stable mats heavy vs light...

[darksecret99]

I am planning on buying some stable mats but cant decide which type to go for. I want to cover the whole stable floor and will still use bedding...

I have used the heavy rubber ones before, and found them really good but they are a pain to move for cleaning etc

I looked at some lighter, spongier ones, which will be easier to move and seem as if they would be more comfortable cos they are much squashier, but I am worried they will not stay in place (the floor is not dead flat, but almost, but is at a livery yard, so i dont want to start laying concrete!)... they are not the interlocking ones (they are about double the price!), just 4' by 6' sheets....

I dont know anyone that has got them fitted - so can any of you give me any reviews? Or suggest how I could ensure they stay put? And if they last as long as the heavy ones?

The lighter ones do seem as if they would be comfier and easier, but because my horse is so accident prone, if there was a way for him to injure himself if the mats lifted, he would manage it!!! but that seems much less likey with the heavy mats....

Thanks

 

[dixie]

Highly recommend

www.stablemat.co.uk

They are sealed so that they don't need lifting and cleaning & they are very robust.

 

[K27]

I have the Equimat mats- they are v easy to put together and easy to take out for cleaning etc. They also seem to be nice and comfortable . I have had mine 4 years and they are still going strong!

 

[Folara]

I second the equimats. Fit well, lock together and dont move. Ive had them now for about 3 years and my boy is a big 16.3hh cob type so not a light weight and there is no wear on them at all. I only use a minimal amount of equisorb bedding on them.

 

[darksecret99]

Thanks... unfortunately I cant get equimats cos I live in Channel Islands and the local stockists dont sell them and postage is ridiculous from mainland cos I am only fitting one stable....

It does seem as if they would be made interlocking for a reason tho... guessing the straight edge ones arent as good....

 

[spaniel]

I am buying wall mats from a company based in Cumbria called Quattro, they do a lightweight floor mat which looks very good and can withstand cows feet and racehorses!

The mats are light enough to be delivered by courier at a reasonable cost.

 

[Theresa_F]

I have stablelite mats - had them for the past 12 years and would not be without them.

They are heavy - but if you have a wheelburrow it is not too bad and if you have a second person then nice and easy to take up.

I take mine up once a year.

I personally prefer the heavy thick mats - mine provide a lot of cushioning, are asborbant and have borne the test of time - even with a large Clydie on them.

 

[Selkie]

I have thick heavy ones, and take them up once a year and clean them. They have worn well I got mine from the local farm merchant and are cattle mats

 

[Walder]

its a shame that you cant get equimats - i have them in my trailer as well (the company i work for the mats imports them - so got them a bit cheaper) they are lovely and light to cleanx

 

[air78]

I installed heavy very thick ones at first. They are great, and I'm sure they will last forever; but I can't move them on my own, so aren't very practicle for me. Also, use a full bed with them, and thney were installed to stop my boy from banging/ scuffing himself on the floor when he digs his bed up to roll.
When I put him into a yard, I installed cheapo mats (about£20) off ebay. I'm really pleased with them, and can move them myself if I need to. I have fitted the whole stable, so they don't move, and I m still using a full bed. If the one in the doorway wears out, I'll replace it in a years time...... it's only another twenty quid!

 

[custard]

Personally I prefer the heavy type but dont take them up unless moving yards!

All I do to clean them is lift a corner and fold them in half, swill underneath and fold them back. then lift the other side to swill underneath so whole floor gets done. Takes 30 minutes maximum and no lifting

 

[darksecret99]

Thanks everyone, you have helped me decide!

I am going to go for the heavy ones.... theres not much between them in price, and I'm sure the heavy ones will last longer.... even if they arent as squishy, they are still miles better than concrete!!

Plus I can alway pull the "help me, I am a feeble woman" act and get my OH to help me lift them if needs be! That normally works a treat...

 

[Theresa_F]

Or do what I used to do when at a bigger yard - pay the kids £40 to do my stable

There were 4 of them and they had a week to take out mats, wash out stable and mats and return them so they did a bit a day rather than two hours solid work. I had a clean stable, my back was fine, and they had pocket money.

My heavy mats are very squishy - I have yet to find anything else as comfortable and warm to sit on.

 

[wowser]

when you have to wash heavy mats to move them try, fold the mat in half with a lunge line in the middle and pull