A loafing shed is an open-front shelter that horses can enter freely for shade and protection from the weather. The term is often used interchangeably with run-in shed.
Blacktail offers three-wall loafing shed kits in 12x12 and 12x24 sizes, plus shade covers, sloped-roof shelters and stall-and-shelter combinations. Compare the roofed area and wall arrangement before choosing a kit.
Three-wall loafing sheds
The 12x12 and 12x24 loafing shed kits use a welded steel frame. Timber is excluded from these three-wall kits, so account for the required wood as a separate purchase.
Plan the opening around prevailing weather, drainage and the way the horses approach. Confirm the covered dimensions and wall materials included with the selected product.
Shade covers
Flat shade-cover products are available in 12x12 and 12x24 sizes. They provide a different enclosure from a three-wall loafing shed.
Choose roof coverage and side protection together. Confirm the product’s suitability for the site’s weather before treating any roof shape as a substitute for a load rating.
Sloped roofs and enclosed kits
The catalog includes 12x12 and 12x24 sloped-roof shelters and a 12x12 three-sided enclosed kit. Read the product details for the precise combination of roof, rails and walls.
Plan where water leaves the roof so it does not interfere with the entrance or adjoining enclosure. If side protection is part of the project, choose the appropriate enclosed or three-wall kit from the start.
- 12x12 Shelter, Sloped Roof
$1,495.00
- 12x24 Shelter, Sloped Roof
$2,295.00
- 12x12 3-Sided Enclosed Shelter
$2,295.95
Stalls with attached shelters
Covered stall combinations include a 12x12 stall with a matching 12x12 shelter, as well as longer stalls with partial cover. A stall-and-shelter kit creates a contained space; an open run-in shed serves a different layout.
Compare the stall footprint with the roof footprint and leave room for access, gate swing and cleaning.
Compare the shelter types
| Type | What to compare | Before ordering |
|---|---|---|
| Three-wall loafing shed | 12 × 12 ft or 12 × 24 ft; open front | Timber is excluded |
| Shade cover | Roofed area and open sides | Confirm weather and site requirements |
| Sloped-roof shelter | Roof shape, dimensions and side coverage | Plan drainage and installed posts |
| Stall with shelter | Stall footprint versus roof footprint | Check gates, connections and roofed area |
Plan the horses and the ground
Plan covered space around the horses that will share it and their access to the entrance. A footprint by itself does not establish a safe group size.
Blacktail roofed shelters use posts set in concrete. Obtain the footing and installation details appropriate to the product and site. Confirm any required permits and arrange unloading before delivery.
- Installation and site preparation
Plan assembly, site access and contractor requirements.
- Delivery and unloading
Check shipping, access and what to do when the order arrives.
- Warranty coverage
Read the coverage, exclusions and claim requirements.
Ready to compare products? The catalog shows the available sizes, styles, specifications, and current pricing.
Shop loafing shedsQuestions before you buy
Is a loafing shed the same as a run-in shed? The terms are often used for an open-front shelter livestock can enter freely. Compare the actual wall layout and roof coverage of the product, since the name alone does not specify the enclosure.
What sizes of three-wall loafing shed are available? Blacktail lists 12x12 and 12x24 three-wall loafing shed kits. Timber is excluded from those kits.
Can I buy a covered stall instead? Yes. The shelter range includes 12x12 stalls with matching 12x12 sloped shelters and larger stall-and-cover combinations.
Do shelters need concrete-set posts? Yes. The roofed shelters use posts set in concrete. Confirm product-specific installation and footing details for the location before work begins.