Mud control mats - are they really worth it?

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Just worked out the cost for a 10x10 area around my horse arc field shelter and it’s pretty eye watering. Those of you that have then, how have you found them? I never wanted to invest before as it was rented land but this is our own and heavy clay so trying to create enough all weather turnout for all of them between arena, hard standing, concrete yard and mud mats.
 
We've been looking at them too but to do a big enough area to make a difference is £££££

I keep thinking that there has to be a cheaper alternative that works in the same way?
 
Not unless you have prepared the ground and reseeded the grass. They are not very good at being dumped in mud. the concrete ones can be placed on level ground they are better. You can get plastic grids to park cars on that are used at county shows but not sure if they work just on top of mud. Think in most cases they need well prepared dry ground to start with
 
In a word yes. I am on very heavy clay and they are fantastic. I've moved them about a lot and currently have them set up as a walkway to get to inner part of my field and without them this rested area would be a bog. Cost wise yes they are expensive but unlike hardcore (setting aside planning issues you may end up with) they dont wear out or wear thin and need redoing and as mentioned are moveable so can be used for different things/places all year round 😀
 
windand rain said:
Not unless you have prepared the ground and reseeded the grass. They are not very good at being dumped in mud. the concrete ones can be placed on level ground they are better. You can get plastic grids to park cars on that are used at county shows but not sure if they work just on top of mud. Think in most cases they need well prepared dry ground to start with
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Have you got them? I've heard nothing but great reports about them being laid on ridiculously heavy mud, and working perfectly!
 
I know someone who said mud mats are brilliant but don't bother with grass mats which just disappeared into the mud. My only concern would be that they get slippery when mud is on top. I think they recommend you fill with sand which puts up the cost. I am also looking at these.
 
Not personally but was working on a yard where they did both the ones laid in summer were great the ones in muddy gateways were rutted and a trip hazzard
 
Yes they are totally worth it! We are on very heavy clay that goes full swamp and laid them straight onto mud last year. You can also pull them up and put them somewhere else v easily. I am budgeting to buy a few more every month and am already excited about laying next month’s!
 

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catembi said:
Yes they are totally worth it! We are on very heavy clay that goes full swamp and laid them straight onto mud last year. You can also pull them up and put them somewhere else v easily. I am budgeting to buy a few more every month and am already excited about laying next month’s!
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Which ones are you using. I want some for my gateways which are already deep in mud.
 
windand rain said:
Not unless you have prepared the ground and reseeded the grass. They are not very good at being dumped in mud. the concrete ones can be placed on level ground they are better. You can get plastic grids to park cars on that are used at county shows but not sure if they work just on top of mud. Think in most cases they need well prepared dry ground to start with
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These won't have been the genuine Mudcontrol INB slabs, which cope absolutely fine with being put straight down on the mud.
 
Someone told me about this thread so I've popped in to try to clear up any confusion. :)
Mudcontrol INB slabs have only been available in the UK for about 2 years.
They are nothing like other types of ground reinforcement grid, or grass mat, so please don't confuse them with those.
They are incredibly strong (certified to over 60 tonnes), removable and reusable, and warrantied for 20 years by the manufacturer.
They are made of 100% recycled plastic, Playground Certified (so nothing nastyleaching into your soil.)
They protect the ground, drainage gradually improves, and grass will grow up through the holes.
They cope absolutely fine with terrible mud, including heavy clay.
We have loads of very happy repeat customers, who keep coming back for more to add to their area, because they work! Loads of testimonials on our Facebook page and our website, and our YouTube channel is worth a look too if you are undecided.
I am the sole UK agent, and very happy to answer any questions. :)
 
MiJodsR2BlinkinTite said:
Some idea of price for the Mud Control mats would be helpful........... if that is possible??
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They are £6.90 per slab including VAT (at 50cm x 50cm x 5.3cm and weighing over 7kg each). That's £27.60 per square metre. Collection is welcome, or delivery is on pallets, and depends on the delivery postcode area.
 
Ooh lots of replies, thanks! They sound worth it by the sound of it (I’ve used my share of standard grass mats and have seen them all disappear into the bog over time). So I guess the question is just if I can afford it and if it’s a priority (OH says same as a safari holiday to Africa....!)
 
kerilli said:
What make were those, out of interest, please?
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dunno were from the local agri store blackrubber ,holes joined together. you see them in kids play grounds and some nat trust house paths. only got then coz i'd seem a local equestrain place with them in the gateways. turned out they had layed them on stone not grass. as winter progressed they just sunk and got trod into the mud which they were supposed to stop.
 
Downton Dame said:
dunno were from the local agri store blackrubber ,holes joined together. you see them in kids play grounds and some nat trust house paths. only got then coz i'd seem a local equestrain place with them in the gateways. turned out they had layed them on stone not grass. as winter progressed they just sunk and got trod into the mud which they were supposed to stop.
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Ah ok thanks. Definitely not Mudcontrol slabs then!
 
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A friend has some, I’ve no idea what brand but they are similar to the ones above. They are quite slippery for shod horses but have stayed where she put them and are very sturdy.

I’ve just had a load of planings put down as the bit I wanted as a hard standing was in a dip.
 
I honestly think they will be your best bet if you're on clay - grass mats etc. will be a false investment; old carpet will help (I use that with a lot of success, but not in 'high traffic' areas or anywhere they're likely to gather speed and slip) but carpet won't last.

I have about 100 grass mats, I think (the rubber ones, the traditional things people think of when you say grass mats or mud mats), which work pretty well and definitely make winter easier. As much as I appreciate them, though, I spent this afternoon pulling up the ones I laid most recently to replace them with Mud Control mats. I've got two little Mud Control patio areas now and am delighted with them - I'll add to them little and often like Catembi is doing. Non-horsey husband has been on horse duties this week as I've been away and when I got back yesterday he asked me what they were and said how good they were.

MC mats are definitely expensive, but to be honest I priced up proper groundworks and there was really nothing in it, so for ease/convenience/speed from order to be being done/lack of planning needed, I went for the MC mats. Also like someone else said, I move them around sometimes.
 
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