Loafing Sheds and Run-In Sheds: Planning a Steel Livestock Shelter

Horses and cattle handle cold far better than most people expect. What wears them down is wind and wet together — a 35-degree rain with a north wind is harder on a pastured animal than a calm, dry zero. A loafing shed solves exactly that problem: a simple three-sided shelter animals can walk into whenever they choose. This guide explains what a loafing shed is, how big it should be, where to put it, and what to think about when the shelter is made of steel.

What is a loafing shed?

A loafing shed is an open-front, three-sided building in a pasture or dry lot that gives livestock free-choice shelter. There are no stalls and usually no doors; animals come and go as they like. Horse owners often call the same structure a run-in shed. The two terms are used interchangeably, with “loafing shed” more common for cattle and mixed livestock.

It is different from a barn in purpose. A barn is for confining, feeding and handling animals. A loafing shed is for letting them get out of the weather on their own schedule, which is also why it costs a fraction of a stall barn.

How big should a loafing shed be?

For horses, University of Minnesota Extension's guidance on dry lots and shelters gives a general guideline of 72 to 144 square feet of shelter per average-sized horse, and notes that the shelter should allow all horses to have access in poor weather. It adds that you may need more space if the horses do not get along or are larger than average.

Turning that into footprints:

• One or two horses: roughly 12' x 12' to 12' x 24'
• Three or four horses: roughly 12' x 36' to 12' x 48', or a deeper building of similar area
• A larger herd: multiply the per-horse figure, then consider two smaller sheds instead of one large one, so a dominant animal cannot keep the others out

Depth matters as much as area. A shed that is too shallow lets rain and snow blow all the way to the back wall. For cattle, sheep or goats, space needs vary by species, size and herd, so check with your county extension office or veterinarian for your animals.

Which way should it face?

Extension guidance is simple: the shelter should be three-sided and placed to block the wind. In most of the Midwest, winter wind comes from the north and west, so the open side usually faces south or southeast. That orientation also lets low winter sun reach the bedding and keeps the opening on the downwind side during storms. Local terrain can change the answer — watch where snow drifts on your own property for a winter before you commit.

Where to put it

• High, well-drained ground. A shed in a low spot becomes a mud pit. Build the pad up and grade it so water runs away from the opening.
• A firm base. Compacted gravel topped with a suitable footing material holds up to hooves far better than bare soil.
• Access for you. You will need to get a tractor or skid steer in to clean it out, and a truck near it for hay and bedding.
• Away from the fence line corner. Leave room on all sides so an animal cannot be trapped between the shed and a fence.

Our guide to preparing your land for a steel farm building covers leveling and drainage step by step.

What to know about a steel loafing shed

Steel is a good fit for livestock shelters: it does not rot where manure and moisture sit against it, animals cannot chew it, and it is non-combustible. A few details deserve planning:

• Protect the lower walls. Horses kick and lean. Sheet-metal wall panels on their own are not meant to take that, and a damaged edge can injure an animal. The common solution is to line the inside of the walls with sturdy lumber kick boards to about four feet. Our buildings are all-steel, so plan this lining as a finishing step with your own carpenter after installation.
• Height. Make the opening and interior tall enough that a horse throwing its head or rearing cannot reach the roof framing. Taller is also better for airflow and for getting equipment in to clean.
• Roof drainage. A single-slope or gable roof should shed water and snow away from the open side, so animals are not walking through runoff or a snow pile to get in.
• Condensation. Animals add a lot of moisture to the air. An open front usually ventilates well enough; if you enclose more of the building, add vents. Our insulation and condensation guide explains the options.
• Anchoring. A three-sided building is a wind scoop. It has to be anchored for the wind rating on its engineered drawings — see how steel structures are anchored.

Simple shed or barn with a lean-to?

A standalone three-sided shed is the lowest-cost way to shelter pastured animals. If you also need hay, tack or equipment storage, a barn-style building with an enclosed center and open side bays does both jobs: storage in the middle, run-in shelter under the sides. The steel barns we install follow that raised-center layout, and a lean-to can be added to an existing steel building for the same effect.

Snow load and permits

A livestock shelter has to stay standing in the worst week of winter, because that is when the animals are inside it. Every structure we install is engineer-certified for the snow load and wind at its location. On the paperwork side, agricultural buildings are treated differently from township to township: some need no building permit but still require a zoning permit and setbacks. Ask your local zoning office before ordering; we research requirements for your address at no extra cost.

Frequently asked questions

How big of a loafing shed do I need?

For horses, a common guideline is 72 to 144 square feet per average-sized horse, with more space for large or incompatible animals. For other livestock, ask your extension office.

What is the difference between a loafing shed and a run-in shed?

None in practice. Both are open-front, three-sided shelters that animals enter freely. “Run-in shed” is the usual term among horse owners.

Do horses need a shelter in winter?

Horses tolerate cold well but need a way to get out of wind and wet. Extension guidance is that shelter should be available to all horses in poor weather, whether that is a building or an effective natural windbreak.

Is a metal loafing shed safe for horses?

Yes, when the lower interior walls are lined with kick boards, there are no exposed sharp edges at animal height, and the building is properly anchored.

Give your animals a dry place to stand

Tell us how many animals you are sheltering and where the building will sit, and we will size a steel shelter certified for your location. Request a free quote, design it yourself in 3D, or call (262) 383-4347.

This guide is general information. Shelter sizing for your animals, building dimensions, snow and wind certification and local zoning rules must be confirmed for your property with a Wisconsin Carports Building Specialist and your municipality.

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