Is there a cheaper alternative to rubber stables mats?

[stanley101]

As title really, I was wondering if anyone had ever come up with something other than 'proper' rubber stable mats.

Is there a human alternative that would work, was thinking about trawling round the big DIY shops to see whats out there.

On the other hand, if anyone know's where I can pick up some stable mats cheap or second hand please let me know.

Ta

 

[kittykatcat]

Someone at my old yard managed to get hold of ex-council rubber mats - the sort that they use in kid's play areas. They were quite small so she had to have a few in the stable = more cracks for wee to soak in, but she used to take them out and scrub every week. There were far 'softer' than equine rubber matting and I think they cost about 50p each or something!!

 

[HBBambee]

We got ours free from the local quarry.
It's the belting that they use to transport the stone on. It was hardly worn at all and come in long lengths and so we did our stables out with it. The floors stay dry underneath them and i only do two lifts and disinfect at the beginning of spring and coming into winter.
Th only bad thing about them is because they are smooth rubber they can be slippery when wet but we only get that problem if someone tips their water over.

 

[Jane_Lou]

A friend has EVA cattle mats - they were a lot cheaper than the version marketed for horses! Can't remember where she got them from but I am sure a google search will find them

 

[bryngelenponies]

A friend has EVA cattle mats - they were a lot cheaper than the version marketed for horses! Can't remember where she got them from but I am sure a google search will find them

I too have cow mats and they work very well at a fraction of the price! I bought mine from my local agricultural shop.

 

[Divasmum]

Someone I knew had heay duty conveyor belt rubber. It was certainly fine for ponies.

 

[MerrySherryRider]

Someone I knew had heay duty conveyor belt rubber. It was certainly fine for ponies.

I had some a while back that was ex mining belt rubber. My OH lives near an old mine and theres tons of the stuff dumped there. It is really strong and does the job. It doesn't have the drainage channels underneath that my equine mats have, but can't remember having a problem with it, but the stable floor had a good hole free base.

 

[Blaise]

I've always wondered whether cow mats would be any good for horses. Do they become slippery for shod horses or are they ok? Shall be watching this thread with great interest!