Your horse spends up to 22 hours a day in their stable. The flooring they stand on affects everything from joint health to respiratory function, from bedding costs to your daily workload. Yet stable flooring is often an afterthought—until problems arise.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about rubber stable mats: the benefits, types, installation methods, and how to choose the right solution for your horses and your budget.
Why Stable Flooring Matters
Horses are heavy animals (400-700kg typically) standing on relatively small hooves. This concentrates enormous pressure on both the floor and the horse's legs. Traditional concrete floors—still common in many yards—create serious problems:
Horse Health Concerns
- Joint stress: Hard, unforgiving surfaces cause cumulative joint damage
- Hoof issues: Concrete absorbs moisture from hooves, leading to brittleness
- Muscle fatigue: Horses struggle to find comfortable resting positions
- Respiratory problems: Cold, damp conditions promote respiratory infections
- Lying down reluctance: Horses avoid lying on cold, hard floors—impacting rest and REM sleep
Practical Problems
- Bedding waste: Deep bedding required on concrete is expensive and labour-intensive
- Drainage issues: Urine pools on non-porous concrete, creating ammonia and hygiene problems
- Cold transfer: Concrete conducts cold from the ground, making stables frigid in winter
- Cleaning difficulty: Rough concrete harbours bacteria and is hard to thoroughly clean
The Benefits of Rubber Stable Mats
Quality rubber matting addresses all these concerns:
For Your Horse
- Cushioned support: Reduces strain on joints, tendons, and ligaments
- Thermal insulation: Warmer than concrete, encouraging horses to lie down
- Non-slip surface: Textured tops prevent slipping, even when wet
- Comfortable rest: Horses lie down more frequently on cushioned surfaces
- Reduced leg swelling: Better circulation from reduced concussion
For You
- Reduced bedding costs: Use up to 50-75% less bedding
- Easier mucking out: Droppings sit on top rather than mixing into bedding
- Better hygiene: Non-porous surface is easy to disinfect
- Lower maintenance: No concrete repairs, no frozen water in cracks
- Long-term savings: Quality mats last 10-20+ years
Types of Rubber Stable Mats
Interlocking Stable Mats
Large, puzzle-style mats that connect together to form a seamless floor.
Typical size: 6ft x 4ft (1.8m x 1.2m)
Thickness: 12-18mm
Weight: 30-45kg per mat
Advantages:
- No gaps for urine to seep through
- Stable surface that doesn't shift
- Can be lifted for deep cleaning
- Individual mats can be replaced if damaged
Our Heavy Duty Interlocking Rubber Horse Mats are specifically designed for equine use, featuring 18mm thickness and secure interlocking edges.
Straight Edge Mats
Traditional rectangular mats without interlocking edges.
Typical sizes: Various, commonly 6ft x 4ft
Thickness: 12-17mm
Advantages:
- Often slightly cheaper than interlocking
- Flexible sizing options
- Can be arranged in various configurations
Considerations:
- May shift over time without securing
- Gaps between mats can develop
Stable Matting Rolls
Continuous rubber matting in roll form, cut to size.
Widths: Typically 1.2-1.5m
Thickness: 6-12mm
Advantages:
- Fewer seams
- Custom sizing for any stable dimensions
- Can cover walkways and wash bays
Considerations:
- Usually thinner than mats
- May require adhesive for best results
- Heavier to handle due to roll weight
Our Rubber Stable Matting Rolls are ideal for aisles, wash bays, and custom stable layouts.
Drainage Mats
Mats with channels or holes designed to allow urine to drain through.
Advantages:
- Keeps standing surface dry
- Excellent for horses with urinary issues
- Good for wash-down areas
Considerations:
- Requires drainage beneath (slope or channel)
- More complex installation
- Needs regular flushing to maintain hygiene
What to Look for in Quality Stable Mats
Material
Look for vulcanised rubber from reputable sources. Recycled rubber mats are common and can be excellent quality—the recycling process (typically from lorry tyres) creates dense, durable material. Avoid mats with strong chemical odours or that feel brittle.
