More and more owners of stabled horses are realising the multiple benefits of stable mats. For those wanting to know a bit more before they jump...
More and more owners of stabled horses are realising the multiple benefits of stable mats. For those wanting to know a bit more before they jump in and make that all-important purchase,
www.stable-mats.com thought it timely to underline just a few of the ‘merits’ of rubber stable matting to horse and owner alike.
From our own experience, here are a few words of advice that will hopefully give some useful guidance to anyone who stables a horse or pony.
1. Why would I need stable mats when my horse has a perfectly good bed of shavings?
Of course, stable mats are not an essential item but they do improve comfort underfoot for your horse by providing additional cushioning and insulation from cold floors. Horses naturally stand for the majority of the time – even sleeping – so the pressure on their legs is immense especially given their body weight. We notice the difference between standing on a hard concrete surface compared to softer grass or carpet even. It’s the same for horses. Stable mats can be effective for horses whose legs are prone to filling. In fact, one of our staff has a Thoroughbred ex-racehorse and this was one of the first great advantages she noticed after installing stable mats.
2. My stables are not conventional in size and some do not have straight walls – how do I gauge how many mats I require and can they be cut to fit?
Most suppliers of stable mats will be able to offer assistance so never be afraid to ask or send an email with your stable dimensions asking for the quantity to be recommended. Obviously stable mats vary in size depending on the supplier. As a ‘rule of thumb’, a 12’ x 12’ stable will require six mats measuring 1.2m x 1.8m for total floor coverage. Even the 17mm thick rubber stable mats can be cut – we recommend a small electric saw or a hand saw, which requires a bit more strength – to do the job for this. Always pay attention to safety during any cutting procedure and we make no excuses, the mats are quite heavy. They have to be to stay in place. Off cuts can be used to fill gaps – if your walls are not straight it is a bit more of a jigsaw puzzle but not difficult.
3. I’ve seen that a lot of rubber stable mats advertise themselves as being non-porous. Why is this so important?
It simply means that any urine or other liquids cannot be absorbed through the mat which potentially could cause rotting and not to mention a very unpleasant, smell and breathing environment for you and your horse. Most stable mats are designed to ‘butt’ very closely together so if anything does seep through the seams, it is minimal and in most cases depending on the floor slope, will drain away via the ‘channels’ or grooves on the underside of the stable mat.
4. How thick to stable mats need to be ideally?
In terms of durability, stability and comfort, the thicker the better really! A 17 mm thickness stable mat is advisable especially for larger horses. They wear better and stay firmly in place even with horses pawing the ground or box walkers.
5. Do I need to use conventional horse bedding and if so, how much?
We recommend that you do but this is where significant cost-savings can be made. You can, if you like, use 20% of your normal bedding quota. ie, a small corner or edge of the stable. We advise that you use some bedding, whether this is shavings, straw or paper, as this will absorb some of the urine that rests on the top of the mats and also help to keep horses and their rugs cleaner.
6. How will stable mats save me time?
It’s simple, less bedding means less mucking out leaving more time for you to do more enjoyable tasks with your horse. Many of us lead very busy lifestyles, juggling careers with recreation – why make life any more difficult for yourself? If you have the luxury of grooms, their time can be spent more constructively too.
7. Stable-mats have different patterned surfaces – is this just for cosmetic reasons or do different patterns and textures serve a purpose?
A textured top surface will help to provide a firmer footing for horses. The appearance is down to individual taste but our feedback has been that the textured ‘pebbled’ style surface is easier to sweep out. That said, many like the ‘bubbled’ embossed surface too. It’s what works for you and your horse.
8. Do I have to take them up to clean them? If so how often?
Several times a year (if they are non-porous) it is advisable to take the mats up and clean them thoroughly underneath too. (If they are porous they will need to be thoroughly cleaned underneath on a regular basis.) On the whole, if they are non-porous and cover the entire floor area fitting tightly together, most of the regular cleaning only needs to be done to the top surface. There are various cleaning liquids available designed for specific use with equestrian rubber floors to help prevent ammonia build up. Mats are best left in situ as much as possible.
9. Will they help create a dust-free environment for my horse?
Rubber stable mats are dust-free and when used in conjunction with other dust-free bedding can be a great asset to horses’ breathing especially to those with COPD and other respiratory conditions.
10. What other health benefits do they give to my horse?
There are numerous benefits other than those stated above. Arthritic or laminitic horses and ponies benefit from a softer standing surface and better insulation underfoot. Matting can also help to reduce injury in the stable such as capped hocks and other stable-induced cuts or abrasions. There are also many respiratory benefits through a reduction in dust in the environment leading to healthier horse that can then perform to the best of his or her ability.
