5 Good Reasons To Use Stable Mats

Here you will learn 5 good reasons for using stable mats and get tips on laying them and what else you need to consider.

5 good reasons to use stable mats

This is why you should use stable mats for your stable:

1. Optimal for tendon and joint problems
2. Protection against injuries, muscle diseases and rheumatism
3. Cost saving
4. Quick and easy to install yourself
5. Resilient and easy to maintain

There are various floor coverings for stables, paddocks, washing areas and trailers. Most stable mats from various suppliers are made of rubber and are versatile. There are many reasons to use them in your horse stall or stable alley.

In addition to improving surefootedness and supporting the hoof mechanism, the softness of the mats has a positive effect on heavily stressed joints and tendons. The cold insulation protects against muscle diseases, rheumatism, as well as stiffness. In addition, the sound-absorbing mats allow for more peace and quiet in the stable.

But the rubber mats are not only a good choice for your horse. Due to the reduction of bedding and manure volume, the costs decrease. The stable mats are quick and easy to install yourself, resilient, long lasting and quick drying. They are also easy and hygienic to clean. Most rubber mats can be driven on.

Laying rubber stable mats

The surface must be fixed, clean and dry. Level out any unevenness and make sure there are no holes in the subfloor. The slope must not exceed 2%. Store the mats between 5°C and 30°C. Most rubber mats can be either rolled out or puzzled.

You will need the following utensils for proper installation:

• Folding rule or tape measure
• Pencil for marking
• Knife for cutting
• Hammer for joining

First you need to remove the puzzle facing the wall with the help of a knife. To make the job easier, wet the blade and pull the mats apart slightly. For a better grip, pliers are helpful here.

Then draw a straight line at a distance of 2-3 cm along the wall, or the side boundary. Start aligning the mats along the line to anchor them together properly. It is recommended to lay the mats in a T-joint.

Tip: Subdivide large areas (100 m² or more) and insert a joint of 2-3 cm every 12 m. This simplifies installation and ensures that the mats fit together perfectly. This simplifies installation and the mats can still be joined together in a straight line.

Finally, cutouts may need to be made in the mats. If the surface is slippery or the slope is steep, it is advisable to fix the mats to prevent them from slipping.

Bedding in the horse stall with stable mats.

However, you should not completely do without bedding in the horse stall. Offer your horse a comfortable place to lie down and also equip the wet areas preferred by your horse with the absorbent bedding.

But don’t worry, the consumption remains low compared to not using stable mats. You can choose from a variety of bedding options.

Shavings like canola bedding is absorbent, keeps the stall dry and curbs the formation of ammonia odors. Hemp bedding is made from specially grown hemp crops and is not pesticide laden. Use wood shavings, make sure there are no woods mixed in that are toxic to horses or painted. Chips can also be mixed with various pellets to improve absorbency.

Don’t forget the hay!

Considering where the horse comes from, it can be said that roughage is the most important food for horses. Wild horses travel several miles a day and live on permanently meager food supplies. Thus, they spend most of the day eating, in the form of grass.

In the absence of straw in the horse stall, the horse can be kept busy with hay. However, too much hay is just as bad as too little. The rule of thumb is about 1.5 kilograms of hay per 100 kilograms of body weight. Divide this amount into about three rations. To keep your horse busy longer, we recommend putting the rations in a feed net in the box. Also pay attention to the quality of the hay. It should be green, without brown or gray spots. These discolorations are signs of mold. The smell and surface of the stalks will also tell you about the quality.