Stable Mats & Horse Mats UK | Rubber Stable Matting | Heavy Duty | Free Delivery

139 products

    139 products

    Description

    Stable Mats UK — The Complete Range

    Stable mats UK from Rubberco are engineered for the specific demands of horse stabling: resisting the weight and movement of horses, surviving daily contact with hoof, shoe, and stable equipment, handling urine without degrading, and providing reliable anti-slip performance even when wet. Our range of rubber stable mats covers every specification from standard 17mm solid mats for everyday stabling through to 22mm heavy-duty mats for larger breeds and welfare-priority yards.

    Key stable mat keywords searched by UK horse owners that our products address:

    • Rubber stable mats UK — our core product, solid vulcanised rubber in 17mm and 22mm
    • Horse stable mats — designed for equestrian welfare, BHS-recommended specification
    • Stable matting UK — complete coverage solutions for 12×12ft and larger stables
    • Equestrian matting — rubber products for all equestrian premises: stables, horseboxes, yards, arenas
    • Stable floor mats — non-porous, hygienic, easy-clean rubber mats for concrete stable floors

    Horse Mats UK — Heavy Duty Stable, Stall & Equestrian Matting | Free Delivery

    Horse mats UK are one of the most important investments for the welfare of horses in stabling. Quality rubber stable mats reduce bedding costs, protect horses from hard stable floors, prevent slipping when horses rise and lie down, and improve hygiene by preventing urine soaking into concrete. At Rubberco, we supply heavy-duty horse mats and stable matting with free UK delivery to equestrian premises across the UK.

    Why Horse Mats Matter for Horse Welfare

    Horses spend the majority of their time standing or lying on stable floors. An inadequate floor surface creates multiple welfare concerns:

    • Joint and limb health: Hard concrete floors cause concussion to legs and feet, contributing to joint and tendon problems over time
    • Slip risk: Horses slipping on wet concrete when rising or lying down can cause catastrophic limb injuries
    • Comfort: Horses lie down less on hard, uncomfortable surfaces — leading to sleep deprivation and stress
    • Hygiene: Concrete absorbs urine; rubber mats prevent urine penetration and bacterial build-up
    • Bedding costs: Mats allow significantly reduced bedding depth, typically saving £500-£1,000+ per stable per year in bedding costs

    The British Horse Society (BHS) recommends rubber stable matting as standard for UK horse stabling. Many horse insurance policies specifically consider stable matting in welfare assessments.

    Types of Horse Mats UK

    Solid Rubber Stable Mats (17mm)

    The most common horse mat in UK stabling. Solid vulcanised rubber in 17mm thickness provides:

    • Good cushioning and thermal insulation
    • Durable surface that withstands shod hooves and pawing without significant wear
    • Heavy weight (typically 30-35kg per mat) that stays in place without fixing
    • Easy to clean — sweep or pressure wash
    • Suitable for most horse breeds and sizes

    Solid Rubber Stable Mats (22mm)

    Premium 22mm stable mats provide additional cushioning and are the preferred specification for:

    • Large or heavy breeds (warmbloods, hunters, draught horses)
    • Horses that lie down frequently, particularly mares with foals
    • Older horses or those with joint problems
    • High-value horses where maximum welfare and comfort is a priority

    Drainage Hole Stable Mats

    Rubber stable mats with drainage holes allow urine to pass through the mat and drain to the channel or sump below, rather than pooling on the surface. This:

    • Reduces ammonia concentration at horse-breathing height
    • Keeps the mat surface drier, reducing bacterial and fungal growth
    • Reduces the frequency of bedding changes required

    Drainage hole mats require appropriate drainage channels under the stable floor to be effective — they should not simply collect urine under the mat.

    Loose Interlocking Stable Tiles

    Interlocking rubber tiles provide a more flexible, budget-friendly alternative to full coverage solid mats. Easier to transport and position. Individual tiles can be replaced if damaged or excessively worn. The interlocking joins must be monitored to ensure they don't become a trap for debris or urine.

    Equine EVA Foam Mats

    EVA foam mats provide exceptional cushioning for whelping and foaling boxes, recovery stalls and vets' procedure areas. Softer than rubber. Not as durable for daily stabling use with shod horses, but excellent for short-term cushioning requirements.

