Need to Know
Are you about to build a barn for your horse but don’t know what stall mats are or how to choose the right one? With this information we have laid out below about stall mats, you can make a good choice.
What Do Stall Mats Do?
Stall mats are nonslip floor mats used in large animal barns to help animals like horses and cattle feel more comfortable and stay healthy, whatever the weather may be.
Because stall mats are durable, you can use them in many ways possible. You can use them to help horses and cattle feel less tired when their barn stalls have hard floors like concrete. They can also protect stalls’ dirt or crushed rock floors from being worn away by pawing, walking, or mucking. Stall mats also make it easier to clean the stalls because they keep the bedding from getting mixed up with loose dirt and the non-absorbent rubber surface is easy to clean.
What Are Horse Stall Mats Made Of?
Most stall mats are rubber, but sometimes they are high-density EVA foam. The rubber material can be a little different, but it is mostly made from old tires.
If you wonder, “are horse stall mats waterproof?”, the answer is that there are certain materials that are waterproof. Vulcanized rubber stall mats are stronger and completely waterproof. Non-vulcanized rubber stall mats may need to be thicker to be durable, and there is a slight chance that liquids will seep through the mats if they are power washed or soaked.
Does My Horse Need a Stall Mat?
“The foot makes the horse” is a phrase you may have heard. It’s true in many ways, not the least of which is your horse’s usual comfort and footing. A horse’s body is a delicate and well-balanced machine, and if one part is out of place, it significantly affects the whole body. Your horse’s health, fitness, and ability to do her job depend on the ground they walk on.
How to Choose a Horse Stall Mat
If you own a barn for your horses, you know that they spend a lot of time in their stall, so it’s essential to ensure they’re comfortable.
With the right stall mat, your horses can stand all day without sore feet. When choosing a horse stall mat, there are a few things to consider:
1. Size
If you don’t know how big your horse stall is, take some time to measure it.
Most stall mats are measured in feet and inches for their height, width, and thickness. They come in a range of sizes.
2. Weight or thickness
You want the rubber mat thick enough to hold up your horse’s weight. This is because your horse’s joints can be hurt by too hard or not even mats.
Depending on the breed, horses can weigh anywhere from 1,000 to 2,000 pounds. When they stand in their stalls, all that weight has to be supported by their joints.
To keep your horse’s joints healthy and comfortable, you shouldn’t let them stand in their stall on a hard concrete floor. A good stall mat should make it easy for them to stand.
3. The right material
Most stall mats are made of rubber, which doesn’t absorb water and is easy to clean. It is essential to pressure wash or hose off dirt, urine, and cleaning products.
You can consider getting vulcanized rubber stall mats, as these are made of waterproof and non-absorbent material. The right material won’t soak up any liquids and keep bacteria that will cause health problems.
A good rubber mat can last for years and make the floor of your horse’s stall more comfortable. Better mats can save you money in the long run because they will last longer and won’t need to be replaced as often.
If you care about the environment, look for a mat made from recycled rubber, which will help keep the great outdoors a little greener for everyone.
If bodybuilders can keep dropping heavy weights on it, you know your horse’s hooves and shoes won’t damage it.
4. Good grip or traction
A stall mat needs to be slip-proof and have a good grip. Whether the stall is wet from being cleaned or dry, your horse needs to be able to stand firmly and comfortably without falling or slipping. A mat with a rough surface can help you get a better grip.
5. Good value for money
Even though a stall mat costs money, it pays off in the long run.
When you use a stall mat, you won’t need as much bedding as you would if you went without it. With the right choice of stall mat material, your horse will have a comfortable living space because it will soon have enough cushioning and bedding. Ultimately, you’ll save money and have less bedding to clean.
If you are looking at prices and can’t decide, divide the price by square foot to figure out how much money you will save. This will tell you how much value you are getting for your dollar. This is especially helpful if you have a big barn with many horse stalls.
Looking for Horse Stall Mats in Australia? Turn to StableComfort Australia & New Zealand!
If you are searching far and wide for the best and most stable flooring you can give for your horses and cattle, you can trust that StableComfort Australia has covered your needs.
As a new distributor of the world-renowned StableComfort™ products, we are more than ready to provide a wide range of quality products to increase productivity in your barn, such as stable mattresses, top cover and wall covers. Contact us on +61 439 008 576 or email us on sales@ultimatehorsebarns.com.au should you have any queries regarding our products.
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