12mm or 18mm mats?

[Cragrat]

don't shoot me - I'm thinking ahead to winter already (may as well - it looks like late autumn fog and rain out there now )

I want to put down some proper stable rubber mats - should I go for 18mm, or will 12mm be OK? I am intending to have them sealed in place, so they shouldn't lift either way.

But does the 18mm give better warmth / comfort for the horses? They are barefoot, and I use a good depth of bedding in the back, but keep the front clear of bedding.

And whilst we are at it - bubble top or amoebic pattern?

thank you!

 

[Toby_Zaphod]

I don't think the pattern on the mats is too important however the 18mm mats are by far the best, We had some of the thinner ones once. They were ok for a pony but once you get a horse that is much heavier on them you get problems. When they twist & turn in the stable the thinner mats can rip. The 18mm atre more expensive but they'll last you forever.

 

[The_snoopster]

Choose the thicker ones, a little bit dearer but last a lot longer and give more protection.

 

[Cragrat]

thank you - hadn't thought of them twisting around on them. One of mine really spins at feed time, so 18mm it is then And if there is a difference in the protection, then its worth the extra.