There are varieties of rubber horse mats available today on the market. So, it can be hard for you to know what type to choose. Rubber mats are long-lasting, offer cushioning protection and comfort to your horse, whether in stables or during transportation .
The horse rubber mat is hardwearing, waterproof, and shock-absorbent and its non-slip surfaces improve grip in the wettest weather conditions.
Today, rubber mats are becoming increasingly popular in livery yards and private stables. They are particularly designed so that the horse’s weight compresses the rubber, making a comfortable and supportive surface for the horse to rest.
There are many reasons why stable owners use horse rubber mats, some of which are:
- Rubber Matting Offers Non-Slip Protection
Horses usually slip a lot in muddy surfaces of stables and yards. And concrete floors are a hazardous surface for the horses. This type of floor can make it difficult for your horse to stand up.
In such types of floors, your horse can easily panic or get frightened, making them vulnerable to injury. Rubber mats offer non-slip protection and familiar footing to the horse, with a similar grip quality to natural ground.
- Rubber Matting Adds Extra Warmth and Insulation into the Stables
Cold stables are an uncomfortable place to be for your horse, no matter how much bedding you provide them. During winter, your stable will be cold and damp (even more if the floors are concrete).
Rubber matting offers a great alternative to cold concrete floors, allowing for better insulation and comfort. For extra warmth, you can attach a rubber mat to the sides of your stables to ensure your horse is well-cushioned, preventing injury.
- Rubber Matting Provides Cushioning
Rubber mats are shock absorbent, caring for your horse’s joints. These mats mold to the shape of your horse’s hooves, absorbing the strain of standing all day by providing your horse the comfort of a soft surface to stand on.
Rubber mats also reduce the risk of your horse pawing through its bedding to expose the concrete.
- Rubber Mats Offer Improved Levels of Comfort
Rubber mats also offer extra comfort. Since rubber matting is shock absorbent, your horse will be able to stand and sit without any discomfort. Often, straw bedding may look dry, but it is typically concealing a high level of moisture. You can reduce this issue with rubber mats and provide a drier environment in the stable, helping lessen sickness.
- Rubber Matting Help Reduce Odor in the Stables
In traditional bedding such as straw and wood shavings, the odor can cling to it and create a lingering unpleasant smell. In contrast, rubber mats allow for effective drainage and reduce odors. Rubber matting even reduces the moisture level, helping to keep your horse dry.
Clean out the underside of your stable mats at least twice a year to ensure good upkeep of hygiene and that your horse stable remains odor-free.
Conclusion
Whether you own a livery yard or stable, a horse rubber mat is a must-have product. Moreover, rubber matting can improve the health of your horse dramatically.