A Short Discussion About Horse Stall Mats

As my previous article already discussed, horse stall mats are a desirable change or addition to your barn and your horse’s comfort. If you have just one horse or 30, your mucking chores will become easier, your bedding costs will decrease, your horse will be better insulated against cold or heat and the cushioning effect resulting from the mats will be kinder to his joints.

This article will not discuss specific brands or go into specifications of horse stall mats because I do not purport to have that expertise. I am sharing information that I researched prior to installation of mats in my own barn.

Consider these benefits of horse stall mats:

*Mats have a subtle “give” that is comfortable for your horse. If he sometimes sleeps or rests on his stall floor, the mats prohibit stress on joints or sore spots on elbows.

*Mats are naturally insulating. That results in comfort for your horse in winter and stops needless drafts.

*Mats will pool urine in one area so bedding will soak it up and facilitate easy removal; or, mats can permit urine drainage. The choice of mats is up to you based on your preference and subsurface in the stall.

*Mats can be purchased with a relatively smooth surface. They are infinitely easier to clean up than wood surfaces or even concrete floors.

*Mats afford your horse excellent footing. While concrete or wood-type floors are slippery in wet condition, your horse has a “better grip” on mats.

*Mats greatly reduce the risk of stumbling and falling for your horse.

*Mats are economic when it comes to the amount of bedding required. Not only will you have a cost savings when it comes to shavings, straw, or pellets, you will spend less time mucking stalls.

*Mats are easy to scrub down or disinfect.

I have found that horse stall mats are not only great in horse stalls but I prefer them in the tack room and also in the aisle. Naturally, they are incredible in the washroom.

In fact, nothing beats mats in the washroom. They should be thick and high quality, permit the water to drain through, and be placed so the horse cannot trip or stumble on any edges. In the washroom, mats can easily be swept, cleaned or even sterilized plus they dry quickly and won’t splash excessively.

You can purchase horse stall mats in several types, qualities and materials.

Quality:

A heavy and thick mat is likely a higher quality than an identical lighter one. The better quality product has a longer guarantee, say 5 or 10 years. A revulcanized rubber stall mat is generally higher quality than a lower quality that is bound with urethane glue.

Weight:

All mats are relatively heavy. For your stall, always choose a heavy mat because you want it to stay put, and you don’t want your horse to be able to shift it. For your trailer or for portable use, lighter mats will suffice.

Material:

Just about all horse stall mats are made of rubber with few exceptions. I am not familiar with the new high-tech EVA mats but you could certainly research them as well. Most high quality rubber mats are fairly expensive and you can expect them to be longer lasting.

Size:

You can find mats in a number of sizes from relatively small to stall size. As you can imagine, a 12x12 stall-size mat would be extremely heavy, perhaps over 650 pounds. The larger the size of the mat, the harder it is to place but the less likely that it will shift. 

Thickness:

You have a choice in mat thickness. Select the lighter, less thick mat for portability; the thicker mat for stability. Remember that the thicker mat is probably a higher quality, has more durability, most likely will not curl at corners, and generally won’t move when installed properly.

I will just briefly mention mat types:

Straight Edge Mats come in various sizes. Generally, they are 4 feet by 8 feet. If you decide to get this type of mat and use it in your horse’s stall, I would recommend the thicker, heavier mat for durability, quality and stability in the stall.

Interlocking Mats resemble large puzzle pieces. They are easier to work with, really stay in place, can readily be picked up and moved into another location and will rarely shift or curl when properly installed.

Portable Mats are just that – they are easier to pick up and move. You will find that the portable mats are perfect for temporary set up, in trailers, at horse shows and in some aisles.

Porous Mats permit the horse’s urine to drain. It may have holes or slits or minute random holes that permit drainage.

Permeable Mats permit the horse’s urine to get into and through the mat. This is, of course, undesirable and it is my recommendation that you avoid this type of mat for any use in the barn.

I hope I have provided enough information to interest you. Think about the pros and cons of horse stall mats, do a little research, work with your budget and make an informed decision.

This article is written by The Old Gray Mare of www.DressYourHorse.com, www.FantasyKritters.com, www.TShirtsbyLily.com and www.Amway.com/HealthandHomebyHeidi