Horse stall guides- looking to MATS-
Horse stall mats are another angle to making our horses comfortable. We all know standing on concrete is very hard on the body. The same is true for our equine friends. Even when a horse stall is lined with dirt or clay, the mats reduce the amount of shavings or bedding required.
There are three main types of horse stall mats: flat edged, interlocking, and pass through.
The pass through design is perfect for wash racks. The hole format provide traction as well as water flow away from the horses feet. In areas with water, the pass through mats allow for the water to escape and flow down the drain. Another good use for this style of mat is when a horse in injured. Some injuries are very susceptible to sawdust and shaving invasion. In this case the mat keeps the horse off of the ground while still giving some support.
Interlocking mats move less than their flat edged cousins. Constructed like a large puzzle, they stay put, provide a tighter fit, and also keep more moisture from penetrating down below the mat. On a cement surface, this can be a big advantage. Urine that is trapped under the mats can really make for a bad odor and a mess to clean.
Flat edged mats typically have ribbing or grooves on the back. This helps to keep the mat in place. Over time the mat will shift some. It is not a good idea to just lay a single mat in the middle of the stall. It is much better to cut mats to fit the entire area.
Some horse stalls may not need matting. One must carefully look at the ground surface. If rocks are everywhere, then a mat may still be necessary. Sometimes it is possible to simply top dress the stall area with topsoil. But more bedding is required if no horse stall mats are used.
