Horse stable mats guide: the right floor for your stable

That depends on the stable size and the mat format. For a 3.5 × 3.5 m stable you need 16 mats of 100 × 100 cm, and you cut the edge mats to size. With the large PUZZLE mat of 2.25 m², 6 mats are enough. The calculator above shows the exact number for your stable.

For a 3.5 × 3.5 m stable, expect around €550 to €1,300 depending on the mat. For several stables, the price per mat drops with volume pricing. The calculator shows you the current price for your stable.

Good rubber or soft PVC stable mats last many years with normal use. What matters is that they lie tightly together, do not shift and are cleaned regularly. Thin, light mats wear faster than thick, heavy ones.

With arthritis or hoof problems, you want a mat that cushions well and takes strain off joints and hooves with every step and when getting up. The Belmondo Trend with its air cushions is a good choice. For your horse's favourite lying spot, you can also fit the RELAX horse bed. If your horse has a condition, a quick chat with your vet or farrier is worthwhile too.

Not every mat is made for it. The Belmondo Classic and the Belmondo Walk Pro are designed for all common types of shoeing. The Belmondo Basic is only suitable for shoes without pins or studs. When choosing, make sure the mat is expressly suitable for your horse's shoes.

The best mat depends on your stable. For the stable itself, mats of 1.8 to 3 cm made of rubber or soft PVC are common. For older or sensitive horses, extra lying comfort is worth it, for example with the Belmondo Trend. You can also add the RELAX horse bed at the favourite lying spot. In the aisle, grip when wet matters most.

EVA mats are light and soft, but wear faster and can get dented by heavy horses. Rubber mats are heavier, so they lie firmly in place and last longer. For the stable, we recommend rubber or soft PVC.

For the stable, 1.8 to 3 cm is common. The colder and harder the floor and the older or more sensitive your horse, the thicker the mat can be. In the aisle and in the trailer, 1.1 to 1.6 cm is enough, as grip is what matters there.

Ideally a firm, level floor such as concrete or screed, with a slight fall towards the drain. Level paving also works. On soil or clay, the mats shift and hollows form. There, compact the ground firmly beforehand and level it off with grit or sand.

The mat does not replace bedding completely, it provides the comfortable, warm floor. On top, a thinner layer is enough, for example shavings, pellets or straw, which absorbs urine and invites your horse to lie down. So you usually need less bedding than without a mat.

Muck out daily as usual. Every few months, it is worth lifting the mats, cleaning underneath and letting it dry. Water, a scrubbing brush and a mild stable cleaner are all you need.

Most stable mats are closed and do not let water through, which keeps the urine up in the bedding. For wet areas such as the wash bay, the Belmondo Walk Pro is a good choice, as its mosaic profile gives secure footing even when wet.

With a wheelbarrow, yes, as long as the mats are laid firmly and tightly together. The Belmondo Classic and the Belmondo Walk Pro are designed for yard loaders and tractors, the Belmondo Trend for standard machinery up to 2.5 bar tyre pressure. The light Walkway is not meant for heavy machinery.