What is a loafing shed?

A loafing shed — also called a run-in shed — is an open-sided steel shelter horses use for shade and weather protection. They walk in and out freely. No stalls, no gates. Our loafing shed configs use gable roofs and open frameout bays that give horses full access while keeping the elements out.

What's the difference between a loafing shed and a riding barn?

A loafing shed is fully open — horses come and go as they please. A riding barn adds a tack room on one closed end for storing saddles, feed, and equipment. If you want the tack room, tell us when you call and we'll quote the riding barn configuration.

Are horse barns exempt from Texas sales tax?

Yes, in most cases. Steel buildings used for agricultural operations — including horses, cattle, and livestock — qualify for the Texas Ag/Timber exemption (Form 01-924). You need a valid exemption number from the Texas Comptroller. We collect it at checkout and apply it. No sales tax on qualifying purchases.

What is a frameout on a horse barn?

A frameout is an open bay — structural steel frame with no wall panels. This creates an open, airy stall area while keeping the roof intact. Our horse configs use two frameouts as stall openings, with a closed gable end for wind protection.

Can I add kick panels or vertical sidewalls?

Yes. Available options discussed during finalization. Lower take rate but available when needed.

Do I need a permit for a horse barn in Texas?

Depends on your county. Agricultural structures on working farms and ranches often do not require permits in rural Texas. Check with your county before ordering — we can help.

How long does delivery take?

Most horse barn configs are delivered and installed in 4 to 6 weeks from order.

Do these come in custom colors?

Yes. Red walls with white trim is most popular, but we offer a full panel color range. Tell us what you want when you call.

Should I upgrade to 12-gauge framing for a horse barn?

Yes, and it is not just about wind. Horses push, rub, and lean against walls constantly. That daily lateral pressure is a different load than wind — and 14-gauge framing shows dents and damage over time. 12-gauge is approximately 30% stronger and carries a 20-year rust-through warranty vs 7 years for standard 14-gauge. For livestock structures, the upgrade is worth it.

Do vertical walls add strength for animal pressure?

Yes. Vertical wall construction adds horizontal girt tubing that runs the full length of the building between the vertical posts. That horizontal steel is exactly what resists the side-to-side pressure animals put on walls — and it gives kick panels and lower panels a much more rigid backing. Standard horizontal panel buildings do not have this framing layer.

Steel loafing shed and horse barn by North Texas Shed & Steel

🌸 Spring Sale — 15% Off All Loafing Shed Configs

Loafing Sheds & Run-in Sheds — Pasture Shelters Built for Texas

Your horses decide when to use it. That's the point. Steel loafing sheds with open frameout bays, gable roofs, and Ag/Timber tax exemption. From $4,440 — five proven configs ready to quote.

Red walls / White trim · Free delivery & installation

Talk to an Expert →See Pricing & Sizes

Denton: (940) 320-9377 WF: (940) 249-5015

Most Horse Barn Buyers Qualify for Tax Exemption

Steel buildings used for ag/livestock operations are exempt from Texas sales tax under the Ag/Timber exemption (Form 01-924). Bring your exemption number — we handle the rest. No sales tax collected on qualifying purchases.

Get Your Exemption Number

Five Proven Loafing Shed Configurations

All configs ship as gable roof · full back wall · half-end walls · two open frameout bays · faux windows. 15% spring sale pricing shown.

18×20×9Save $784

$4,440$5,224

2 open frameout bays · 9.5' wide
4 faux windows (30″×30″)
9-foot sidewalls · gable roof
Free delivery & installation

Talk to an Expert About This Size →

20×20×9Save $850

$4,815$5,665

2 open frameout bays · 9.5' wide
4 faux windows (30″×30″)
9-foot sidewalls · gable roof
Free delivery & installation

Talk to an Expert About This Size →

18×30×9Save $1,019

$5,777$6,796

2 open frameout bays · 14' wide
5 faux windows (30″×30″)
9-foot sidewalls · gable roof
Free delivery & installation

Talk to an Expert About This Size →

Premium Estate Build — When You Want It to Look the Part

The standard loafing shed configs are built for function. Some customers want function and a finished look that fits a high-end horse property. The premium build starts with a fully-sheeted all-vertical garage — then the stall bays are opened back up. More steel, heavier trim throughout, more labor.

Roughly twice the cost of a standard config. Worth every dollar on the right property.

Fully-sheeted vertical construction — then frameouts opened back up
Heavier trim package throughout
Any color combination — black panels + white trim is the most requested
Kick panels on open bays for added structure and finished look
Quoted individually — too many variables for a fixed price list

Denton: (940) 320-9377 WF: (940) 249-5015

Call to discuss a premium build — pricing quoted individually.

Why Buy From Us

Our owner has a degree in Animal Science from Texas Tech — and still runs cattle.

Chad Moore holds a B.S. in Animal Science from Texas Tech and grew up working ranches. He's not reading from a spec sheet — he's built horse shelters because he needed them. When you call, you're talking to someone who understands your property, your horses, and what you actually need.

