When they are not enjoying the good green grass of summer, many horses spend a good deal of their time in a barn. Even though they are large animals, many have sensitive health issues regarding their legs and hooves. Traditional horse stall flooring is usually porous, and designed to drain, and many owners today augment that flooring with comfortable rubber or EVA mats.
Hard surfaces with no "give" may cause joint problems for animals forced to stay inside for long periods. The materials used in most mats will better yield to the weight of an animal, preventing injury and encouraging speedier recovery from old health issues. And, unlike concrete or other rigid surfaces, softer mats substantially cut down on the possibility of an animal suffering from stress problems, or sore points.
Winter brings harsh cold periods to some regions, forcing animals as well as humans indoors. In these areas, pads create an insulating barrier between any organic bedding, and the cold concrete or wood floor underneath it. During cleaning, slipping is less of a hazard on mats, and when sterilization is required due to the presence of infection, the entire process becomes simpler when a floor can be moved in sections.
Most horses defecate and urinate randomly. Interlocking mats are designed to allow urine to escape through the sectional joints, but buildup is still a big issue. Unless the underside of the mats get regularly and thoroughly cleaned, nature will take its course, producing unhealthy, smelly ammonia gas. It can burns the eyes of horses and people alike, and must not be allowed to form.
While these mats are measurably softer than bare floor, for optimum mental health most horses prefer the additional comfort and familiarity of organic bedding material. Without it, animals can easily become stressed if all they have is a bare mat. Putting plant material on top of the matting is a little more expensive, but well worth it from the animal's point of view.
Sections of flexible stall padding work best when placed on top of standard materials, never on bare sand or soil. Asphalt, concrete or wood are all excellent bases for the interlocking pieces, holding them securely in place in order to prevent tearing or forming dangerously uneven areas. Both rubber and EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) are long-lasting materials, one organically derived, and the other petroleum-based.
For coverage of larger areas, heavier and thicker sections are recommended, rather than trying to link a large number of less sturdy sections together. Movement is restricted, and the material will last longer. Quality varies, because rubber is sometimes mixed with other materials in to make a less expensive product. In general, if the manufacturer's guarantee is for five to ten years, that is high quality.
Not every farmer prefers this variety of horse stall flooring. Those who do, however, appreciate the fact that working with it is easy. The sections may be cut to fit, the same as floor tile, and they interlock easily. While the additional cost may initially be a consideration, effort and time will be saved. Not only will stable workers appreciate stall mats, but the animals will feel healthier and more comfortable.
Hard surfaces with no "give" may cause joint problems for animals forced to stay inside for long periods. The materials used in most mats will better yield to the weight of an animal, preventing injury and encouraging speedier recovery from old health issues. And, unlike concrete or other rigid surfaces, softer mats substantially cut down on the possibility of an animal suffering from stress problems, or sore points.
Winter brings harsh cold periods to some regions, forcing animals as well as humans indoors. In these areas, pads create an insulating barrier between any organic bedding, and the cold concrete or wood floor underneath it. During cleaning, slipping is less of a hazard on mats, and when sterilization is required due to the presence of infection, the entire process becomes simpler when a floor can be moved in sections.
Most horses defecate and urinate randomly. Interlocking mats are designed to allow urine to escape through the sectional joints, but buildup is still a big issue. Unless the underside of the mats get regularly and thoroughly cleaned, nature will take its course, producing unhealthy, smelly ammonia gas. It can burns the eyes of horses and people alike, and must not be allowed to form.
While these mats are measurably softer than bare floor, for optimum mental health most horses prefer the additional comfort and familiarity of organic bedding material. Without it, animals can easily become stressed if all they have is a bare mat. Putting plant material on top of the matting is a little more expensive, but well worth it from the animal's point of view.
Sections of flexible stall padding work best when placed on top of standard materials, never on bare sand or soil. Asphalt, concrete or wood are all excellent bases for the interlocking pieces, holding them securely in place in order to prevent tearing or forming dangerously uneven areas. Both rubber and EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) are long-lasting materials, one organically derived, and the other petroleum-based.
For coverage of larger areas, heavier and thicker sections are recommended, rather than trying to link a large number of less sturdy sections together. Movement is restricted, and the material will last longer. Quality varies, because rubber is sometimes mixed with other materials in to make a less expensive product. In general, if the manufacturer's guarantee is for five to ten years, that is high quality.
Not every farmer prefers this variety of horse stall flooring. Those who do, however, appreciate the fact that working with it is easy. The sections may be cut to fit, the same as floor tile, and they interlock easily. While the additional cost may initially be a consideration, effort and time will be saved. Not only will stable workers appreciate stall mats, but the animals will feel healthier and more comfortable.
About the Author:
Looking for a cost-effective rubber mats for your horses? These environmentally-friendly horse mats may be just what you need. These horse stall mats provide comfortable support for your horses, and help to relieve join pressure and can absorb shocks.
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