Horse Stall Flooring Promotes Good Health
June 20th, 2011 by Adriana Noton
During good weather, horses enjoy the open fields and green grass, but the rest of the time may be spent in a barn. Even though they are large, robust creatures, many have health problems with their hooves and legs. Traditional hard floor surfaces in the barn may not be ideal for these animals. Many farmers today put down horse stall flooring mats made of yielding materials, such as rubber.
The overall fitness of equine legs is directly affected by the amount of time spent standing on unyielding, hard surfaces. The yielding mat materials being used today help to prevent injury, and provide an environment conducive to quicker healing of existing problems. Unlike a traditional concrete floor, mats greatly reduce the possibility of sore points or stress problems.
Winter brings harsh cold periods to some regions, forcing animals as well as humans indoors. In these areas, pads create an insulating barrier between any organic bedding, and the cold concrete or wood floor underneath it. During cleaning, slipping is less of a hazard on mats, and when sterilization is required due to the presence of infection, the entire process becomes simpler when a floor can be moved in sections.
Because horses urinate and defecate just about anywhere, these mats are specially designed to allow liquid to escape between the sections. Urine buildup, however, is one of the chief complaints coming from some users. When cleaning is neglected, chemical reactions occur, and the result is stinking, eye-burning ammonia, an unacceptable environmental gas for both animals and people.
While rubber is more comfortable than bare concrete, most horse experts say that regular organic bedding should also be included on top. Just as humans prefer soft, comforting bedding, horses in particular are happiest with the addition of some textured, soft organic material. Rubber mats may yield to pressure, but visually look the same as a depressing, bare floor.
Additionally, this type of padding will only work well if installed over any rigid surface such as asphalt, wood or concrete. Laying the interlocking sections over softer surfaces will allow them to move slightly, and the result will be tears and uneven areas. They work best when used as a floor covering, not as the main floor. Those made of high-quality rubber last longest, followed by mats made of EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate).
Thicker, heavier sections are recommended for adequate coverage of large spaces. This often works better than trying to connect several smaller, interlinking pieces, because movement is reduced. It pays to purchase the best quality available. Materials are sometimes mixed to produce a less expensive covering, but if the product guarantee is for five to ten years, the quality is usually high.
While not every owner prefers this type of horse stall flooring, the advantages are numerous. The mats are easily cut to fit, and the interlocking edges create a more seamless surface, while allowing drainage. The additional cost may be a factor for some farmers, but the time saved in cleaning out traditional bedding can be substantial. The animals benefit from standing and sleeping more comfortably, and endure less stress.
Looking for a cost-effective rubber mats for your horses? These environmentally-friendly horse mats may be just what you need. These horse stall mats provide comfortable support for your horses, and help to relieve join pressure and can absorb shocks.
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