How to Install Horse Stall Mats

Many horse owners accept ammonia odors as a fact of life in stable-keeping. Unfortunately, the odor associated with the breakdown of urine is not simply unpleasant to the human nose, it's also detrimental to your horse. In a 2010 study, University of Glasgow researcher Sand Love confirmed a link between environmental ammonia and respiratory inflammation in horses. Properly installed stall mats not only reduce airborne ammonia and dust, but also relieve pressure and stress on horse's joints. The key to successful installation is remembering the five Ps made famous by NFL quarterback Charlie Batch: "Proper preparation prevents poor performance."

Things You'll Need

  • Landscaping or garden rake
  • Level
  • Pea gravel or crushed stone
  • Ruler
  • Lawn roller or vibrating plate compactor
  • Water
  • Garden hose or watering can
  • Stone dust, screenings or fines
  • Stall mat(s)
  • Heavy-duty utility knife (optional)
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Instructions

  1. Instructions

    • 1

      Sweep any dust or dirt from the surface if you are beginning with a solid base such as asphalt, concrete or wood. Level the base using a landscaping or garden rake if working with an organic base such as clay or sand.

    • 2

      Add 4 to 5 inches of pea gravel or crushed stone to the base. Use a landscaping or garden rake to distribute the particulate evenly across the area of the stall.

    • 3

      Compact and level the pea gravel or crushed stone using a lawn roller or vibrating plane compactor.

    • 4

      Add 4 inches of stone dust or fines. Use a landscaping or garden rake to distribute it evenly across the area of the stall.

    • 5

      Compact and level the stone dust or fines using a lawn roller or vibrating plane compactor. If you are using a lawn roller, wet the layer using a watering can or a garden hose equipped with a spray nozzle. Roll again. (The vibrating plane compactor wets the layer as it is compacting, so there is no need to wet the layer. Check the water tank periodically and fill as needed.)

    • 6

      Let the stone dust layer dry. Lay the stall mat or mats on top of the compacted stone dust. Leave 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch of space between the edge of the mat and the stall wall to allow for expansion and contraction.

    • 7

      Add approximately 8 inches of bedding.