rubber matting question

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HorsesandParrots

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Hiya, I'm thinking of getting rubber matting for my horses (I have 3, aged 5, 6 and 19). They're bedded down on straw and do have a very deep bed. Would rubber matting be worthwhile? And if so would covering all of the stable be best or just the font that doesn't have the straw on because of their deep bed?
The come in approx 6-7pm and out again 6 am.
Comments would be appreciated! Thanks
 
Well, even with a very thick bed, horses can get through it - and lie on concrete! I would always cover the whole floor, because with 'patches' they will lift it up and shift it. If you want a GOOD buy, Fieldguard do an economy mat - M8 I think - which is relatively cheap and easy. The centre ones in my youngsters' box are showing a bit of wear after 9 years - but that's with a lot of work and VERY little bedding (they don't need it!)
 
I like rubber mats, I use the Black Mat co mats and they've never moved since being put down. I agree with JanetGeorge, don't buy cheap, it's worth spending the money to get descent mats. I got 3 to get one half done, then the rest when I managed to get the money together.

I still put down a 'good' bed, so wee drains away underneath etc, but less than they'd get without mats. I also never lift mine, ever, when they are in at night and out through the day (which is rare, they normally live out 24/7) the bed is lifted to let everything air and dry.
 
Okay thank you. They will still get the same size bed with mats which is very deep... what do people think to just putting them at the front where there is not bedding? X
 
We get our mats direct from Vulcan rubber which manufacturers them and delivers direct and they're cheaper as you cut out the middle man. For me it has to be mats across the whole floor area, partial mats move and will drive you mad. If you only have money for partial matting then save up for full matting or if you're desperate then do it just under the bedding area rather than just at the front, as other posters have said - horses can get through to the concrete through the deepest bed. We do good deep beds on top of our matting so ours are extra comfy.
 
I use rubber matting, and much as I love a proper straw bed I personally use miscanthus or the like on it.

Partly because a pitch fork snags on the matting and damages it, also because using a super absorbent bedding soaks up the wee before it goes down the cracks! I mat the whole stable, and use a good layer of bedding, I also keep them semi-deep litter. It's just what I have found works for me over the years :)
 
I have partial matting in all my boxes. I have no trouble with it. The front of the box is matted where our horses stand and back is deep straw. I like an area clear of bedding for feed skips and water buckets. We have big loose boxes and this saves in terms of time and money.

I like partial matting as it can be rolled back and urine swept out. The best size of about (?) I think 1.2 x.7 of a metre does not move but can be lifted out of the box by two people, or rolled back. Mine are all lifted in the spring and pressure washed.
 
Hayleighm175 said:
Thank you, has it ever moved or lifted up before? The matting I've seen so far of good quality is 6th x 4 ft :) I'm going to carry on looking though!
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The small ones move a bit, but if they walls each side that is restricted!!! They only move a tiny bit so the horse is not on concrete. They can easily be put straight when you muck out. The larger heavier ones don't move at all. 6'x4' is going to be quite heavy so unless you have a crazy horse or a shire, I would not worry.
 
Hayleighm175 said:
Hiya, I'm thinking of getting rubber matting for my horses (I have 3, aged 5, 6 and 19). They're bedded down on straw and do have a very deep bed. Would rubber matting be worthwhile? And if so would covering all of the stable be best or just the font that doesn't have the straw on because of their deep bed?
The come in approx 6-7pm and out again 6 am.
Comments would be appreciated! Thanks
Click to expand...

varies depending on liveries choice.

some have it hust in a corner , others half way across some the whole way. Personally I have it the whole way with just door way clear.
 
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