Stable Mats UK — Heavy Duty Rubber Horse Mats 12mm–22mm for Stables & Yards
Rubber stable mats are the standard floor specification across UK equestrian facilities, from amateur livery yards to professional racing and training centres. They transform the stable environment in four fundamental ways: improving horse welfare through joint cushioning and thermal insulation, enhancing safety through non-slip surfaces, reducing bedding costs, and cutting mucking-out labour. Any yard that has not installed stable mats is spending more on bedding, more time on yard labour, and accepting a higher risk of stable injuries than necessary.
The core material is high-density vulcanised SBR rubber, typically at 65–70 Shore A hardness in the 17mm–22mm thickness range that equestrian veterinary guidance recommends. This hardness profile is critical: too soft and the mat compresses permanently under horse weight, losing its cushioning function; too hard and it provides little improvement over concrete for joint health. Our stable mats are engineered to the correct density specification, not simply cut from general industrial rubber.
Thickness selection should reflect the size and time spent stabled. For warmblood, sport horse, and draught breeds spending significant time stabled (8 hours+), 22mm is the correct specification. For lighter horses, ponies, and those primarily at grass, 17mm provides adequate protection. Below 15mm offers minimal benefit over bare concrete and is not recommended by equine veterinary bodies for full-time stable use.
Our stable mats are available in the industry-standard 6ft x 4ft (1.83m x 1.22m) format, compatible with all major brands' existing installations and stock replacements. Full stable coverage packs with interlocking edges are available — interlocking prevents mat separation and eliminates gaps where hooves and bedding can become lodged. Mat edges should be cut flush against walls using a sharp knife or hand saw.
Beyond stable floors, rubber matting is essential in horse boxes and trailers, wash-down bays, yard walkways, farriery areas, and stable entrances. For external yard surfaces and approach routes to stables, our Rubber Grass Mats provide reinforced, all-weather footing. For indoor school surfaces and arena edging, contact us for specialist equestrian flooring advice.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Material | High-density vulcanised SBR rubber |
| Thickness options | 12mm, 17mm, 22mm |
| Standard size | 6ft x 4ft (1.83m x 1.22m) |
| Hardness | 60–70 Shore A |
| Surface pattern | Raised stud / non-directional grip |
| Backing | Flat (concrete compatible) |
| Weight (22mm) | Approx. 33–35 kg per mat |
| Chemical resistance | Urine, disinfectants, stable cleaning agents |
| Expected lifespan | 10–20 years with proper maintenance |
Related: Rubber Grass Mats for yard and paddock entry reinforcement, Heavy Duty Rubber Matting for lorry ramps and wash bays, and Outdoor Garden Matting for general outdoor applications.
Can stable mats prevent horses from pawing through to concrete?
Yes. Dense 17mm–22mm rubber stable mats fully protect the concrete floor from pawing damage. The rubber absorbs the impact and distributes it, preventing both concrete degradation and hoof wear. For chronic pavers, thicker mats (22mm+) or a double-layer installation (two x 12mm mats) provides additional impact resistance. Ensure mats are correctly interlocked and cannot be moved or flipped by persistent pawing — ballast with adequate bedding on top if needed.
How do I stop stable mats from moving?
Properly fitted stable mats should not move significantly — the interlocking edges and mat weight (30+ kg each) combined with close-fitting walls generally keeps them in place. If movement is a problem: check that mats are correctly interlocked (not just abutted); ensure there is no excess moisture beneath the mats causing them to float; fit a retaining strip along the stable door threshold to prevent the front mat being kicked forward; and ensure all mats are cut flush to walls on all sides.