How to Prepare a Horse Stall for Rubber Mats

Much like humans, horses like a flat and comfortable space to sleep. Domesticated horses often sleep in stalls, which are typically squares with walls 10 to 12 feet per side. Installing mats in the stalls make the space easier to clean and reduces bedding: The rubber mats withstand the horse's weight and more damaging activities such as pawing. The major problem with mats is poor drainage. Installing mats over a good stall foundation will help improve drainage. Stall mats reduce the hardness of the flooring and may ease health problems.

Things You'll Need

  • Rake
  • Mat
  • Floor material
  • Stakes
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Instructions

    • 1

      Loosen the floor with an auger or rake. This improves drainage. Refrain from destroying a level floor or creating large bumps and uneven surfaces.

    • 2

      Level the floor with soil, clay, sand, fine stone or cement. Fine stone increases drainage. Cement floors decrease the effectiveness of mats by making the floor hard on the horse's legs and increasing the amount of sawdust needed to make the stall comfortable for the horse.

    • 3

      Measure the stall and figure out the quality of mats needed to cover the entire floor. Mats come in a variety of sizes.

    • 4

      Install the mats. If the floor is not level, the mats won't lay flat. Use a rake to level the surface; if the surface remains uneven, then remove the mats and try again. Repeat until the mats lay properly.

    • 5

      Hammer thick metal or wooden spikes with rounded tops flush to the mat's surface. Repeat in the four corners of each mat. This keeps the mats from moving.