Choosing the Right Rubber Horse Flooring for the Job

There are many benefits to using rubber horse flooring in your wash stall, barn, or stall floor but sometimes, figuring out what you need can be challenging.  Different areas of your stable or barn need different types of mats. Regardless of where they are used, they provide a level of safety, comfort, and cleanliness that is unmatched by dirt or concrete options.  Rubber horse mats reduce stall cleaning time and the amount of bedding needed, they lower your annual bedding costs,  and they provide a level of comfort that your horses will love you for.  Whether it’s your first time shopping for rubber horse mats, or your fortieth, use this checklist before pulling out your checkbook.

Top Shopping Tips:

• Compare at least three company prices and services by doing an online search
• Review shipping costs between various manufacturers
• Review warranties offered by manufacturers
• Decide on type and thickness of rubber horse flooring, based on where they’ll be used
• Check out company return policies
• Ask local tack shops or horse trailer dealerships which companies they prefer to work with
• Remember quality materials may be more expensive, but may also be more durable in the long run
• Take accurate measurements of the area(s)  you need to cover with rubber horse flooring
• Call companies with specific questions to help make your decision
• Find out if you have to install the mats or if the company provides staff to install them
• When calculating cost, subtract for annual money saved from not buying bedding, shavings, and such

Types of Rubber Horse Flooring:

Interlocking horse pavers make an excellent choice for any barn.

Flat Edge: Many manufacturers carry flat edge mats and they may be more cost effective than other mat types. Flat edge mats are placed side by side in a horse stall. The texture on the under surface keeps the mat in place, since this mat tends to shift and move over a period of time. The thicker the mat, the more durable it will be during its use.

Interlocking: Interlocking mats fit together like puzzle pieces in the stall. The locking feature reduces the amount of urine leaking through to the stall floor, which creates a healthier stall since more moisture is absorbed in the bedding and picked out when the stall is cleaned.

Ring Mat: Ring mats allow excess water and liquids to be drained off the surface of the mat and are used near washing and grooming areas. These mats should also be near a drain so water doesn’t pool on the barn floor. The ring mat allows for increased traction near wash or grooming areas and reduces slipping due to it’s draining features.

Custom: Many companies offer custom cuts on rubber horse flooring. The mat is much heavier because it’s one solid piece rather than several pieces, so it’s much easier if the company to installs them for you. They tend to be more durable than other mat types and are completely seamless. You never have to worry about shifting or curling of mat edges.  Custom mats also fit a stall from one wall to another and reduce urine leakage under the stall floor.

Finding the right flooring for your barn or stalls can be time consuming but if you follow the tips listed above, you should be on the right path!  If you need a bit of extra information, check out Saratoga Stalls rubber horse flooring options!  And always keep in mind that there are specific steps to follow before you can lay your horse flooring.  Be sure educate yourself on the best base construction and drainage options for your horses’ comfort.  Equine health care experts at TheHorse.com recommend  these different methods to prepare your barn for rubber horse flooring.

Have more questions about rubber horse flooring? We’d love to help you so just leave your thoughts in the comment section below!

Saratoga Stalls is a premium national supplier of horse and barn products. For more information on custom barns or horse stalls please contact Curtis Gardner, CEO, at (800) 918-6765.