What Are the Benefits of Stall Mats for Horses?

No matter what type of horses you own, it is essential to provide them with a safe place to live. For many horses that means a stall, and it is up to every horse owner to make sure that stall is appropriately sized and appointed. That includes choosing the proper bedding, and it might mean putting down stall mats as well. Stall mats made of interlocking rubber are designed to cover the entire surface of the stall, providing a softer surface that is both durable and easy to clean.

  1. Leg Protection

    • Standing on hard surfaces all day is very bad for a horse's muscles, bones and joints. Putting down quality rubber stall mats gives the horse a softer and more yielding surface to stand on. Stall mats are particularly important for converted dairy barns, where the floors were often made of thick concrete. Stall mats are also a good idea if the horse will be spending a great deal of its day standing in the stall.

    Easier Cleanup

    • The drainage provided by rubber stall mats means that much of the urine produced by the horse goes right through the mat, making the stall much easier to clean and providing a better and more sanitary environment for the horse. Rubber stall mats can be removed and sterilized when necessary, making it easier to keep the stall fresh and clean in all kinds of weather. In addition, some horse owners find that they use less bedding with a matted stall, and less bedding means less money.

    Traction

    • Traction in the stall is important, since a horse that falls down in the stall could become cast and unable to get back up. Rubber mats provide excellent traction for both barefoot horses and those wearing shoes. When choosing mats for the stall, horse owners should look at the tread surface and choose the mats that provide the greatest amount of traction for their horses.

    Warmth

    • A matted stall provides better warmth in the winter than a non-matted one. This can be an important consideration in colder climates, especially for horses who are kept in drafty barns. The combination of rubber matting and a thick cushion of bedding can provide a warm stall for the horse. This warm environment is particularly important for pregnant mares and foals, but it is always a good idea to keep your horses warm and dry.