Why go mobile - Mobile stables & field shelters

Mobile or Static Stables & field shelters?

Stables and field shelters can be fixed or mobile. The fixed variety is built on concrete foundations with a single brick course. The mobile version rests on timber or galvanised metal skids, which make the building movable and elevate the structure off the ground, keeping its panels and frame dry. Mobile stables and field shelters come equipped with a metal tow chain, which is attached to the skids for easy, quick trailering.

To relocate your equestrian timber building, you’ll need to tow it around your field or paddock using a vehicle, such as a 4x4 or a tractor. A very slow speed (around 5mph) is recommended to prevent damage to the skids and structure. Every time you move your mobile timber building, check that all the bolts and screws are still tight. If necessary, tighten them up before initiating the tow.

Why choose mobile stables or field shelters

Both the fixed and mobile varieties of stables and field shelters offer great advantages. In this article, we look at why investing in a good quality mobile timber building is a great idea.

They’re economical

A fixed stable block typically requires groundworks, concrete foundations, and planning permission. These requirements all add to the cost of building and installation. Mobile stables and field shelters, on the other hand, are less expensive to purchase and much cheaper to fit, requiring no extra work other than the initial construction.

You don’t need planning permission to build them

In the UK, planning permission isn’t required for building mobile field shelters in over 90% of cases. This will save you time and money, as you won’t have to go through the application process, or hire an architect. Before placing an order, research local legislation to make sure the building you choose conforms with it and is indeed exempt from planning permission. If you’re in doubt, get in touch with your local planning office.

Even though they’re mobile, they’re sturdy and long-lasting

Mobile field shelters and stables can be moved, but they aren’t insubstantial. In order to withstand multiple relocations a year, they need to be well-built and robust. Our mobile timber buildings are made to last. For example, a Colt Stables Mobile Field Shelter is constructed from 75mm x 50mm timber framing and 16mm (12mm finished) pressure-treated shiplap cladding - just like our fixed shelters.

They are quick to install

Because mobile timber buildings can be simply built in place, without foundations (or planning permission, in most cases), they can be ordered over the phone and installed within days. If you need an outbuilding you can use next week, pick a mobile field shelter or stables.

You can move them as and where needed

Mobile timber buildings are very adaptable, which is ideal for big fields and paddocks, where you might need to reposition your stables and shelters throughout the year depending on the weather. For example, you could allow the animals to graze in different spots of your paddock to maximise the free feed by placing the shelter in different areas every month or so. You can also move the stables to your animals’ favourite spot, if they have one. A mobile timber outbuilding offers maximum flexibility.

The animals gain great weather protection

Because you can easily move these buildings around your field, you can offer the best protection to your animals throughout the year. For example, you might want to locate your field shelter in a sunny spot in the winter and in a shaded area in the summer. If the autumn usually brings strong winds, you can orient the building to protect the animals from the gusts.

They are a safe place for an injured or ill animal to recover

Should any of your animals become ill or suffer an injury, you can house them in a mobile stable or field shelter while they recover, so they can rest and sleep peacefully. With stables, you can even use the door to limit access to the building, so the injured animal can spend some time alone.