Got a horse (or two) that needs a shady spot to hide from rain, wind, or blazing sun? You don’t need fancy barn money! This easy DIY round horse shelter uses bendy cattle panels (like giant hoops) and a big tarp to make a tough, curved hideout your horse will love.
It’s called a “run-in” because horses can walk right in and out whenever they want. Best part?
- Costs about $250–$400 (way cheaper than store-bought)
- One or two people can build it in a weekend
- Super easy to take apart and move to a new spot
- Looks cute and works great!
Here are some real examples of this style in action — simple, strong, and horse-approved:
These show the classic arched shape with the tarp roof — horses love standing under them during storms!
What You’ll Need
For a shelter big enough for 1–2 horses (about 12–16 ft wide × 10–12 ft deep):
- 6–8 pressure-treated 4×4 posts (8 ft long) – these are your strong legs
- 3 sheets of ¾-inch plywood (exterior grade, 4×8 ft) – makes a solid wall so horses don’t poke legs through
- 3 cattle/livestock panels (16 ft long × about 50–52 inches tall) – the bendy hoops! Get them at farm stores
- 1 heavy-duty tarp (at least 16×20 ft, UV-resistant with strong edges) – your waterproof roof
- Box of 2–3 inch outdoor screws
- Fence staples or big U-nails (for extra grip)
- 100+ black zip ties/cable ties (8–11 inch size, UV-resistant) – these hold everything tight
- Optional (but smart): paint for plywood, extra rope, ground stakes for windy days
Total? Usually under $400 if you shop smart at Tractor Supply, local farm co-ops, or hardware stores.
Step-by-Step: DIY Horse Shelter
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Pick & Prep Your Spot Find a flat area in the pasture with good drainage (no big puddles). Clear away rocks and grass. Imagine a half-circle shape about 12–16 ft across the back.
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Plant Your Posts (The Legs) Dig holes 2–3 feet deep. Put your 4×4 posts in two rows facing each other, about 10–12 ft apart (wider at the front opening). Space them 4–6 ft apart in each row. Pack dirt/rock tight around them (or use quick-set concrete if you want it extra sturdy). Let it set if using concrete.
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Add the Kick-Proof Bottom Wall Screw. The plywood sheets are horizontally along the bottom of the posts. This makes a 3–4 ft high solid wall on the sides and back. Horses won’t kick through or hurt themselves on the wire panels. Use a few screws first to hold it, then tighten everything later.
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Bend the Magic Hoops (Cattle Panels) With a friend (or muscle!), bend each 16-ft panel into a nice arch. Place them between the posts so they overlap a little for strength. Push the bottom edges down into the ground or against the plywood. Zip-tie and staple them super tight to the posts and plywood — go crazy with zip ties every 6–12 inches!
Check out how the arch looks once the panels are up. Building a temporary horse shelter using cattle panels and tarps
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Throw On the Tarp Roof Tie ropes to each corner of your big tarp. Climb a ladder (or toss one end over), pull the tarp tight over the whole arch. Stretch it smooth so it doesn’t flap in wind. Zip-tie it down everywhere — every hole, every edge! More ties = better wind resistance.
Quick Tips to Make It Last & Keep Your Horse Happy
- Add extra zip ties and ground stakes if you get big winds
- Check the tarp every year (replace every 2–5 years when it gets crispy from sun)
- Put sand or gravel inside for a dry floor
- Brush off heavy snow so the roof doesn’t sag
- Your horse will walk right in during rain and say “thanks” with happy ears!
This little round shelter is a farm favorite because it’s cheap, fast, and actually works. You’ll save tons of money and feel proud every time your horse uses it.
Questions? Want ideas to make it bigger? Just ask — happy building, and give your horse a pat from me!
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