Stable Rubber!

Why has rubber matting become the 'thing' to have in the stable? Katie Ward investigates...

As all keen horse owners know your horse's stable and bedding is vitally important for horse comfort, wellbeing and health. As horses are naturally herd animals whose
ancestors roamed hills and plains, being in a stable isn't the most natural thing. For this reason alone it's down to us, the owners, to make the animal's environment as comfortable as possible. Following on from our 'Get to Bed' article in the November issue, we are taking a closer look here at why rubber matting has become an invaluable addition to the stable.

Why use rubber mats?
Good, well-fitting rubber matting provides an anti-slip insulated barrier between the stable flooring and your horse. Rubber mats offer protection for hocks and knees, and will help reduce injuries if your horse should become cast. If your horse also stands in his stable for long periods of time, matting provides a surface that will 'give', thus dramatically reducing the strain on tendons and joints.

Even though rubber matting has an initial substantial cost per stable your horse's bedding bills will be reduced as less bedding is required. Even though we (human beings!) see rubber matting as quite a hard surface, your horse won't. Bedding can be reduced to a level where it acts as a 'mop-up' for muck and urine. As long as it is sufficiently absorbent, reduced bedding also means less time mucking out! As long as you muck-out on a daily basis your horse will have a safe, clean and comfortable environment to live in.

So go on, make the change and introduce rubber matting into your horse's life!

This is just an extract of the published article. To read the entire article purchase Horse Buyer Issue 4 January 08.

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