Sorry - yet another query about rubber matting. I've found a reasonably cheap supplier of rubber stable mats. I asked for a small sample to look at before buying. Its 17mm thick and has some give in it, but on the top side are rubber nobbles, that protrude about 3 or 4mm up and are spaced about 2cm apart. Good for non-slip, but do you think an unshod horse would feel them beneath his hooves and be uncomfortable? I've tried standing on the sample in bare feet and it doesn't feel too bad. My other stables are all rubber mats too, but I've had these for over 10 years and lost the supplier of those (they didn't have nobbles, but have a slightly lumpy surface to prevent slip and these have been fine).
Am looking as well as have to get it sorted next few weeks.. Dont want to nick your thread i am seriously thinking of buying the cow matting as lisab got both and reckens the cow matting is cheaper nicer and better grip than the horse one she got which was not cheap!!..
I have those nobbly ones. Horses seem perfectly fine on them but they are the devil to sweep. You need a fair bit more effort to make a clean job. Other than that I'm very pleased.
I have the same mats as you describe we sell them where i work at £33.99 a pop! my lad is barefoot and has never shown signs of being foot sore(even with 5weeks box rest) i will say that they are a pain to brush you do need a really good stiff brush,
"Until one has loved an animal, part of their soul remains unawakened." www.northwalesarab.co.uk
Thanks for your responses. I think I'll try the nobbly ones. I normally wash out with a high pressure hosepipe after the sweep round, so should be ok with that. The mats are 6'x 4' £26 +VAT and delivery is reasonably priced too.
Dont know how much they were as lisab told me and away now for a week.. Think it was either mole valley or mole avon.. Not sure what equine mats she bought but not cheap and as said before she regrets not buying all cow matting as she prefered it and recommended to me.. Will be getting it when shes back as were going together but as said shes away for a mo.. just edited to say i am only doing half of my stables as they are approx 15 by 15+ but i leave my doors open as each horse has its own yard so slipping factor is of more importance to me.. It will go in the door opening side so as shavings are not wasted..
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Posted - 08 Oct 2008 : 1:54:09 PM
"Until one has loved an animal, part of their soul remains unawakened."
Dont know how much they were as lisab told me and away now for a week..