rubber matting

[vickers22]

was thinking of using rubber matting in his stable, for his joints. Does it also reduce mucking out time?And do you have to use shavings?One more question

...does it work out that shavings are a lot more expensive than straw?thanks..

 

[rcm_73]

I use rubber mats with straw and it's fine. It does reduce mucking out time as you need less bedding, the mats are easier to sweep than concrete and stay much drier. And yes I'd say shavings are more expensive, I pay a pound a bale for straw, shavings I'd be looking at 5 pounds a bale and would probably use a lot more for the same effect (nice deep bed)!

 

[mitchellk]

I am a rubber matting hater!!!!- I find they are smellier (even when regularly removed) and i can muck out a full shavings bed quicker. Also use the same, if not more, amount of shavings a week?!? Can understand the advantage of not standing on a concrete floor (joints etc) but i really am not a fan- sorry!

 

[nicnag]

I have straw over rubber matting but I admit that my beds are as big as they would be if I didn't have the mats! I have two very wet mares and straw has definately been cheaper and the mats have made the beds drier as they drain fairly well!

 

[samsaccount]

I don't mind them if they are correctly fitted, as i worked on a yard where not a single was well fitted and they STANK! My old science tutor did a paper at uni investigating horse bedding, and every single one laid down less on matting (even though they had a thick bed) I havn't noticed a change in mucking out times to be honest

 

[CrazyMare]

I have rubber matting, and now use 2 bales to put the bed in, I like to have banks, and maybe 1 bale per month, takes 3 mins ish to muck out in the mornings, but my girl is very clean.

My best friend has 36 stables on a RS yard, they are all on mats and have a tubtrug of shavings each night, the whole lot is just swept out each morning.

Downside is rugs get dirtier, but my girl has been less stiff since having the mats, and will lay down on just the mats in summer

 

[Toby_Zaphod]

I love rubber matting. My lad used to knock his hocks about in the stable so I fitted matting & no more problem. Matting won't smell if there is a fall on the floor. If used correctly you don't need alot of bedding but many people still use vast amounts of shavings etc to leave a thick (unnecessary) bed.

I lift the mats once a year for cleaning & inbetween times I occasionally sprinkle 'Jeyes' powder (Binfresh) on the mats to freshen them up is theres a really wet patch & brush it away.