Stable Rubber Mats

[hanna1983]

Hi everyone,
I am due to buy my first horse soon and I am investigating the option of bedding him on shavings. I was told the best thing to do is to put rubber mats down and then the shavings on top. I have asked for quotes from several companies for stable mats for a 12x12 stable and I am shocked at the prices (£200 and more)! Does anyone else here have their horse on the same bedding and uses rubber mats underneath? How much did yours cost? Is this really a good price for a piece of rubber? I also wonder if it would be worth just going to a flooring shop and buying a piece of rubber flooring in 12x12. Wouldnt this help with insulation too? Why is the stuff so expensive?
Thanks. Hanna

 

[tina_day56]

I have heard that 'cow mats' are a cheaper alternative. The same thing but as they are not labelled with 'equestrian' they are cheaper. There was a post on the forum about them recently with a few links.

I have my horse on Excel bed down which is cheaper than shavings. He has quite a deep bed with banks and is skipped out during the week and fully mucked out at the weekend or sooner if needed. I just have a square of matting at the front. I have to say it is a cheap and easy way of keeping his bed clean, dry and comfy!

I too cannot afford full rubber matting underneath but don't miss it to be honest.

 

[hanna1983]

Hi thanks for the tip with the cow mats.
I just wonder if I should just bed him on straw. he is used to straw at the moment. I just heard that shavings are much cleaner and having a stable mat underneath protects the joints and insulates.

 

[dilbert_uk]

We bought two 4 x 6 ft rubber mats, 18 mm thick, for £ 25 each (I collected them myself locally).

There are different thicknesses. Generally 12, 18, and 40 mm. Those really thick ones are the real expensive ones.

It should be in every case mats for animals as the others may desintegrate shortly as they won't resist the urine.

On ebay are quite a few offers of all different sorts.

We use wood shavings on top.