Horse on rubber stable tiles

When it comes to horse stable mats, there are a lot of misconceptions floating around. Some people think that rubber stable mats are only necessary for high-end stables. Others believe stable mats are only necessary if you have an indoor arena.

 


The truth is horse stable mats play an essential role in the safety and well-being of your horses, regardless of your budget or facilities. Likewise, they can be affordable and cost effective to maintain. This blog post will discuss the benefits of rubber stable mats and how your horses can benefit from them.


What Are Horse Stable Mats Made Of?


Stable mats are a crucial part of any horse owner's daily operations. The solid rubber stabilizing mats provide additional comfort and cushioning in the horse's stall or paddock, preventing wear and tear on both flooring and hooves.


Typically made of heavy-duty recycled rubber, these horse mats come in various thicknesses and sizes depending on the needs of your specific animal. They offer stability while walking around or standing still and help absorb shock to reduce joint inflammation and lameness from the force on the equine's feet.


These solid rubber stable mats were created to make managing horses easier, more economical, and more comfortable for your animal/s.


Different Types of Stable Mats


Horse owners who are looking for a comfortable, slip-resistant surface for their animals' stalls have a few options to choose from.


Stable flooring can provide a protective buffer between the stall floor and bedding material, ranging from EVA foam mats to rubber mesh mats and solid heavy-duty rubber flooring options. Here are some of the popular stable mats available:

  • Interlocking stable mats – these are made up of rubber tiles that fit snugly together in a stable environment either by hidden connector pieces or by slotting together like a puzzle. This type is relatively easy to install and offers good traction.

  • Solid stable mats – these are one solid piece of rubber or foam tiles which are butted together either with adhesive or loose laid.

  • Reinforced stable mats – these are made with a thin layer of rubber, reinforced with layers of strong fabric for added durability and tensile strength.

  • Stall Rolls – stall rolls are one long roll that can be installed quickly, providing you with an even base throughout the stable.

  • EVA stable mats – EVA foam mats are made from ethylene-vinyl acetate foam and provide a soft, stable surface that cushions and protects.

Why Horse Stable Mats Are a Necessity for Every Horse Owner


If you're a horse owner, you know just how important it is to keep your horse healthy and comfortable. And one of the best ways to do that is by using horse stable mats. Stable mats help protect your horse's hooves from the hard ground and provide insulation against cold weather.

 


They can even help prevent injuries if your horse slips or falls. In other words, stable mats are a necessity for every horse owner. Here are the top reasons why you need to have rubber matting for your stables:

  1. Stable mats provide a comfortable and safe place for your horse to stand.

  2. They help prevent injuries by absorbing impact and providing traction.

  3. Stable mats also help keep your horse's stall clean by preventing dirt and manure from being tracked.

  4. Mats are easy to install and maintain and will last for years with proper care.

  5. They provide better insulation against cold weather and are more durable than other materials.

How to Choose the Right Stable Mats


Like most horse owners, you want to give your horse the best possible care. That means creating a comfortable, safe environment for them to live and exercise in.

 

One of the most important elements of a horse's stall is the flooring, which is why we've put together this guide on choosing the right stable mat. Here's how you can choose the right matting for your stable:


1) Consider the Size of Your Horse's Stall


When considering horse mats, the size of your horse's stall is a critical factor. Horse mats are both a comfortable and practical addition to any horse's area; they provide a rubber flooring that absorbs impact from everyday activity and protect the horse from the concrete and other hard surfaces found in most exercise areas.


While horse mats come in many different shapes and styles, you'll want to consider the details of your horse's stall before selecting one in terms of the type of subfloor, the condition of the subfloor and drainage.


2) Choose a Material That Is Durable and Easy to Clean


Choosing a material for your stable matting is an important decision, as it plays a significant role in your stable's safety, comfort, and cleanliness.  You want to consider hardwearing materials which are low maintenance and are resistant to water and moisture.

 


3) Find One That Has Enough Cushioning and Protection


When selecting a stable mat, you'll want to ensure it has enough cushioning and protection for your horse's hooves. So, keep these in mind:

  • Look for non-slip mats made from a non-porous material that won't absorb water; this ensures it will be non-slip even when wet.

  • Additionally, look for a stable mat which can also be used for bedding; this adds extra cushioning beyond the hard surface of the mat but is also cost effective

  • Lastly, avoid low-quality materials - these mats can break down over time, leaving sharp edges underneath, which could injure your horse's feet.

4) Consider the Thickness


When making the selection for your stable matting, consider the weight of the product that you choose. Not only is this important to ensure ease of handling and installation, but it will also dictate how durable the matting will likely be over many years.

 


If you are looking for a product that will stand up to years of continued use – such as supplying footing to horses in a stable – weight should be a factor when looking through available products. Investing some time upfront in finding the right weight can save you money in replacement matting down the road.  Stable mats tend to start around 20mm upwards which is thick enough to withstand heavy loads.


How to Care For Your Horse Mats


Keeping your stable rubber mat in good condition is essential to stable and barns maintenance. One of the best ways to extend its life is through regular cleaning. To care for your mats, keep these in mind:

  1. To effectively care for it, sweep or pressure wash off debris like mud and grass clippings regularly.

  2. You can also use mild soap mixed with water to scrub out any stubborn dirt spots.

  3. If you're frequently exposed to harsh UV rays, coat your mat in a UV-stabilizing sealant every few months to protect it from developing cracks and fading due to sunlight exposure.

  4. Finally, prolonging the life of your rubber mat also depends on how much weight it's exposed to; if things like horse hooves or feed bins regularly take up space over the same area, move them around every so often to ensure even wear and tear on the surface.

With these simple tips, you'll be sure to keep your rubber floor looking and performing well.

 


Final Thoughts


Well chosen stable flooring is a must for a healthy and comfortable horse as well as a smooth operation when caring and training animals.  Rubber flooring and foam mats are popular choices for stables because they have high durability while being affordable and low maintenance.  They do an excellent job of keeping animals safe and comfortable while being easy to install and take care of, important factors for functional stables and animal shelters.


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Garden Flooring: Outdoor Living the Modern Way

February 27, 2023 — Michael Geraghty