Thickness
For horses, minimum recommended thickness is 12mm, with 17-18mm ideal for larger horses or those with joint issues. Thinner mats (6-10mm) may be suitable for walkways and less demanding applications.
Surface Texture
Look for patterns that provide grip without being abrasive:
- Hammer top: Dimpled surface, good all-round grip
- Pebble top: Raised circles, excellent water displacement
- Bubble pattern: Good cushioning and grip
Avoid completely smooth surfaces—dangerous when wet.
Underside
Textured or ribbed undersides help:
- Anchor the mat to the substrate
- Allow airflow to prevent moisture buildup
- Provide channels for drainage (if needed)
Weight
Heavier mats generally indicate denser, more durable rubber. A 6ft x 4ft mat should weigh 35-45kg for 17-18mm thickness.
Installation Guide
Preparation
- Level the base: Fill holes, remove protrusions, address significant slopes
- Address drainage: Ensure underlying concrete has appropriate drainage or slope
- Clean thoroughly: Remove all debris, old bedding, and organic matter
- Allow to dry: Moisture trapped under mats causes problems
Installation Steps
- Measure your stable: Note any irregular areas, posts, or fixtures
- Plan your layout: Minimise cuts and ensure seams don't align in high-wear areas
- Start from the back: Work toward the door for easy exit
- Interlock or butt firmly: Ensure no gaps at seams
- Trim to fit: Use a sharp utility knife or circular saw
- Check for movement: Walk the completed floor to ensure stability
Securing Options
Most interlocking mats are heavy enough to stay in place without adhesive. For added security or for straight-edge mats:
- Double-sided tape: At seams and edges
- Construction adhesive: Permanent installation
- Edge strips: Aluminium or rubber strips at doorways
Maintenance and Care
Daily
- Remove droppings as normal
- Thin bedding layer for absorption (if using)
Weekly
- Sweep entire floor
- Check mats haven't shifted
- Wash down wet areas if needed
Monthly
- Remove horse from stable
- Lift mats (or selected areas) to check underneath
- Disinfect with appropriate stable cleaner
- Allow to dry before replacing bedding
Annually
- Complete deep clean
- Full inspection of all mats
- Check for wear, especially at doorways and feeding areas
- Repair or replace damaged sections
Cost Analysis
Initial Investment
A typical 12ft x 12ft stable requires approximately 8-10 interlocking mats:
- Budget mats: £300-400 total
- Mid-range: £400-600 total
- Premium: £600-800 total
Long-Term Savings
Quality mats typically last 15-20 years. Bedding savings alone often cover the initial investment within 2-3 years:
- Bedding reduction: 50-75% less required
- Labour savings: 30-50% less mucking out time
- Vet bills: Reduced joint and respiratory issues
Beyond the Stable
Rubber matting isn't just for stables. Consider it for:
- Wash bays: Drainage mats prevent slipping
- Aisles and walkways: Rubber rolls provide safe footing
- Horse walkers: Cushioning for exercise areas
- Trailer floors: Comfort and grip during transport
- Tack rooms: Easy-clean surfaces
Making Your Choice
When selecting stable mats, prioritise:
- Quality: Buy once, buy well—cheap mats need replacing
- Appropriate thickness: 17-18mm for horses, 12mm minimum
- Proven suppliers: Check reviews and warranties
- Correct sizing: Measure carefully, order sufficient quantity
Ready to Upgrade Your Stable?
Browse our complete range of Stable Mats and Equestrian Flooring or contact us for advice on your specific requirements.
We offer:
- Free UK delivery on all orders
- Bulk discounts for multiple stables
- Expert advice from our equestrian-experienced team
- Trade accounts for yards and equestrian businesses
Your horses spend most of their life in the stable. Give them flooring worthy of the investment you've made in them.