If you're newer to horse ownership on a small acreage property in Denton County — the kind of 5–10 acre place that's everywhere in Argyle, Pilot Point, Sanger, and Krum — that matters. You'll get real advice on what size makes sense for your horse count and daily routine, not just a price quote.

What Every Config Includes

No hidden line items. Every horse barn ships with these features standard.

Gable Roof

Peaked gable design sheds rain and snow and gives horses headroom. Better airflow than a single-slope.

Open Stall Bays

Two open frameout bays let horses come and go freely. No gates. No stalls to clean if you run it as a loafing shed.

30″×30″ Faux Windows

Four or five decorative openings depending on size. Adds airflow and lets horses see out, which reduces stress.

Free Delivery + Installation

Our crew delivers and installs at your property. Anchored properly. No contractor needed.

Loafing Sheds, Run-in Sheds, and Riding Barns — What's the Difference?

Horse people use three names for very similar structures. Here's how they differ — and what to ask for when you call.

Loafing Shed

Most Common

Also called a Run-in Shed

Fully open on one or both sides. Horses walk in and out on their own — no stalls, no gates. Ideal for pastured horses that just need shade and weather protection. Our standard configs build as loafing sheds by default.

Run-in Shed

Same thing, different name

"Run-in" emphasizes that horses can run in and out freely. Functionally identical to a loafing shed. If you search "run-in shed prices" and land here, these are the same structures — same configs, same pricing.

Riding Barn

Ask for This

With a tack room

A riding barn adds a closed-in tack room on one end for saddles, bridles, feed, and equipment. One side of the barn closes off; the other remains open for horses. Ask for the riding barn configuration when you call.

How It Works

Call or Submit the Form

Tell us your property size, horse count, and how you use your horses. The conversation takes about 10 minutes.

Same-Day Quote

We price your config the same day. If you qualify for the Ag/Timber exemption, we walk you through it on the call.

Delivered in 4–6 Weeks

Our crew delivers and installs at your property. Most North Texas builds run 4 to 6 weeks from order.

What to Expect on Your Call

Most customers have questions before they order — that's the point. Call and get real answers from someone who's built and used these structures. Not a runaround. Not a closer.

Honest recommendation on which size fits your property and horse count
Layout ideas — stall placement, open working area, tack room options if you want a riding barn
Ag/Timber exemption walkthrough if you qualify — we handle the paperwork
Real delivery timeline for your area, not a vague estimate
Ideas on uses you may not have considered — farrier space, hay storage, covered grooming area
Your final price — options and trim level can move the number significantly, and we'll walk you through exactly what drives cost

Call Denton: (940) 320-9377 Call WF: (940) 249-5015

Mon–Sat · No pressure · No obligation

Frequently Asked Questions

Need a Payment Path for a Larger Loafing Shed?

For larger ag builds, custom runs, or upgraded trim packages, ask about monthly payment options through Hearth. We'll quote the structure first, then walk you through what qualifies so you can compare cash vs. financing without getting jerked around.

Financing is provided by third-party lenders through Hearth, a licensed broker (NMLS # 1628533). Hearth does not make loans or credit decisions.

All loans are subject to credit approval. Rates and terms vary by lender and creditworthiness. Checking your rate will not affect your credit score.

If you use a Hearth application or widget on our site, please review our Privacy Policy and Hearth's Privacy Policy.

Tell Us About Your Property

A 10-minute conversation is all it takes. We'll figure out which config fits your horses, your land, and your budget.

Get Your Free Steel Building Quote

Tell us what you need and we'll contact you within 24 hours with pricing and options.

Fast Response — We'll Contact You Within 24 Hours

4.8 on Google

Straight Answers, Real Quotes

Warranty Details Quoted by Product Line

Fast Lead Times on In-Stock Models

Delivery & Setup Available

What Our Customers Say

Real feedback from North Texas homeowners who chose North Texas Shed & Steel.

“Best shed I have ever owned. The Mennonite craftsmanship is obvious the second you step inside. Delivery was on time and the crew was professional.”

Mike R.

Denton, TX · Portable Shed

“We needed a 30x40 workshop and Chad made the whole process easy. Price was fair, install was fast, and it handled last spring's storms without a scratch.”

Sarah T.

Frisco, TX · Steel Building

“Our new deck completely changed how we use the backyard. It showed up ready to go and looks like it was custom built for the house.”

James & Linda P.

Wichita Falls, TX · Portable Deck

“The kids are outside every single day now. Solid construction, safe design, and it looks great in the yard. Worth every penny.”

The Garcia Family

McKinney, TX · Playset

Ready to Talk Through Your Horse Barn?

Whether you're looking for a simple loafing shed, a run-in shelter for a couple of horses, or a full riding barn with a tack room — call us. You're talking to someone who actually ranches.

Denton: (940) 320-9377 Wichita Falls: (940) 249-5015

Mon–Sat · Free quote · No pressure

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