shelter for older pasture horse

Question
QUESTION: Hello, I have a question about appropriate shelter for my 24 yr. gelding QH who is in pasture all spring, summer and early fall with 3 teenage horses.  There is barbed wire fence around pasture and tall wood plank fencing around corrals...no roofing whatsoever, nor trees...so shade is minimal and no overhead protection from rain.  Is this enough?  The owner doesn't seem to bring them in barn in heavy thundershowers or scorching hot days...is this okay?
At our previous barn my horse was brought in barn all the time for protection from storms, cold, rain, heat....but now he's left out in the elements.  (except in winter they come inside at night)
Should I be concerned....maybe I could ask to put a roof on the 3 sided walled shelter area or are 3 walls enough?
Thanks for your help!
Lori

ANSWER: Hi Lori :)
Yes you have every right to be concerned! You should talk to the barn owner about putting up something simple like this http://www.noblepanels.com/12xpens.htm . There are other types of shelters on the site too but the open front would be the most convenient. There are also places that will sell the blueprints and then the owner can construct it himself and all he would need to buy is the supplies (in the end it is cheaper to do this). Don't confront him yourself. Talk to the other boarders and maybe you can all talk to him as a group. If you all offer to help construct it the owner may give in to your concerns. Good luck! :)

Kelsey

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Kelsey, thanks for your input...I talked to owner today and she won't build anything due to costs...but is willing to bring them in barn on really hot scorching days...and I noticed he stands beside fence and gets some shade...Is this enough?...I really like this barn even tho it's more "rough" so I don't want to complain to owner too much.  Is he okay getting wet in the rain too?  Thanks for your help. Lori

Answer
Hi Lori :)
A little rain wont hurt him. If it rains a lot then he should be brought inside. As long as there is some form of shade for him to stand in he should be fine. When you go out to see him make sure he has plenty of water and watch for signs of dehydration *tacky or dry mouth, cold ears and lower limbs*. If you have any more questions please don't hesitate to ask! :)

Kelsey