    BHS Guidelines and Stable Matting

    The British Horse Society's Horse Care guidelines recommend:

    • Minimum 15mm rubber matting for all horse stabling
    • 17-22mm for horses over 500kg body weight
    • Matting throughout the stable, not just partial coverage
    • Drainage channel or slope ensuring urine drains away from the lying area
    • Regular lifting and cleaning underneath mats to prevent ammonia damage to concrete

    Stable Mat Coverage Guide

    Stable Size Area (m²) Mats Required (6ft×3ft mats)
    10ft × 10ft (3m × 3m) 9m² 5-6 mats
    12ft × 12ft (3.6m × 3.6m) 13m² 7-8 mats
    14ft × 14ft (4.2m × 4.2m) 17.6m² 10-11 mats
    12ft × 14ft (3.6m × 4.2m) 15m² 8-9 mats

    Mats typically 1.83m × 0.91m (6ft × 3ft). Add 1-2 extra mats for doorway coverage and irregular spaces.

    Related Products

    FAQs

    Best horse mats UK for stables?

    Solid rubber 17mm (standard) or 22mm (large/heavy breeds, comfort priority). Drainage-hole variants where urine pooling is a concern.

    How many stable mats do I need?

    A standard 12×12ft stable (13m²) needs 7-8 mats of 6ft×3ft size. Add 1-2 extra for doorway and irregular spaces.

    Are they easy to clean?

    Very. Sweep off bedding, periodic pressure wash, lift and clean underneath. Drainage mats keep the surface drier requiring less frequent changes.

    17mm vs 22mm — which to choose?

    17mm for standard horses. 22mm for large/heavy breeds, horses that lie down frequently, older horses or high-value animals where maximum welfare is the priority.

    Stable Mats UK: Thickness and Specification Guide

    Thickness Weight per Mat Best For Standard Size
    17mm ~28-32kg Standard stabling, most horse breeds, yard areas 1.83m x 0.91m (6ft x 3ft)
    22mm ~38-44kg Large breeds, elderly horses, premium stabling 1.83m x 0.91m (6ft x 3ft)
    25mm ~45-52kg Breeding mares, foaling boxes, high-value animals Custom cut available

    How Many Stable Mats Do I Need?

    The number of horse mats required depends on your stable dimensions. Standard UK stable sizes and mat requirements:

    Stable Size Area (m2) Mats Required (1.83m x 0.91m)
    10ft x 10ft (3.0m x 3.0m) 9.0 m2 6-7 mats
    12ft x 12ft (3.6m x 3.6m) 13.0 m2 8-10 mats
    14ft x 12ft (4.2m x 3.6m) 15.1 m2 10-12 mats
    16ft x 14ft (4.8m x 4.2m) 20.2 m2 13-15 mats
    Foaling box 14ft x 14ft 18.5 m2 12-14 mats

    Tip: Always order 1-2 extra mats to cover doorways, irregular areas, and future replacements if a mat is damaged.

    Stable Mat Installation: Step-by-Step Guide

    1. Clean and prepare the floor: Remove all old bedding, manure, and debris. Scrub the concrete floor and allow to dry completely. Fill any significant cracks or holes with mortar and allow to cure.
    2. Check drainage: Ensure the floor has adequate fall towards the drain (minimum 1:50 gradient). Poor drainage underneath mats leads to urine pooling and ammonia build-up.
    3. Lay the mats: Start from one corner and work across the stable. Fit mats tightly together with no gaps — gaps trap urine and create trip hazards. Use a rubber mallet to tap mats together if needed.
    4. Edge trimming: Use a sharp knife or jigsaw to cut mats to fit around corners and irregular areas. Mark and cut from the back face for cleaner edges.
    5. Check levelness: Walk over the installed mats and check for any rocking. A mat rocking on the concrete indicates a high point on the floor underneath — grind down or level with mortar.
    6. Bedding: With good rubber matting installed, bedding depth can be reduced to 4-6 inches (compared to 8-12 inches on bare concrete). This typically saves 30-50% on bedding costs.

