Rubber mats - would they work in this situation...

[madhector]

I have a field shelter that I am trying to turn into a more useful place. I want to fence a small yard around it and put down grass mats on this area, and use it as a yard for the youngsters in the winter.

The field shelter at the moment has concrete down the middle and then crushed concrete on both edges for some reason. Last winter I deep littered the edges and kept the middle swept out, but thought it might be easier to put mats down on the whole area.

Do you think this would work?

Was going to put some grass sed down over the grass mats too get a solid base growing through before the winter, what do you think?



Thanks

 

[ivenoidea]

I don't see why not, especially if you have OK soil around the shelter. I put some Fieldguard heavy duty grass mats down in a gateway a few weeks ago and with recent rain they are just bedding in, and there's even some grass showing where it was just earth before. Remember that grass doesn't grow too well in shade so this might effect where you lay the mats.

If you are going to do it I'd recommend putting them down now so that they can bed in before the ground goes hard if we have a dry summer and to give the grass a chance to grow and roots to spread.

They cost around two thirds as much as stable matting for a given area so unless you are rich you may not be able to do a huge area. These were £20 each per 1m x 1.5m mat, plus delivery (-bulk discount available, but I've no idea how many you need to buy for this). You tie these ones together using cable ties, these are probably cheaper from a DIY store than Fieldguard. There are some cheaper mats on e-bay but they may not be as heavy duty but could do if the area isn't too muddy/churned up.

I'm watching mine with interest. Maybe somebody else has had some down for longer and can comment further.

 

[AmyMay]

I think that it might work - but would not recommend seeding the area for grass. You will just end up with an appalling muddy mess.

Why not speak to a couple of the matting companies and see what they suggest.

 

[custard]

I reckon you lay thick rubber mats on the concreted area and consider pea gravel outside the shelter. I don't know how that would be on cost but pea gravel is free draining and supposed to be a good supportive surface for horses feet especially barefoot. I reckon those grass mats could be slippy but willing to be corrected as never tried them.