Rubber Stall Mats vs Deep Bedding for an Arthritic Horse
Cushion under the joints or bedding depth. What each one costs to run, and which arrangement an old horse can actually get up from.
The short version
Use mats as the base and bedding on top, because they solve different problems and the combination costs less to run than deep bedding alone. Mats give a level, non slip, insulating floor and cut bedding use substantially. Bedding gives the horse something to lie on, absorbs urine, and provides the traction an arthritic horse needs to get its feet under itself when standing up. A stiff old horse on bare mats will slip and can become genuinely reluctant to lie down, and a horse that stops lying down properly is losing rest it needs.
At a glance
| Interlocking Rubber Horse Stall Mats, 4 by 6 ft | Country Heritage Pine Shavings Bedding | |
|---|---|---|
| Cushioning | Moderate and constant | Depends entirely on depth |
| Traction for standing up | Poor when wet and bare | Good |
| Bedding used per week | Much less | A great deal if used alone |
| Cost pattern | One purchase | Ongoing |
| Mucking out | Faster | Slower, deeper |
| Insulation from a cold floor | Good | Good at depth |
Choose the Interlocking Rubber Horse Stall Mats, 4 by 6 ft if…
Lay mats over a level, well drained base and butt them tightly so bedding and urine cannot work underneath, which is where the smell and the lifting edges come from. Interlocking mats are easier to fit around awkward corners than solid slabs. Expect to lift and clean under them periodically. Mats alone are not a bed: they are cold and slick when wet, and an arthritic horse needs bedding on top for grip and comfort.
Check Interlocking Rubber Horse Stall Mats, 4 by 6 ft on Amazon
Choose the Country Heritage Pine Shavings Bedding if…
Bed deeply enough that the horse will actually lie down, and bank the sides so a cast horse has less chance of getting stuck against the wall, which is a serious risk in an old stiff animal. Deep bedding on top of mats is the usual compromise. Watch the dust, because respiratory disease is common in older stabled horses and bedding is one of the main sources. Muck out thoroughly rather than skipping over the top.
Check Country Heritage Pine Shavings Bedding on Amazon
Related
Comparison based on published manufacturer specifications and the general consensus of owner reports. We have not tested these products side by side. Confirm current specifications and prices before buying. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if my old horse is lying down enough?
Look for bedding stains on the coat, shavings in the mane and tail, and a clear body shaped hollow in the bedding. A horse who never shows any of these is worth investigating. Horses need to lie down to reach proper rest, and an arthritic horse who has decided the floor is too hard or too slippery to get up from will simply stop, then become more tired and more sore. Talk to your vet about pain control if that is the pattern.
Is a deeply bedded stall bad for the lungs?
It depends what the bedding is. Dust and mould spores from poor quality shavings or straw are strongly associated with equine asthma, which is common in older horses. Good ventilation matters more than most owners expect, and a stall that feels draughty is usually healthier than one that is sealed. Low dust bedding, hay that is soaked or steamed, and turnout all help.
My horse got cast in the stall. How do I prevent it?
Bank the bedding up the walls, avoid stalls that are tight for the horse's size, and consider anti cast strips if it has happened before. An old or arthritic horse is more likely to get stuck because it has less range and less strength to roll back over. If your horse has been cast, check for injury and tell your vet, because being trapped and struggling can cause muscle damage and can precede or follow a colic episode.
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