Run-In Shed Builder in Ocala, FL
Three-sided horse shelters from 12x12 to 24x36 feet. Pressure treated posts and metal roofing. No stall doors. Horses come and go on their own. Built for Florida heat and rain.
Get a Free Estimate ›Simple Shelter That Horses Actually Use
A run-in shed is a three-sided open-front shelter. Horses walk in and out on their own. No stall doors, no daily mucking, no confinement. They get shade and rain cover when they need it and open pasture when they do not.
In Central Florida, summer heat tops 95 degrees and afternoon storms hit almost every day from June through September. A run-in shed is one of the most useful structures on a horse property.
Fences R Us builds run-in sheds from 12 by 12 feet up to 24 by 36 feet for larger herds. Posts go in the ground. Metal roofing handles Florida rain, UV, and wind. Skirt boards at the base keep horses from getting feet underneath the shed wall.
Run-in sheds are part of the full Equestrian Structures & Fencing service. They are often built alongside paddock fencing so the shelter sits inside a fenced turnout area.
General rule: 12 feet of shelter width per horse. Tight spaces cause horses to crowd and injure each other. Manny confirms size at the site visit based on your herd and turnout setup.
Run-In Shed Materials Used by Fences R Us
Posts
Pressure treated posts set directly in the ground. Post size is 6x6 for corner and structural posts. Depth is a minimum of 3 feet in Florida's sandy soil. Posts are set in concrete on every run-in shed build.
Roofing
Metal roofing is standard on all run-in sheds. Corrugated or standing seam. Metal handles Florida rain, UV, and wind load better than any other roofing material in an outdoor agricultural structure. It does not warp, rot, or blow off under normal Florida storm conditions.
Framing
All structural framing is pressure treated lumber. Top plates, rafters, and purlins. Untreated framing in a Florida outdoor structure breaks down fast in humidity and insect exposure. Pressure treated lumber adds years to the structure's life.
Siding
Three sides of the shed are enclosed. The front stays open. Side and back walls use board siding or metal panels depending on the spec. Board siding can be painted to match the property. Metal siding needs no maintenance.
Skirt Boards
A skirt board runs along the base of the shed walls at ground level. It keeps horses from getting hooves or legs underneath the wall frame. A horse that gets a leg under a shed wall can injure itself badly. Skirt boards are standard on every run-in shed Fences R Us builds.
How a Run-In Shed Is Built
Why Run-In Sheds in Florida Need to Be Built Right
Heat
Marion County averages over 165 days above 90 degrees per year. A run-in shed gives horses shade without confinement. Open sides allow airflow, which is critical for keeping horses cool. A closed shed without ventilation is worse than no shed in Florida summer heat.
Rain
Central Florida averages 54 inches of rain per year. Most of it falls in the summer afternoon storm season. A run-in shed with proper roof pitch sheds water fast and stays dry inside. Posts set in concrete stay plumb even in saturated soil after heavy rain.
Humidity
Untreated wood in Florida humidity breaks down fast. A run-in shed built with standard dimensional lumber will show rot at the post bases within a few years. Pressure treated posts and framing extend the shed's life to 20 or more years in Central Florida conditions.
Combining with Fencing
Most run-in sheds are built inside a fenced paddock or pasture. Fences R Us can build the shed and the fence on the same trip. One crew, one quote, one day of work where possible.
Need fencing around the paddock that contains the run-in shed? See Paddock Fencing or Horse Pasture Fencing for options.
Run-In Shed Construction Across Five Central Florida Counties
Fences R Us builds run-in sheds for horse properties within roughly one hour of Ocala.
Other Equestrian Builds from Fences R Us
Run-in sheds are one of seven equestrian structures built by Fences R Us. See the full Equestrian Structures & Fencing page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Run-In Sheds in Ocala, FL
Get a Free Run-In Shed Estimate
Manny comes out, checks the site, and gives you a written quote. No obligation. Call (352) 266-2849 or use the form below.