For long term usage we recommend you start with the best quality 3/4" rubber mats. They typically come in 4' x 6' or 5' x 7' sizes. Some companies also advertise custom sized mats, and while a one piece stall mat is a great idea, make sure you order the right size and are prepared to be able to move it (they are very heavy). The lighter weight mats may work for temporary stalls or over a concrete walkway, but in a stall they tend to shift and move with the weight of a horse turning, lying down or pawing. We recommend solid rubber mats (with or without "nubbies" or bumps) over the perforated varieties. The solid mats are not as slippery as the perforated varieties. It is important to install the mats over a consistent, compacted surface which will not shift over time.

 

Start by measuring the stall to determine the best configuration, what size and how many mats you will need. The orientation of the mat relative to the stall shape seems to be a matter of personal preference, with no firm opinion about the advantages or disadvantages among horseowners either way. It works best to have at least two people to move the mats from the delivery truck to the stall. One good method of transporting the mats around the barn is to use a pair of "Vise Grips" to clamp onto the mat, as this gives you a sort of handle to drag them around. A razor knife with a sharp blade and a straight edge tool works well for longer cuts, and a small electric scroll saw is excellent for trimming mats to fit into corners or around posts.

Start in one corner and work outward to minimize the number of mats you will have to cut. If your stalls are slightly larger than the mats, leave any gaps on the outside and fill them with bedding materials. Small scraps of matting usually will not stay in place to fill in any small perimeter gaps. The center of the stall should have the mats tightly butted together to reduce any shifting or lifting as the horse moves around. It is also important that the mats be flat and level, both for horse safety and for ease of cleaning.

Stall flooring...