Horses spend most of their lives standing on their feet, whether in a stall, walking in a pasture, or performing in an arena. As such, providing them with a comfortable and safe surface to stand on is important. Rubber mats, like the Hammer Top and Bubble Top mats from Terrain, have become popular for equine use due to their durability, slip resistance, and other benefits.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of rubber mats for equine use and the factors to consider when selecting the right mats for your horse stable.
Benefits of Rubber Mats for Equine Use
1. Increased Comfort
Mats like the Terrain Equine Hammer Top provide a cushioned surface that can help reduce the impact on a horse’s joints and hooves. The soft surface can help prevent injuries and promote healing in horses with pre-existing conditions. Additionally, the rubber material can insulate against cold floors, making it more comfortable for horses in colder climates. These mats are also more flexible, meaning they will conform better to the contours of horse’s feet, improving comfort and decreasing the chances of the mat cracking or breaking under stress.
2. Improved Hygiene
Rubber mats are non-porous, making them easy to clean and disinfect. Unlike most other flooring materials, rubber mats don’t hold onto moisture, bacteria, or other harmful substances. This means they can help prevent the spread of diseases and keep your horse’s living space clean and healthy.
3. Increased Traction
Mats like the Terrain Equine Bubble Top are slip-resistant, providing horses with a surface that’s easier to walk on. This can help prevent slips and falls, which can be especially important in areas where horses need to perform athletic maneuvers. Additionally, the added traction can help horses with footing issues move more comfortably.
4. Long-lasting Durability
Terrain Equine mats are designed to withstand the wear and tear of a horse’s movements. They’re resistant to heavy traffic, chemicals, and UV radiation, meaning they’ll last longer than other types of flooring. Rubber mats can be an investment, but they’re worthwhile and can pay off in the long run.
5. Improved Resistance to Abrasion and Chemicals
NR-SBR Mats, like the ones made by Terrain, are more resistant to abrasion than traditional rubber mats. This means they’ll hold up better under heavy use and won’t wear down as quickly. This is especially important in high-traffic areas such as stalls, stables or arenas. They are also more resistant to chemicals which means that they won’t break down as quickly when exposed to cleaning agents or other chemicals commonly used in equine facilities.
Factors to Consider When Selecting Rubber Mats for Equine Use
1. Thickness
When choosing rubber mats for equine use, thickness is one of the most important factors. A mat that’s too thin won’t provide enough cushioning for horses’ joints, while one that’s too thick can be difficult to clean and disinfect. Available in thicknesses of 14mm and 17mm, Terrain Equine Mats are perfect for almost all types of equine use.
2. Traction
As mentioned earlier, one of the key benefits of rubber mats is their slip resistance. When selecting mats for equine use, look for those with a textured surface that will provide ample traction. This will help prevent falls and provide a safe surface for animals to walk on. Terrain’s Equine mats – Hammer Top and Bubble Top – have a textured surface for improved traction.
3. Installation
One of the many benefits of Terrain’s Equine rubber mats is their ease of installation. However, even though they can be installed easily by anyone with handyman skills, we recommend choosing a professional to install the mats since they will have the tools and experience to do a quick and safe installation. Our team of flooring experts will be more than happy to help in this regard.
In conclusion, rubber mats are a popular choice for equine use due to their durability, slip resistance, and other benefits. When selecting mats for your horse, consider the thickness, traction, size and shape, edges, weight, cost, and maintenance requirements. NR-SBR rubber mats offer additional benefits such as improved resistance to abrasion, greater flexibility, and improved chemical resistance. By choosing suitable rubber mats for your horse, you can provide a comfortable and safe surface for them to stand on that will promote their health and well-being.
All our equine rubber mats are made using European-quality materials at our state-of-the-art factory in the UAE. To learn more about Terrain rubber flooring products and our other solutions for businesses, industries, and schools, check out the rest of our website or give us a call at +971 4 263 2332.
