Horse Shelters Built for Alberta Winters
Hilltop Manufacturing fabricates heavy-duty steel horse shelters and run-in sheds designed to handle the wind, cold, and snow of southern Alberta — built to your size, your layout, and your horses' needs. Every shelter is custom-built at our shop near Pincher Creek, Alberta.
✓ Custom sizing available | ✓ Heavy-duty steel construction | ✓ Built for Alberta winters | ✓ Serving southern Alberta since 2006 | ✓ Portable welding — we come to you
A horse shelter is one of the most important investments you'll make for your animals' welfare. In southern Alberta — where chinook winds, blizzards, and dramatic temperature swings are a fact of life — a poorly built shelter isn't just inconvenient, it's a liability.
At Hilltop Manufacturing, we build horse shelters and run-in sheds using heavy-gauge steel and proven fabrication techniques refined over nearly 20 years in Alberta's agricultural industry.
The frames are made from drill stem, 2X6 planking is bolted onto the frame. 1x6 vertical planks are screwed onto the strapping. Galvanized tin on the roof completes the shelter.
Calf shelters which are the exact same design as the horse shelter except a calf shelter is 2' shorter.
Standard sizes are 10 x 18, 10 x 24 and 10 x 30.
Contact us about delivery cost.
1. How much space does a horse need in a shelter?
The general rule is a minimum of 10 square feet per horse inside a shelter. For a single horse, a 10' x 12' enclosed space is workable; for larger breeds or horses that spend extended time inside, 10' x 18' is more appropriate.
A good run-in shed allows horses to enter and exit freely, lie down comfortably, and turn around without constraint. Interior height should be a minimum of 8 feet to prevent injury from sudden head movements.
2. Open front vs. enclosed shelter
A run-in shed (three solid walls + open front) is the most popular choice for Alberta horse properties. It allows horses to self-regulate — coming in and out as they choose — which reduces stress and improves natural behavior. It also provides excellent passive ventilation, which is critical for respiratory health.
3. Orientation matters more than most people think
In southern Alberta, prevailing winds typically come from the northwest. Positioning your shelter so the open face points south or southeast is standard practice — it shields the interior from the worst wind and snow while still allowing light and airflow. Ask us about placement when you request a quote and we'll share what's worked best for other customers in your area.
4. Single unit vs. multi-bay
For two or more horses sharing a shelter, you have two options: one large open bay (herd-friendly, lower cost) or individual bays with partitions (better for dominant/submissive herd dynamics or horses that need to be separated for feeding). We can build either configuration.
5. Foundation and site prep
Our horse shelters are portable so you can move this shelter around your farm or yard. There is little to no site preparation required.
6. Sizes & options
The most common size is 10' X 18' and Hilltop generally stocks this size. We also offer 10' X 24' and 10' X 30' sizes.
Q: Does Hilltop Manufacturing build custom horse shelters in Alberta?
A: Yes. Hilltop Manufacturing builds fully custom horse shelters and run-in sheds from our shop near Pincher Creek, Alberta. We build to your size, layout, and specifications — contact us at (403) 627-1885 for a free quote.
Q: What sizes of horse shelters do you build?
A: We build to any size. Common configurations include 10' x 18', 10' x 24', and 10' x 30', but we can fabricate custom dimensions to suit your herd size, property layout, and budget. There's no standard size we're locked into.
Q: How much does a custom horse shelter cost in Alberta?
A: Cost varies significantly based on size, features, and materials. A basic single-bay run-in shed starts lower than a multi-bay enclosed shelter with partition walls and a feed room. Contact us for a quote.
Q: How long does a steel horse shelter last?
A: A properly built steel horse shelter will last 6–12+ years with minimal maintenance. Steel doesn't rot, warp, or get chewed by horses the way wood does. Our shelters are fabricated from heavy-duty steel.
Q: What is a run-in shed?
A: A run-in shed is a three-sided horse shelter with an open front that allows horses to enter and exit freely. It's the most popular shelter style in Alberta because it provides wind and weather protection while allowing natural horse behavior and passive ventilation. Hilltop builds run-in sheds in any size.
Q: Do I need a building permit for a horse shelter in Alberta?
A: In most rural Alberta municipalities, a horse shelter on agriculturally zoned land doesn't require a building permit, but setback rules vary by county. We recommend verifying with your local municipal office (Rocky View, Foothills, Pincher Creek No. 9, Lethbridge County, etc.) before placing an order.
Q: Can you add a tack room or feed storage to a horse shelter?
A: Yes. We can integrate enclosed tack rooms, feed storage, or utility rooms into any shelter design. Just let us know during the quoting process and we'll design it in from the start.
Q: Do you deliver horse shelters across Alberta?
A: Yes, delivery can be arranged. Contact us to discuss delivery logistics and costs to your location. Depending on the size of the structure.
Q: Where is Hilltop Manufacturing located?
A: We're located just outside Pincher Creek, Alberta. We serve customers across southern Alberta, including Lethbridge, Fort Macleod, Claresholm, Nanton, High River, and surrounding areas.
Other Products
Calf Shelters — Protect young livestock through Alberta winters. Custom-built to your operation's requirements.
Wind Fences — Reduce wind chill in paddocks, feedlots, and outdoor work areas.
Custom Fabrication — Have something else in mind? We build it. Gates, bunk lines, feeders, corrals — bring us your idea.
Portable Welding Services — We come to your property for on-site repairs, modifications, and new builds.
Building Excellence