Choosing the Right Rubber Mat for Your Horse

Rubber mats are one of those barn improvements that can make a noticeable difference in day-to-day maintenance. A properly fitted mat gives horses a more comfortable surface to stand on while making stalls, trailers, and other work areas easier to clean.

At Barn World, we carry rubber mats for several different applications, including horse stalls, horse trailers, wash racks, and other areas where animals spend time standing. The right mat depends on where it will be used, the size of the area, and whether you need individual mats or an interlocking system.

Our stall mats and trailer mats include individual stall mats, 1/2-inch trailer mats, and interlocking mat kits.

Horse Stall Mats

A horse standing for hours on concrete or another hard surface can benefit from a properly installed rubber stall mat. The mat creates a more resilient surface under the horse's feet while also providing a barrier between the animal and a cold or damp floor.

Stall mats are also practical from a maintenance standpoint. They create a solid surface that is easier to clean than an uncovered concrete or dirt floor, and they can reduce the amount of bedding needed in some stalls.

Barn World offers individual rubber stall mats in 3/4-inch and 5/8-inch thicknesses. These mats are suitable for standard horse stalls and can also be used in other barn areas where durable rubber flooring is needed.

Interlocking Stall Mats for Larger Areas

For larger stalls or areas that do not match the dimensions of a single mat, interlocking mats can make installation more practical. The sections fit together to create a larger continuous rubber surface without requiring one oversized piece.

Barn World offers pre-cut interlocking stall mat kits in 10' x 10', 10' x 12' and 12' x 12' sizes. These kits are useful when you want to cover an entire stall or other defined area with a fitted rubber floor.

Interlocking mats can also be useful in barn aisles, wash areas and other locations where a larger section of rubber flooring is desirable.

Horse Trailer Mats

A horse trailer has different flooring requirements than a stall. The mat needs to provide traction while also dealing with the movement, moisture and repeated loading and unloading that come with transporting horses.

Barn World's horse trailer mats are 1/2-inch solid rubber and are factory cut to fit most trailers. They are designed to protect the trailer floor while providing horses with a more secure surface on the ramp and trailer floor.

• 1/2-inch solid rubber construction
• Designed to protect trailer floors and ramps
• Provides traction for horses during loading and transport
• Cushions and insulates the trailer floor
• Factory cut to fit most trailers
• Designed to resist bunching and curling

A properly fitted trailer mat is also easier to manage than loose rubber flooring that can shift or curl at the edges.

Why Use Rubber Mats in a Horse Stall?

The main reason to install stall mats is to create a better working surface for both the horse and the person maintaining the stall.

Rubber mats can help cushion the floor, provide traction, and create a more consistent surface underfoot. They are particularly useful over concrete and asphalt, where the underlying floor is hard and unforgiving.

They can also make routine cleaning easier. Instead of bedding directly over an uncovered hard floor, the rubber mat provides a solid surface beneath the bedding that can be swept and cleaned as part of regular stall maintenance.

Stall Mats Can Help Reduce Bedding Use

One of the practical reasons horse owners install rubber stall mats is to reduce the amount of bedding required to maintain a stall. The mat covers much of the underlying floor, so bedding does not have to provide the entire cushion between the horse and the floor.

How much bedding you use will still depend on the horse, stall design, drainage and your cleaning routine. A stall mat is not a replacement for proper bedding, but it can become an important part of an easier-to-maintain stall.

Stall Mats for Concrete and Other Hard Floors

Rubber stall mats are particularly useful when the underlying floor is concrete or asphalt. These surfaces are durable, but they provide little cushioning and can feel cold or damp.

A properly fitted rubber mat creates a more forgiving surface and provides insulation between the horse and the underlying floor. The mat should be installed on a reasonably level, clean surface so it can lie flat and perform as intended.

Other Uses for Rubber Stall Mats

Horse stalls are the most common application, but rubber mats are useful anywhere animals need a durable, slip-resistant surface.

• Horse stalls and foaling stalls
• Barn aisles
• Wash racks and grooming areas
• Livestock holding areas
• Feed rooms
• Horse trailer floors and ramps

For wash racks and grooming areas, a rubber surface can provide additional footing while making the area easier to maintain. In a feed room or holding area, the mat provides a durable surface that can withstand regular use.

What Thickness of Stall Mat Do You Need?

Thickness is one of the first specifications to consider when comparing rubber stall mats. Barn World's individual stall mats are available in 5/8-inch and 3/4-inch thicknesses, while the horse trailer mats are 1/2-inch thick.

For a permanent horse stall, consider the condition of the underlying floor, how much cushioning you want, and how the mat will be handled during installation. For trailers, a properly fitted 1/2-inch mat is designed specifically for the demands of the trailer environment.

If you are covering a larger area, the interlocking kits provide another option without having to handle one extremely large mat.

Getting the Right Fit Matters

Before ordering stall mats, measure the area you need to cover. A stall that is slightly different from a standard size may require individual mats arranged to fit the available space.

For interlocking kits, measure the complete area rather than just one section. For trailer mats, confirm the trailer application and dimensions before ordering so you get a mat designed for the space.

If you are unsure which type or size will work for your application, the product specifications are a good place to start, and Barn World can help you determine which option fits your needs.

Horse Stall Mats and Trailer Mats at Barn World

We've found that customers looking for barn flooring usually have a fairly simple goal: they want a mat that fits the space, stays in place, and makes the area easier to maintain. That's why we offer several types of rubber mats rather than trying to use one style for every application.

Our selection includes individual horse stall mats in 5/8-inch and 3/4-inch thicknesses, interlocking stall mat kits in several sizes, and 1/2-inch rubber mats made for horse trailers.

See all stall mats and trailer mats at Barn World.

If you're outfitting a larger barn or horse property, you can also browse our horse supplies for additional equipment and supplies for stalls, trailers, and everyday horse care.

 

Horse Stall Mat FAQ

What thickness of rubber mat is best for a horse stall?

The right thickness depends on the stall floor and the amount of cushioning you want. Barn World offers rubber stall mats in 5/8-inch and 3/4-inch thicknesses, giving you options for different stall applications.

Are rubber stall mats good for concrete floors?

Yes. Rubber stall mats are commonly used over concrete because they provide a more resilient surface between the horse and the hard floor. They can also help insulate the stall floor and make routine cleaning easier.

What are interlocking horse stall mats?

Interlocking stall mats connect to cover a larger area without relying on one oversized piece of rubber. They are a practical option when the stall or room is larger than a single mat or when you want a fitted rubber floor.

Can horse stall mats be used in a horse trailer?

Stall mats and trailer mats are designed for different applications. Barn World carries 1/2-inch solid rubber trailer mats specifically intended for horse trailers, while the thicker stall mats are intended primarily for stalls and other barn areas.

How do I choose the right size horse stall mat?

Start by measuring the length and width of the area you want to cover. Consider the actual dimensions of the stall rather than assuming it is a standard size, especially when deciding between individual mats and an interlocking mat kit.

How do rubber stall mats help with stall maintenance?

Rubber mats create a solid surface underneath the bedding that is easier to sweep and clean than an uncovered hard or uneven floor. They can also reduce the amount of bedding needed in some stalls, although bedding requirements vary with the horse and cleaning routine.