Horse Stall Flooring Promotes Good Health
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.
During severe parts of the winter when many animals must spend longer periods indoors, these pads provide a naturally insulating barrier between straw and the colder floor. The animals stay warmer, and there is also less opportunity for slipping on wet concrete. After cleaning, sterilization with disinfectants is sometimes necessary, and these coverings also make that process a little easier.
Good drainage is very important. The mats are designed to let urine escape through the joints between individual sections, but buildup is still one of the biggest complaints. Unless the area underneath the mats is cleaned regularly, chemical breakdown will occur, releasing unhealthy, stinking ammonia. This eye-burning gas is very uncomfortable for the animals who live there, as well as the humans who must clean it up.
While rubber is more comfortable than bare concrete, most horse experts say that regular organic bedding should also be included on top. Just as humans prefer soft, comforting bedding, horses in particular are happiest with the addition of some textured, soft organic material. Rubber mats may yield to pressure, but visually look the same as a depressing, bare floor.
Additionally, this type of padding will only work well if installed over any rigid surface such as asphalt, wood or concrete. Laying the interlocking sections over softer surfaces will allow them to move slightly, and the result will be tears and uneven areas. They work best when used as a floor covering, not as the main floor. Those made of high-quality rubber last longest, followed by mats made of EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate).
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.
During severe parts of the winter when many animals must spend longer periods indoors, these pads provide a naturally insulating barrier between straw and the colder floor. The animals stay warmer, and there is also less opportunity for slipping on wet concrete. After cleaning, sterilization with disinfectants is sometimes necessary, and these coverings also make that process a little easier.
Good drainage is very important. The mats are designed to let urine escape through the joints between individual sections, but buildup is still one of the biggest complaints. Unless the area underneath the mats is cleaned regularly, chemical breakdown will occur, releasing unhealthy, stinking ammonia. This eye-burning gas is very uncomfortable for the animals who live there, as well as the humans who must clean it up.
While rubber is more comfortable than bare concrete, most horse experts say that regular organic bedding should also be included on top. Just as humans prefer soft, comforting bedding, horses in particular are happiest with the addition of some textured, soft organic material. Rubber mats may yield to pressure, but visually look the same as a depressing, bare floor.
Additionally, this type of padding will only work well if installed over any rigid surface such as asphalt, wood or concrete. Laying the interlocking sections over softer surfaces will allow them to move slightly, and the result will be tears and uneven areas. They work best when used as a floor covering, not as the main floor. Those made of high-quality rubber last longest, followed by mats made of EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate).
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.
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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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