Smooth Concrete Advice on new yard

[bailey09]

We are moving and shall be setting up stables within an existing building. The concrete surface presently is quite smooth and would welcome advise as to what people have done to make safe for horses. We will be installing rubber matting within stables but thinking what to do for the rest of the yard. Thank you

 

[PorkChop]

You could either have it skimmed and roughened, or if isn't a huge area you can get floor paint that will make it more grippy.

 

[bailey09]

Thank you, I shall look into these, I like the idea of the paint.

 

[Casey76]

It depends on what type of concrete it is. Our stables are built on a concrete base, but it was designed for livestock, so although it is totally smooth, it isn't slippy at all. The machine barn, however, is apparently very slippy for horses, even though the concrete looks the same.

Smooth concrete is a *lot* easier to maintain than having a roughened surface.

 

[bailey09]

It depends on what type of concrete it is. Our stables are built on a concrete base, but it was designed for livestock, so although it is totally smooth, it isn't slippy at all. The machine barn, however, is apparently very slippy for horses, even though the concrete looks the same.

Smooth concrete is a *lot* easier to maintain than having a roughened surface.

I would say it's probably like your Machine Barn, although the area has nothing in it, it looks like a Mechanics type area. Going to do a test patch with the paint first to see if it works and if not get a concrete firm to give advice on a screed layer. Thank you very much for your advice

 

[meleeka]

If you know someone with a petrol grinder you can get the top roughened. I have paving slabs, laid upside down so not smooth, but one is. My neighbour is a builder and that's what he suggested we do with it.

 

[hobo]

There are companies that do concrete grooving for cattle yards to stop slipping. Though like C76 said sweeping will be harder. Grooving can be done at any time so you could suck it and see it may not be slippery. Make sure you have some salt ready for the winter if it is icey.