** rubber matting on level stable base? yay or nay? **

[shiresrus123]

on a stable base that is flat and level, ie no gradient, would anyone suggest stable mats, or if the drainage is poor, is it pointless really?

 

[ashlingm]

yes, it will just end up in puddles under the mat which is far more hassle, and bad for the horses respiratory system. alot of mats are very heavy so cleaning out from underneath them would be a nightmare. I had mats in my stable and every month or so I cleaned from under them and disinfected the floor...and I dreaded doing it because It was so much work!

Would deep litter be an option?

 

[MrsMozart]

We've used tem on a level base. Just swilled with a few buckets of water once a week or so, then lifted them every month.

 

[shiresrus123]

deep litter not really an option, just silly preference really or only experience of someone doing that was it being done badly and put me right off

im thinking if sealed, but then the seal might not cope with heavy horses

ideally id have them on shavings or straw,

mrsmozart, did u have urs sealed or budged up?

 

[Ladybird]

Mines a fairly level base, does drain but v. slowly.
I've got mats down and get away with swilling once every 6 weeks or so and a proper clean once a year

 

[shiresrus123]

thanku, do you just have the front door as the outlet for the swilling, or do you have a brick missing to allow for more portals?

 

[Ladybird]

I just have the brick missing in the back wall and one in the side wall (its the end stable), my door has a row of bricks stopping it draining that way.
I leave the door open too so on the odd occasions the sun does come out that helps it dry up too