Pros & Cons of Stall Mats

Stall mats are rubber pads that horse owners use as supplemental footing. They can be installed in box stalls, straight stalls, grooming stalls and stocks, and a variety of brands and thicknesses is available. In normal stalls, these mats are placed on top of concrete, clay and other hard, level surfaces. In grooming areas and stocks, these mats do not require additional flooring.

  1. Installation

    • Stall mats pose certain difficulties during their installation. If they overlap, or if there are gaps between mats, they can create a hazard for horses. Interlocking grid-style mats are available, but still it is difficult to lay them perfectly in such close quarters. To avoid these problems, horse owners must cut their mats carefully prior to installation.

    Cushion

    • Horses cannot stand on hard concrete, clay or other materials for long periods of time. Such surfaces, even when dressed with a thick layer of straw or sawdust, can cause permanent injuries to bones, ligaments and tendons. Stall mats create a cushioned surface on which horses can safely stand and move.

    Shifting

    • It is possible for stall mats to shift over time, particularly if they cover a surface other than concrete. Consequently, stall mats must be monitored for shifting on a regular basis. If gaps appear between mats or if two edges overlap, the horse owner must remove the mats and re-position them.

    Convenience

    • Stall mats are easy to cut, clean and manage. This is especially true when smaller squares cover a large stall space; if one mat is compromised, the horse owner does not need to rip up all the flooring. Furthermore, horse stall dimensions are suitable for this type of sub-flooring because of their straight edges and even corners.

    Infestation

    • Pest and mold infestations are common under stall mats. Ants, roaches, spiders, mold, fungi and other problems can develop if horse owners do not regularly clean and sterilize them. Fortunately, stall mats are much easier to sterilize than dirt or concrete and are easy to replace.

    Improper Use

    • Stall mats are not an excuse to neglect shavings and other surface coverings. Horses should not stand directly on mats in their stalls. Not only will this decrease the lifespan of the mats, but horses require additional footing. Shavings or straw must still be placed over the rubber mats, just as they would on other sub-flooring.

    Traction

    • When horse stalls feature only concrete or stone flooring, horses that dig through their shavings are likely to slip. Rubber mats reduce this hazard because the surface promotes traction against the horse's hooves, whether he is barefoot or shod.