Horse Stall Mat Styles and Sizes - Why Do They Matter?
Related Product: Smooth Top Horse Stall Mat Interlocking Kit 3/4 Inch x 12x12 Ft.
These mats are important for the long-term safety and health of your animals, but you need to take your time and make the right decision. As you'll discover, when it comes to choosing rubber stall mats, the size and style can make all the difference.
Let's take a look at what you need to know about horse mats and learn how you can make the right choice for your barn...
Understanding What Size Horse Stall You Should Have
Before you can choose the size and style of rubber stall mats, you need to make sure you have the right size of stall for your specific horse. The perfect horse stall will change depending on many different factors, including how much time the horse spends in the stall, the animal's physical size, and whether you will use the stall for a broodmare.The amount of time that your horse spends in the stall can make a big difference on how much space they need. If your horse stays inside their stall around the clock and only goes out for regular periods of exercise, then a larger stall is required. In this case, a 12-foot by 12-foot stall may not be enough to keep your horse healthy and happy. More space will allow them to walk around and move their muscles comfortably.
The physical size of the horse should also be considered. For obvious reasons, a large horse of 16 or even 17 hands will need more space to move around comfortably, while a miniature horse or pony can get by with a stall measuring 8x10 or even smaller.
If you have a broodmare, make sure you have a stall large enough for her and any future foals. It also helps to have stalls that can be easily partitioned or combined, which gives you greater versatility when a little one is added to your herd.
A run-in shed can also be considered when creating a barn for your horses. Run-in sheds give horses shelter from the wind and rain yet are outdoors, allowing the horses access at all times. It's often wise to give horses plenty of space for a run-in. These animals quickly establish a pecking order and the horses at the bottom of the social ladder are often pushed off of food and shelter. Having multiple places to get out of the rain is always appreciated, especially by the ones that are getting pushed around.
Why Does Size and Style of Horse Stall Mats Matter?
No Gaps Between the Mats
Possibly the most important reason that size and style matters in your horse stalls mats is eliminating gaps throughout the stall. If you choose the wrong style, you could end up with gaps and spaces between the individual mats or pavers, which can cause a tripping hazard for both people and animals.
You certainly would not want someone harming themselves by tripping while carrying a pitchfork or grooming tool, and you don't want your prized (and pricey) ponies to pull a muscle or sprain a ligament because of a trip.
Proper Grip on the Bottom
No matter what style of pavers you choose, you need to have a strong grip on the bottom. Different mats will have varying degrees of grip, and low-quality mats might slide around on the floor, which is just as bad, if not worse, than slipping on the floor itself.
When you choose the right style of horse stall mat, you ensure that your flooring has a firm grip, enhancing the long-term safety for any creature, two-legged or four, that walks inside.
Slip Resistance
Of course, having a strong grip at the bottom of the rubber stall mats won't do any good if there isn't a grip at the top. You need to be very selective when choosing horse stall mats and make sure you choose an item that has the right grip for boots and horses, including horseshoes and unshod hooves.
No Catching Seams While Cleaning
Not having gaps in the horse stall mats helps avoid tripping hazards, but it also helps with cleaning. Not only can straw, manure, hay, and other muck drop into the gaps, the gaps can result in issues with cleaning while using a pitchfork or shovel. The tips of these tools can catch on the exposed gaps, which makes cleaning the stalls far more of a hassle than it needs to be.
Simple Installation
Finally, there is the issue of installation for your horse mats. You should be able to install the mats you choose with ease and convenience. While you might need help with some of the larger single-piece mats because of the weight (some weigh 600 pounds or more), it shouldn't take an experienced professional to install them. Like a good kitchen flooring or patio pavers, they should fit together conveniently, hold firm, and look great, all while being installed with a simple, convenient process.
The Best Options for Your Horse Stall - No Matter What the Size
1. Horse Stall Mats Kit Cobblestone 12x12 Ft.
If you have 12x12 stall, which is one of the most common sizes of horse stalls, this Cobblestone Horse Stall Interlocking Mat Kit will be perfect for your needs. It is made from a high-quality rubber and measures 11 feet 10 inches x 11 feet 10-1/4 inches. With 3/4 inch of thickness, it will stand up to the long-term abuse of heavy horses.
The top of the horse mat is textured with a pebble-like surface, which enhances the slip resistance of this mat. It is also easy to install, as all you need to do is lay it down in your 12x12 stall. However, the kit contains 6 interlocking mats which each weigh about 100 pounds so it will take multiple people to install the mats safely. It's made from 100 percent clean recycled rubber, so you'll have a horse mat that is also environmentally-friendly.
The cobblestone horse stall mat line is available to fit in many common stall sizes including 10x12, 12x14, 14x14, and more. Also, these interlocking mat kits can be custom-made to fit in your stall if you have an unusual size. Please call us to place your order for custom stall mats.
2. Standard 4x6 Ft mats
You can also find 4x6 rubber mats, which fit well into a wide variety of stalls, barn aisles, and horse sheds. These mats are available in straight edge or interlocking versions.
In fact, these 4x6 mats weigh 100 pounds, so while they're not light, they're certainly not impossible to move. It has a non-slip pebble texture, which makes it safe for horses. It also has anti-fatigue benefits, which is extremely beneficial if your horse competes in racing or rodeo.
3. 2x2 Ft Portable Stall Mats
If you are looking for 2-foot by 2-foot interlocking mats, we have a 2x2 Foot Portable Horse Stall Mat. This mat is not made of rubber but a high-density EVA foam which makes it very lightweight but still suitable for temporary horse stalls.
Weighing just two pounds per mat, this portable stall mat is often used at horse shows and equestrian events, especially at facilities that don't have matted stalls. Some people also use these mats for feeding stations to keep grain off the ground or for stall mats for miniature horses and small ponies.
4. 2x2 Ft Equine Pavers
This is one of the most simple yet innovative designs for barn aisles, wash bays, and outdoor areas. This Equine Paver Tiles deliver superior performance and durability that is unmatched by any other horse stall mat. It not only provides safe footing, it absorbs the shock of heavy stomping hooves, creating long-term health for joints and legs of your animals. They help control bacteria and dust while absorbing shock, further enhancing the health and vitality of your horses.
The terra cotta (and other colors) finish looks great outdoors, giving the mats a nice color while delivering the performance you need for prized animals. For outdoor areas surrounding your barn, these pavers provide a firm grip and reliable comfort for your horses.
5. Wash Bay Mats
The button top wash bay mats provide more traction than other stall mats, especially in wet areas such as wash bays and wash stalls. We don't recommend the button-top surface for regular horse stalls as the surface can make them more difficult to clean bedding from the stall.
The button top mats are available in basic 4x6 straight-edge mats or interlocking mat kits in common sizes from 10x10 feet up to 12x16 feet.
Long-Lasting Mats for Your Horse Barn
If you are looking for the perfect horse stall mats for your barn, browse the large selection of horse stall mats available from Greatmats. You'll find interlocking mats, rubber pavers, portable horse stall mats, and everything else you need for a world-class horse barn.
Give your horses the best and make your barn better than ever with Greatmats!