Rubber Stable Mats: The Smart Way to Cut Bedding Costs & Enhance Horse Comfort

As the cost and availability of quality bedding become increasing challenges for horse owners, finding efficient solutions is more important than ever. While alternative bedding types exist, they often come with their own high price tags. A more strategic approach involves not just switching materials, but fundamentally reducing the amount of bedding needed. To truly understand the cost of stall maintenance, you must consider the entire system: material expenses, labor hours, and manure disposal fees. One highly effective solution that addresses all these factors is combining high-quality rubber mats with a minimal layer of absorbent bedding.

Contents

• Slash Costs and Labor with Rubber Mats

• How Rubber Flooring Influences Equine Behavior

• Beyond Savings: Additional Health and Stable Benefits

• Conclusion: A Win-Win for Horse and Owner

Slash Costs and Labor with Rubber Mats

Investing in high-quality BELMONDO® rubber stable mats transforms your stall flooring into a comfortable, shock-absorbent, and slip-resistant base. This foundation performs the primary functions of bedding—cushioning and insulation—dramatically reducing the amount of bedding you need solely for moisture absorption.

A landmark 2013 study by the Department of Equine Management at Nuertingen-Geislingen University provided concrete data on these savings. Comparing traditional deep-litter bedding (8-10 cm of shavings) on concrete to rubber mats with a minimal shaving layer (approx. 1 cm), the results were clear:

Annual Savings per Stall (Based on study data):

• Bedding Material Saved: Over 25% (622 kg less shavings per year)

• Cost Savings on Bedding: Approximately €300 (at historic prices; savings are likely higher today)

• Labor Hours Saved: Up to 28% less time spent on daily mucking out

This significant reduction in labor means you spend less time on chores and more time actually caring for your horse.

How Rubber Flooring Influences Equine Behavior

Horses can be cautious of new surfaces, but research shows they quickly adapt to and even prefer rubber mats. The same university study observed that after a short adjustment period, horses returned to their normal lying patterns and exhibited more relaxed behavior.

Remarkably, within just eight weeks, horses spent on average 20 minutes longer lying down on stalls equipped with rubber mats and straw pellets compared to traditional deep straw beds. The consistent, supportive surface provided by the mats promotes confident resting behavior and superior comfort, leading to better rest and recovery.

Beyond Savings: Additional Health and Stable Benefits

The advantages of a rubber mat system extend far beyond the budget:

• Less Manure: Reduced bedding volume means significantly less waste to manage and dispose of, cutting yet another cost.

• Improved Hygiene & Stable Climate: A thinner bedding layer is easier to keep clean and dry. Daily complete removal of wet spots is simpler, minimizing ammonia buildup, dust, and inhibiting fly breeding and mold growth. Studies show this system can result in a lower bacterial load than traditional deep bedding.

• Enhanced Horse Health: The mats provide excellent shock absorption, reducing stress on tendons and joints. They also offer crucial insulation from cold rising from the concrete below, helping to prevent muscle stiffness and keep your horse comfortable.

Conclusion: A Win-Win for Horse and Owner

BELMONDO® rubber stable flooring is an investment that pays dividends in both financial savings and equine well-being. By drastically reducing ongoing bedding and labor costs, it offers a compelling economic advantage for any stable owner. Simultaneously, it creates a drier, healthier, and more comfortable environment that promotes your horse's health through better rest, improved hygiene, and superior leg and joint support. It’s the smart choice for a modern, efficient, and welfare-focused stable.