    Stable Mats vs Bare Concrete: The True Cost Comparison

    Factor Bare Concrete Rubber Stable Mats
    Bedding per week (12x12 stable) 4-6 bales (£40-60/week) 2-3 bales (£20-30/week)
    Annual bedding saving - £520-1,560 per stable/year
    Joint and limb welfare High concussion risk Cushioned, low impact
    Slip risk High when wet Low — textured anti-slip surface
    Hygiene Urine absorbed into concrete Wipeable, non-porous surface
    Mat lifespan N/A 15-25 years
    Payback period - Typically 6-18 months

    Stable Mats for Other Equestrian Applications

    Horsebox and Trailer Matting

    Horsebox rubber matting provides anti-slip grip on the vehicle floor and cushions horses during transit. Essential for horse welfare during transport — slipping on a bare metal floor during braking is a major injury risk. Specify heavy 17-22mm rubber with a textured anti-slip surface. Grooved profiles channel any liquid to the rear. Cut to fit your horsebox dimensions precisely.

    Wash Bay Rubber Matting

    Wash bays need rubber matting that provides anti-slip grip when wet, drains efficiently, and can withstand regular pressure washing. Open-grid or drainage-profile rubber matting is ideal — it allows wash water to drain through while providing excellent grip for a wet, shod horse. EPDM rubber is recommended for permanent outdoor wash bay installations.

    Yard and Walkway Matting

    High-traffic yard areas and walkways between stables benefit from heavy ribbed or studded rubber matting. This reduces mud and slipping in wet UK weather conditions, makes the yard easier to keep clean, and prevents hoof damage on hard concrete. 10-17mm ribbed rubber roll is typical for yard walkway applications.

    Tack Room and Feed Room

    6-10mm rubber matting in tack rooms and feed rooms provides a comfortable, anti-slip floor that can be swept and mopped easily. Protects equipment from impact on hard concrete floors. Reduces noise from equipment movement.

    Arena and Manege Borders

    Rubber matting at arena perimeters and around entry gates protects the arena surface and provides anti-slip transition between yard and arena. Also used as a base layer under arena fencing posts to prevent post movement.

    Why UK Horse Owners Choose Rubberco Stable Mats

    • Free UK delivery to residential and equestrian premises across mainland UK
    • Cut to size service — non-standard sizes cut to your stable dimensions
    • In stock — same-week dispatch on standard stable mat sizes
    • Competitive pricing — direct pricing without trade markups
    • UK warehouse — no long international shipping waits
    • Expert advice — help choosing the right thickness and type for your horses and budget

    Related Categories

    Stable Mat Coverage Calculator: How Many Do You Need?

    Use this table to calculate how many standard 1.83m × 0.91m rubber stable mats you need for your stable. Add 8–10% for perimeter cuts.

    Stable Size Area (m²) Standard Mats (1.83×0.91m) With 10% cut allowance
    10ft × 10ft (3.05 × 3.05m) 9.3m² 6 mats 7 mats
    12ft × 12ft (3.66 × 3.66m) 13.4m² 8–9 mats 10 mats
    14ft × 12ft (4.27 × 3.66m) 15.6m² 10–11 mats 12 mats
    16ft × 14ft (4.88 × 4.27m) 20.8m² 13 mats 15 mats
    18ft × 16ft (5.49 × 4.88m) 26.8m² 16 mats 18 mats
    Foaling box 20ft × 20ft (6.1 × 6.1m) 37.2m² 22–24 mats 26 mats

    Not sure? Call or email us with your stable dimensions and we will calculate the exact mat requirement and provide a quote with free delivery.

    Stable Mat Bedding Savings: Real ROI Calculation

    UK yards consistently report bedding savings of 25–40% after installing rubber stable mats. Here is a realistic ROI calculation for a standard 12×12ft stable:

    Cost Item Without Mats (Annual) With Rubber Mats (Annual)
    Bedding (shavings at £8.50/bale) £663 (78 bales) £357 (42 bales)
    Mucking out labour (£8.50/hr) £3,103 (365 hours) £1,190 (140 hours)
    Stable mat cost (one-time, 10 mats) £0 £450 (once in 15–25 years)
    Total Year 1 £3,766 £1,997
    Saving Year 1 £1,769
    Saving Year 2+ (annual) £2,219/year

    Payback period: under 3 months on a combined bedding and labour basis. Rubber stable mats are one of the best-ROI investments in equestrian yard management.

