StableComfort™Mat Flooring Systems for My Horse Stalls
Stalls in my stable are now equipped with innovative mat flooring systems that provide more supportive and even surfaces for my horses.
I share my Bedford, New York farm with four Friesians, five Sicilian donkeys, and one Fell pony. All of my equines reside happily in my large stable. My stable manager, Helen Peparo, and I are always on the lookout for sensible, easy-to-use products and supplies that keep my horses in good health. Recently, we decided to improve the comfort of the stalls by adding thick wall-to-wall waterproof mat systems by StableComfort™. These easy-to-install padded mats offer cushioning and insulation, save on the use of wood shavings, and are easy to clean.
Here are some photos, enjoy.
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- The stalls in my stable are walled in beautiful mahogany and outfitted with durable, safe gates, and feeders. The concrete floors, however, only had one layer of rubber matting and my oldest horse, Rinze, and two others needed a bit more cushioning for their legs and joints.
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- These are StableComfort™ mattresses – part of a flooring system specifically developed for horse stalls. The systems decrease leg fatique, reduce chances of possible tissue fluid accumulation, and provide a good barrier from the cold, damp floors.
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- The premium pads provide another layer. All the elements of these flooring systems are environmentally friendly and made from recycled materials.
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- After the stalls were completely emptied and cleaned, Pete measures the space.
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- And then he measures the mattresses. These mattresses are made, so they can be molded to fit perfectly in the stall.
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- Once the mattresses are inside, the individual cells can be cut to release the crumb filling and fit the dimensions of the space.
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- More crumb filling is emptied on top of the mattresses to fill the grooves of the mattress cells – nothing is wasted.
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- The crumbs are made from recycled tires. Everything is waterproof.
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- Using a broom, Pete carefully spreads the crumb filling into all the grooves.
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- Next, sheets of premium pad are put down on top of the mattresses.
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- Here, one can see the thickness of these padded sheets. Each of my Friesians is about 1500-pounds and need good, thick padding. These new flooring systems will be much more comfortable.
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- Here is a look at the layers on the stall floor – the mattress, the crumb filling, and the pads create about a four to six inch cushion. This is on top of the rubber mat that was already in place.
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- Next, Pete and Doug trim the existing mat, so everything is even.
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- Then a piece of mahogany wood is installed in the threshold of the stall to prevent any of the mats from moving.
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- The same is done at the rear entrance of the stall.
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- Any excess pad is trimmed carefully with a utility knife.
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- The top layer is a waterproof cover. This is a single piece of latex sheeting that is placed over the entire floor system. Once in the stall, it is pulled tight over the floor so it is flat and level.
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- Here, Doug secures mahogany trim over the edge of the flooring material. Mahogany wood has a straight grain, good density, extreme durability, and is resistant to rot. It is excellent material for horse stalls.
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- Trim is pushed down snug and installed all around the room over the top cover, so it remains taut.
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- Any excess top cover is then also cut.
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- And here is the finished edge. It looks so neat and tidy, but also so much more comfortable for my dear horses.
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- Here is the other side. This surface raises the floor, but is just as easy to keep clean.
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- And it should decrease the amount of wood shavings needed. Plus, the mattress pads allow for longer resting time when the horses are lying down.
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- Bond and Rinze will both be very happy on their new stall floors – maybe almost as comfortable inside as it is outside in their pastures.
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