The true cost of a mobile field shelter in the UK

A good mobile field shelter is one of the most useful additions to any land where horses are kept, from private paddocks to busy yards. 

It gives horses reliable protection from the weather and helps you manage grazing more effectively. When conditions change, it can be quickly repositioned with a 4×4 or a tractor.

But the cost of a field shelter goes beyond the initial purchase price. The materials, build quality, and details affect how long it lasts and how much maintenance it will need to stay in good condition.

While the design may look simple, a well-built shelter combines structural strength, good airflow, and stable handling when towed to perform reliably year after year.

A well-built shelter is a long-term asset; a poorly built one becomes a short-term expense.

In this article, we look at the factors that influence the cost of a mobile field shelter in the UK - from construction and materials to delivery, upkeep, and long-term value.

A field shelter’s typical price range (and what affects it)

The cost of a mobile field shelter in the UK usually starts at around £2,500-£3,000 for a basic single shelter and can reach £6,000 or more for larger, customised models. 

The final price depends on several factors: the size, materials, fittings, and delivery and installation requirements.

Here are the main elements that influence cost:

• Size and layout: A single 12ft × 12ft shelter costs less than a 24ft × 12ft twin or a larger unit with internal partitions. More timber, fixings, and roofing naturally increase the total.
• Timber quality and treatment: Pressure-treated framing and thicker boarding last longer and resist weather damage, adding value over time.
• Skid type: Timber skids are economical and suitable for lighter use, while galvanised metal skids offer greater strength and durability for frequent movement or heavy ground conditions.
• Roofing material: Most shelters come with lightweight roofing such as Onduline, Onduvilla, or felt tiles. All provide reliable weather protection; the choice mainly comes down to appearance and budget.
• Added features: Doors, slip rails, internal partitions, kickboards, and anti-chew strips improve practicality and horse welfare but increase the build cost.
• Installation vs DIY assembly: Opting for a DIY installation can save you money, but requires tools and at least two people.
• Site conditions: Access to your site can affect installation costs. A clear, level area and good vehicle access usually make delivery and installation straightforward.

Short-term savings vs long-term value

It’s tempting to choose the cheapest option on the market, especially when a basic shelter seems to provide the essentials. But in most cases, build quality determines how much you’ll spend in the long run.

Lower-priced shelters often use thinner framing, untreated timber, or lightweight fixings that struggle against wind and wet conditions. Over time, these compromises can lead to warping, leaks, or movement issues when towing. Repairs, replacements, and lost time quickly outweigh the initial savings.

On the other hand, a well-constructed field shelter made from pressure-treated timber with strong joints, durable roofing, and solid skids can last a decade or more with minimal maintenance. 

Quality materials and craftsmanship may cost more at first, but they deliver lasting value through reduced maintenance, dependable performance, and year-round comfort for your horses.

Maintenance and running costs

A mobile field shelter needs very little upkeep, but a few simple checks each season will help it last for many years.

• Monitor skids and towing chains to ensure they remain secure and free from corrosion before moving the shelter.
• Keep the ground around the shelter as dry as possible by relocating it or using temporary mats during wet spells to prevent poaching and standing water.
• Prevent condensation by opening the doors or by regularly removing the slip rails.
• Check the roof for cracks or lifting sheets after strong winds, and clear gutters of leaves or debris.
• Inspect fixings and hinges regularly, tightening or replacing any that have worked loose over time.

When well-maintained, a high-quality mobile shelter can last well over a decade, even in exposed conditions. 

Example configurations from Chart Stables

Chart Stables have been building high-quality equestrian timber buildings for over 30 years. 

Our mobile field shelters are designed to provide sturdy, flexible protection for horses and livestock without the need for expensive groundworks. 

Our mobile field shelters come complete with skids, towing chains, anchor points, guttering, and - in the Chart range - galvanised anti-chew strips around doorway openings. Inside, they are lined to 1.2m (4ft) with OSB kickboards for rigidity and protection against kicking.

You can choose between pressure-treated timber skids or galvanised metal skids, depending on your ground conditions and how frequently you plan to move the building.

Chart Stables offers two main ranges:

• The Clipper Range: a well-specified, great-value choice for general use. It features a 75mm × 50mm (3 in × 2 in) timber frame, a 1.2m (4ft) canopy, and a 2.4m (8ft) wide opening. Supplied with kickboarding to 1.2m (4ft) and a heavy-duty towing chain, it is ideal for most paddocks and small yards.
• The Chart Range: our premium option, designed for exposed locations. It includes enlarged 100mm × 50mm (4 in × 2 in) framing, thicker kickboards, galvanised anti-chew strips, and a slip rail with galvanised brackets. Timber skids are fitted on smaller models, with galvanised skids standard on larger units.

Both ranges come with black Onduline roofing as standard, with the option to upgrade to Onduvilla tiles for a different finish.

Every building is made to order, so you can tailor the size, cladding, lining, and roofing to your exact needs.

Typical starting prices are:

• Single shelter (12ft × 12ft) - from £2,955 + VAT
• Double shelter (24ft × 12ft) - from £4,820 + VAT
• Triple shelter (36ft × 12ft) - from £7,170 + VAT.

All Chart Stables field shelters can be supplied fully installed or as a DIY kit.