Stall mats are an important addition to your horse’s living quarters. They bring comfort and safety to horses as they stand in their stalls for extended periods of time. Bedding for horse stalls is a necessary feature of horse ownership for many reasons. There is a growing concern for animal welfare, and pets are becoming more like family. Horses need a great deal of attention and work, and they are a large investment of both time and money. Despite their demanding requirements, they are still seen as beloved family members and their welfare and safety is also a concern for horse owners. Equine rubber mats for stalls not only keep your horse comfortable, they also contribute to his or her internal health. Furthermore, they are made from recycled rubber, which makes stable mats very durable and eco-friendly.

The necessity for stall mats is based on the benefits of having mats for horses in general. According to www.HorseCouncil.org, there are 4.6 million Americans who are involved with horses in some way--2 million of which are horse owners, and a total of 9.2 million horses are living in America (http://www.horsecouncil.org/national-economic-impact-us-horse-industry). Many of these owners are concerned not only about the wellbeing of their horses, but their ability to perform well. A horse that lives in good conditions is more likely to give a better performance than one that does not. Stable mats allow equines to be stalled comfortably while they take a mid-day rest or turn in for the night. They are softer than concrete, wood, and other types of floors. The materials used to make bedding for horse stalls absorbs impact, which makes them easier on horses’ joints. It also protects the flooring underneath because when horses step on stall mats. They take in the shock, rather than the impact going into the ground. This spares floors from cracks, chips, or any other type of damage. Equine rubber mats act as insulation from cold surfaces or radiant heat coming from the floor. This can help reduce arthritis and other joint problems.

Stall mats can also help a horse’s internal health. According to a publication by Kathleen P. Anderson, Extension Horse Specialist of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension, “Materials used for stall floors can greatly influence air quality, ease of stall maintenance, and manure removal” (Housing for Horses: Flooring for Stalls). This is why it is important to protect your horse starting from the ground he stands on, and upwards. A mucky, wet surface can harbor bacteria, give off ammonia vapors from urine, and cause respiratory problems. Equine rubber mats have a textured underside which channels away moisture and liquids. This allows horses to stand on cleaner, drier surfaces and also makes cleanup easier. Mats for horses also contribute to a horse’s safety because they feature anti-slip properties. These mats are designed with surface textures to enhance his or her grip when standing or walking. If your horse lays down on a stable mat, it will help him keep his grip when standing back up, and will also protect him from cuts and scrapes from the hard surface beneath him, as well as internal injuries from falling.

Furthermore, stall mats are eco-friendly because they are made with recycled rubber. This helps reduce the amount of waste on our planet, while creating less new waste. Anyone who is conscious about the Earth’s ecology can feel good about purchasing equine rubber mats for horses. The type of rubber that is used in stable mats usually comes from old tires from vehicles. Automotive tires are made to withstand a great deal of friction and wear and tear. Bedding for horse stalls take on the same properties as the tires. They are able to withstand hot and cold temperatures, constant use, and impact. Mats for horses are very durable and are designed to handle the heavy weight of a horse. Horses tend to paw the ground with their feet. They can damage the floor and their hooves with the scraping and impact. Stall mats are even durable enough to handle pawing at the ground, while offering protection for both horse and stall. All these great features for this eco-friendly material come at affordable rates.

As you can see, horses require a lot of care, time and effort. Not only are they an investment in time, they are a large investment in money as well. This makes stall mats an integral part of your horse’s wellbeing. You will surely want to protect your investment and family member to ensure that he or she is healthy and happy. Bedding for horse stalls begin the healthcare process from the floor, upwards. It is shock-absorbent and protects both your horse from injury, and also the floor beneath it from damage. It also is easier on joints and muscles and helps protect against arthritis. Stable mats help keep your equine healthy from the inside as they channel away moisture and liquids, which can harbor fumes from ammonia and bacteria. Finally, mats for horses are eco-friendly and very durable. They help protect the environment and are able to withstand heavy weights and pawing at the ground. All of these features make stall mats a necessary feature to add to any horse’s living area.