Horses need more protection from the elements of nature, and having a lounging shed can give them the protection they need. Designs are easy to find and it’s just as easy to build with the right tools and materials.
Tools and Necessary Material
- 4 – 12x4x4 posts
- 2×4 pieces of wood
- Death way
- roofing nails
- regular nails
- A hammer
- concrete mix
- sandbags
Making the base: Start by measuring where the corner posts will go, the normal size is 12×12 feet. Dig post holes for the 4×4 pieces 36″ deep. Set the posts in the holes with concrete and allow them to set for 72 hours until the concrete dries.
Building the Walls: Build the walls with the 2x4s on three sides, starting about 4″ from grade level and going to the top of the posts. Be sure to leave a small gap near or on top of the shed for ventilation. Build a frame that’s basic for the roof by nailing 2×4’s of each corner post together from all four sides.
Building the roof: The front and rear pieces of siding must be nailed to the roof structure. This can be done using regular nails. Make sure everything is level and properly secured. Lay siding pieces using an overlapping method to ensure water runs off without any problem. Use the roofing nails to attach the siding pieces together to make the slouchy shed roof more stable. The lining material can be tin, corrugated metal, or plastic.
Make the floor: Spread your sandbags 6″ deep, or more, on the floor inside the shed. One of the things to watch out for when doing this task is any sharp edges or exposed nails. Since this is being built to For equine purposes, you want to make sure nothing sticks out, so your horses are safe and secure inside.
Additions to the shed: Since these types of sheds often house horses and other animals, you can also add hay hatches, double doors, windows, Dutch doors, full enclosures, doors, etc.
Adding a hay rack: This is the space that can be used for hay or other animal feed. It is kept off the ground to avoid moisture. Installing one in your shed, if you did it for equines or other animals, would be the best option. Make your base by taking plywood and laying it down, then drill three holes that are 1-1/2 feet apart. Take 3 2x4s and screw them into the holes to form one side of the shelf.
To make the other side, drill 3 more holes the same size and the same distance from each other, but on the opposite side. Screw 3 more 2x4s into the holes, the same way as the other side, to make the other side. This will be the “backbone” of the frame and also its base. Screw another 2×4 piece on top of the others, and drill through the other two pieces that make up the widest gap.
Leave the remaining end open and you are now ready to put your hay bale inside. Your lounging shed is now complete and ready for the horses.