Field Shelter/Stable Flooring

[Mystified]

I have converted part of my open fronted field shelter 45ft x16ft into stables which have an earth floor on which I have put down a layer of hardcore topped with compacted basalt (stone dust).
I am wondering whether to leave the flooring like this or to put either rubber mats down on top. Alternatively, I have got some spare chopped rubber leftover from when I had our arena done. Do you think that this would make a good alternative as a bedding instead of rubber mats or traditional bedding (straw etc)?

 

[Kallibear]

Def put mats on top. They will pothole the hardcore quickly and it'll get clogged with poo and hay. The chopped rubber is nice in theory but you'll loose loads when removing droppings. Thick mats with a sprinkling of shavings to soak up pee would be easiest

 

[Micky]

Sharp sand levelled and then mats...mine havent moved for 6 years

 

[Mystified]

Thanks for the replies so far.
What thickness rubber matting did you put down 12 mm or 17 mm?

 

[Micky]

Pass, mine are old cow mats!