If your family objects to letting the horses come inside to cool off this summer (understandable, but still…), your best bet is making sure they’ve got some sun relief in their stalls.
Adding stalls with shade structures is one of the best ways to help them beat the heat.
We're highlighting our 10x20 stall with shade kit here. It's our mid-size kit, but the basic directions will be the same for any of our horse stall kits.
Do I Really Need Shade for My Horse?
Even tough horses benefit from it—especially older ones, foals, underweight horses, or those new to hotter climates. Heat stress in horses can sneak up faster than you'd think.
A little stall shade goes a long way. It won’t solve everything in a high-heat region like Texas or Arizona, but it’s a savvy upgrade.
Table of Contents
What Comes in the 10x20 Stall with Shade Kit
Before you start hauling tools out of the barn, it helps to know exactly what you’re working with.
This horse stall kit goes together faster than you think. Not as fast as a Jimmy John's sandwich, but pretty darn quick and—like the rest of our systems—it’s built from horse panels.
Meaning, it's modular. So if you want to expand later, you're already set up for it.
Here’s what’s included:
- (4) Shade Posts – With pre-welded L-brackets
- (12) Panel Clamps – To attach posts, panels, and trusses
- (2) Trusses – Support the roof across front and back
- (2) Side Supports + (1) Middle Support – For bracing and roof structure
- (4) Metal Roofing Sheets – Pre-cut, ready to overlap
- (3) Additional Panels – To complete stall walls
- (8) Adapter Clamps + (2) Corner Posts – For anchoring corners into the ground
- (30) Framing Screws – For framing and roofing attachment
Tools You’ll Need
Nothing fancy here—just the basics you probably already have on hand.
- Socket wrench (9/16" and 5/16" sockets)
- Impact drill (optional but speeds things up)
- Ladder
- Shovel
- Gloves and safety glasses
- Post hole digger (shovels work, but these work better)
- Post driver
How to Install Your Stall Shade Kit—Step by Step
You’ll find full instructions in your kit—and you can watch a full installation video here—
but here’s a quick overview to help you wrap your head around the project.
Note: Most of our customers tell us they knock it out in an afternoon with a little help from someone to hold the other end.
Step 1: Attach Shade Posts to Panels
This will differ a bit from our regular stall setup. You'll need to attach the four shade posts using panel clamps to the back and side panels of your stall. As you can see, the panels don't clamp to each other, instead, clamping to the shade post.
When you've finished this step, you'll have 3 panels and 4 shade posts setup.
Tip: Make sure the L-brackets at the top of each post face inward—they’ll hold the trusses later.
Tighten everything with a 9/16" socket or impact drill.
Step 2: Install the Front and Back Trusses
Rest the trusses on top of the posts, lined up with the L-brackets. Clamp and tighten to the L-bracket and the post itself.
Step 3: Add Side Supports
Use framing screws and a 5/16" socket drill bit to attach both side supports.
Tip: If you’re flying solo, a clamp or ladder can be a lifesaver while you line things up.
Step 4: Install the Middle Support
Add the center brace to square up the structure. Check alignment before moving on.
Step 5: Secure the Roofing Panels
Overlap the first three panels by one ridge, the last by three. Use nine screws per panel—front, middle, and back.
Pro Tip: Rotate the final panel 180 degrees so the edges align neatly.
Step 6: Complete the Stall Panels
Attach the final three stall panels using your remaining panel clamps.
Step 7: Secure the Corners
Add a post at each corner of your shade for added stability and support for high-wind areas. Use a driver or dig a hole and add concrete for added strength.
Step 8: Final Check
Tighten everything. Secure all screws. Give the roof a shake to test stability—and admire what you just built.
Ready to Plan Your Horse Stalls?
Wrapping It Up: Common Questions
How's that feel? Doable, right? Here are a few things customers ask us all the time:
Can I install this by myself?
While it’s likely doable solo, we always recommend having help when it comes time to set the trusses. You’ll need someone to steady the other end and help secure things safely.
Can I add stalls later?
Absolutely. Our panel and shade system is modular. Learn how our Add-On Stall Kits work if you’re planning to expand in stages.
Will it hold up in storms?
Our products aren't wind-tested and there are some variables. How deep you set your posts and the type of ground you have, for example.
That said, you're welcome to swing by our yard if you're in TX to take a look at the one we installed several years ago. Or, we can point you towards some customer-reviews.
Need help planning your layout?
We’re happy to help you figure out what fits your space, horses, and future plans.
Ready to Build?
If summer’s already heating up, now’s the time to get ahead of it. Shade makes a difference—and this 10x20 Stall Kit with Shade makes it doable.