Flexible Horse Stall Flooring Can Be Healthier And Safer

Flexible Horse Stall Flooring Can Be Healthier And Safer

By:


When they are not enjoying the good green grass of summer, many horses spend a good deal of their time in a barn. Even though they are large animals, many have sensitive health issues regarding their legs and hooves. Traditional horse stall flooring is usually porous, and designed to drain, and many owners today augment that flooring with comfortable rubber or EVA mats.

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.

During severe parts of the winter when many animals must spend longer periods indoors, these pads provide a naturally insulating barrier between straw and the colder floor. The animals stay warmer, and there is also less opportunity for slipping on wet concrete. After cleaning, sterilization with disinfectants is sometimes necessary, and these coverings also make that process a little easier.

Good drainage is very important. The mats are designed to let urine escape through the joints between individual sections, but buildup is still one of the biggest complaints. Unless the area underneath the mats is cleaned regularly, chemical breakdown will occur, releasing unhealthy, stinking ammonia. This eye-burning gas is very uncomfortable for the animals who live there, as well as the humans who must clean it up.

Even though the material used in these mats is softer than a regular wood or concrete floor, some users say it is a mistake not to augment that rubber surface with regular organic bedding. Wile the mats perform some bedding functions, most animals seem happier with additional soft, textured material for sleeping and comfort. Even though a rubber mat is yielding, it is not that much different looking from an uninviting 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).

For coverage of larger areas, heavier and thicker sections are recommended, rather than trying to link a large number of less sturdy sections together. Movement is restricted, and the material will last longer. Quality varies, because rubber is sometimes mixed with other materials in to make a less expensive product. In general, if the manufacturer's guarantee is for five to ten years, that is high quality.

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.

About the Author:
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.



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

|

Loading...
Related....
Videos...

Recent Home-and-Family Articles

Comments

Still can't find what you are looking for? Search for it!

Loading

Site Navigation:

Copyright 2005-2011 ArticleSnatch, LLC - All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service.