Increase Animal Comfort With Flexible Horse Stall Flooring

When not outdoors grazing on good summer grass and enjoying the weather, most horses spend the rest of their time inside a barn. Though they are large creatures, many have health issues concerning their legs, joints and hooves. Because they spend most of their time standing, the surfaces need to be comfortable and healthy, not hard and painful. Horse stall flooring made of flexible materials can help achieve this goal.

The simple act of standing for long periods on a hard, unyielding surface can be the source of leg trouble in some animals. The rubber or synthetic mats often used in modern barns prevents many new problems from occurring in the first place, and helps old injuries heal more quickly. Unlike solid concrete, rubber mats eliminate most incidences of joint stress or sore points.

In colder climates, winter chills the barn. Flexible mats, however, form a barrier that naturally insulates the area between the comforting straw, and the cold floor. Not only do they experience warmer stalls, but there is also a decreased chance of dangerous slipping and falling. When infections or other problems are present, the stall must be sterilized after cleaning, and mats can also make that process less complicated.

Most horses defecate and urinate randomly. Interlocking mats are designed to allow urine to escape through the sectional joints, but buildup is still a big issue. Unless the underside of the mats get regularly and thoroughly cleaned, nature will take its course, producing unhealthy, smelly ammonia gas. It can burns the eyes of horses and people alike, and must not be allowed to form.

Even though the material used in these mats is softer than a regular wood or concrete floor, some users say it is a mistake not to augment that rubber surface with regular organic bedding. Wile the mats perform some bedding functions, most animals seem happier with additional soft, textured material for sleeping and comfort. Even though a rubber mat is yielding, it is not that much different looking from an uninviting bare floor.

When installing these mats, they must be laid over a hard surface. Asphalt, concrete or wood all work well, but softer surfaces allow movement, and that often produces rips or soft indentations, which in turn can injure animals. Pads made from real, premium quality rubber last very well, as do those constructed from EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate).

Thicker, heavier sections are recommended when covering larger spaces. Linking smaller, thinner sections together over a large area is not sturdy, will allow movement, and will generally not last as long. When buying these materials, remember that good quality is usually not cheap. If the guarantee covers the product for five to ten years, the quality is usually very high.

While not every owner prefers this type of horse stall flooring, the advantages are numerous. The mats are easily cut to fit, and the interlocking edges create a more seamless surface, while allowing drainage. The additional cost may be a factor for some farmers, but the time saved in cleaning out traditional bedding can be substantial. The animals benefit from standing and sleeping more comfortably, and endure less stress.

Looking for a cost-effective rubber mats for your horses? These environmentally-friendly horse mats may be just what you need. These horse stall mats provide comfortable support for your horses, and help to relieve join pressure and can absorb shocks.