare the site as part of the overall project.
Need a horse shelter built properly? We can visit your property and discuss the best setup.
Book a Site VisitPermits and costs
Horse shelters under 10 square metres of floor area that are not connected to another structure are generally exempt from building permit requirements in Victoria. Larger shelters may require a permit depending on the size and your local council's requirements.
If your property is zoned rural or green wedge, there are generally fewer planning restrictions on agricultural structures. We check the requirements for your specific property during our site visit.
Our horse shelters are built to last in rural conditions. Every project is quoted individually based on the size, materials, and site preparation required.