Would you use just rubber matting, no bedding?

Personally, I wouldn't. It would be a bit uncomfortable in my opinion, like us lying on the floor without a mattress. Not to mention, they would get filthy with nothing to sak the wet up!

My boys have rubber mats with a mixture of wood pellets and shavings which makes a comfortable, really absorbent bed and this seems to work well. :)
 
zoelouisem said:
I would like to just point out although horses to lie down on grass in the field the dont do it on a place where theyve just wee'd or poohed!! they would move elsewhere!!!! !
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Unfortunately mine are not so fastidious and frequently come in from the fields with great big poo stains where they have been lying in it.
 
not had chance to read the replies but i am a YO - i have had 2 liveries over the years tru this - its horrible and causes such a stinky mess! (and yes, our stables have the correct drainage) but the drains then smell, outside the stable smells - so when you walk across the yard - your soles smell, your horses coat/rugs stink.
we had to ask our liveries to put bedding down.
maybe just tell your YO that it will smell far too much and also that other liveries will then start complaining.
 
I use matts at the front with a straw bed (same area as two mats) at the back. While the older horses will lie on the straw because it's what they're used to, the younger ones aren't bothered at all & lie in the middle on the mats rather than at the back on the straw.
They don't smell of pee because they do that on the bed & it drains away, Rugs however do get very dirty, & I've gone down the route of using turnout rugs.
 
eggs said:
Unfortunately mine are not so fastidious and frequently come in from the fields with great big poo stains where they have been lying in it.
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My grey cob is in a 12 x 14 stable & has a huge poo stain on the side of his head most mornings. I swear he treats poo as a nice soft warm pillow !!
 
Daisy1905 said:
Hello all

Just wanted to let you know that I am moving and my horse now has a cosy straw bed :D
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Glad that you have moved and found a suitable yard for your mare now.

My poor horses are currently on just rubber matting and sprinkling of shavings while we argue over what bedding I am alouded to use with my YO! I'm so stressed out and unhappy. My mare is very unhappy and can't wait to get the pressure washer out and beds down for them!
 
We have rubber matting for the minging mare.....I just put down a flap or two of straw and clear the whole lot out on a morning.

I know the theory is they are fine with just matting, but she is getting on a bit and gets stiff on occasion, so a thin bed is better for her. Give her a huge bed....she'll just eat it.:rolleyes:
 
I personally would want at least a tin layer of bedding at the back so your horse has something to pee on without getting spashed :)

I have rubber matting and have about 1 inch/2 inch layer of Megazorb Wood pulp across the rear half of the stable. Very economical :D
 
So glad you've moved and your horse has a lovely straw bed. Incidentally, research has showed that given the choice, horses prefer straw beds over everything else.
I use matting, but always with either straw or shavings. If I put them in a stable for 10 to 12 hours, I feel its my responsiblity to ensure the stable is fresh, dry and comfortable.
Sick animals may smell of wee/faeces because they are unable to keep themselves clean, a healthy animal,will not - given the right environment they will look after their coat and feet. Forcing a horse to stand/lie in urine is cruel and detremental to their sense of well being.
 
I have rubber matting, it give a layer of warmth over the concrete flooring. I've tried shavings and didn't get on with it at all also very expenpsive for 4 horses, so have gone back to straw bedding at my 4 love it, rugs are cleaner and they are more relaxed. I did try just the matting but couldn't take the smell either from the rugs or the horses and my rug cleaning bill rocketed.
 
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