    Rubber Stable Mats vs EVA Stable Mats: Full Comparison

    Feature Solid Rubber (SBR) EVA Composite
    Typical weight per mat 30–35kg 8–14kg
    Lifespan 15–25+ years 5–8 years
    Urine resistance Excellent (fully non-porous) Good (degrades slowly over years)
    Warmth underfoot Good Excellent (lower thermal conductivity)
    Cushioning / shock absorption Good Excellent
    Slip resistance when wet Excellent Good
    Ease of lifting/moving 2 people required 1 person manageable
    Total cost over 20 years Low (no replacement) Medium (2–3 replacement cycles)
    Best application Working yards, daily use, commercial Rehab, elderly horses, foaling boxes, luxury yards

    Stable Mat Installation: Step-by-Step UK Guide

    1. Prepare the floor: Sweep concrete clean. Level any significant dips with quick-set cement or concrete repair compound. Ensure slight fall (1:100) toward drain.
    2. Start from back wall: Lay mats from the back wall toward the door. Butt edges tightly together — no gaps for urine to pool beneath.
    3. Stagger joints: Offset mat joints like brickwork. Prevents the whole mat surface lifting as one unit when a horse paws or scrapes.
    4. Cut to fit: Score deeply with a sharp Stanley knife and straight edge. Fold and snap cleanly. For 22mm mats, use a jigsaw or circular saw.
    5. Doorway threshold: Trim final mat flush with doorstep. A rubber door threshold trim prevents the edge lifting and eliminates the trip hazard for horses leading in and out.
    6. Seal wall junctions: For the highest hygiene standard, apply rubber bonding adhesive along the wall/mat junction to prevent urine tracking under the edge mats.

    Stable Mat Cleaning Guide

    • Daily: Remove droppings, pick out wet bedding. Quick sweep of mat surface.
    • Weekly: Lift mats or rotate. Hose both sides with warm water. Allow to dry.
    • Monthly: Full pressure wash. Use veterinary-grade disinfectant (e.g., Virkon S at 1:100 dilution). Rinse thoroughly.
    • Annually: Full strip-out and deep clean of floor and all mats. Check for any mat damage, edge lifting, or urine penetration around perimeter seams.

    Horse Mat Applications Beyond Stables

    Rubberco rubber horse mats are used throughout equestrian yards, not just in stables:

    • Horsebox and trailer floors: Non-slip rubber matting prevents horses slipping during transport
    • Wash bay / tying-up areas: Rubber mats prevent slip when horses are wet
    • Tack room and feed room floors: Heavy-duty rubber flooring protects concrete and is easy to clean
    • Yard hard-standing areas: Rubber mats around water troughs and handling areas
    • Yard ramps and steps: Anti-slip rubber matting on sloped surfaces
    • Paddock gateways: Rubber grass mats prevent gateway poaching in wet weather

    BHS-Recommended Stable Matting Standards

    The British Horse Society (BHS) recommends that stable floors provide:

    • A non-slip surface — even when wet
    • Adequate drainage and urine resistance
    • Sufficient thermal insulation to prevent cold stress
    • Cushioning to protect joints and limbs during lying and rising

    Our 17mm and 22mm solid rubber stable mats meet or exceed all BHS welfare recommendations. For yards seeking to demonstrate highest welfare standards, 22mm mats with sealed perimeter joints provide the most comprehensive floor protection.

    📚 Expert Equestrian Guides

    Stable Mats Price Guide UK 2026

    Product Size Thickness Price Range
    Standard Rubber Stable Mat 1.83m × 0.91m 17mm £30–£50
    Heavy Duty Rubber Stable Mat 1.83m × 0.91m 22mm £45–£70
    EVA Composite Stable Mat 1.83m × 0.91m 40mm £50–£80
    Stable Mat Bundle (12×12 stable) 10 mats 17mm £280–£450
    Stable Mat Bundle (12×12 stable) 10 mats 22mm £400–£650

    All prices include VAT. Free UK delivery on all stable mat orders. Prices correct May 2026.

    Expert Guides – Stable Mats