We’ve all occasionally grumbled about our horse stables, wishing we didn’t spend so much time mucking out. We end up with piles of stable waste, not to mention the hard floor our horse has to stand on. Much of this often (in)directly relates to unsuitable flooring. Stable tiles, however, can offer a great solution. Straw can easily be pushed aside, and mucking out has never been faster. But what exactly are stable tiles, and what added value do they provide?
Stable tiles are made from 100% recycled rubber, compressed into sturdy tiles, and offer a nice alternative to traditional concrete or stone floors. With stable tiles, you don’t really need straw, as urine and moisture drain away, and your horse stands on an insulating, shock-absorbing, non-slip surface. We certainly don’t want our horse slipping or getting caught between tiles. Rubber stable tiles are completely non-slip and use a special interlocking system to prevent shifting.
A DIY Project
If you enjoy hands-on work, installing stable tiles is easy to do yourself! The tiles measure 50 x 100 cm, are 4 cm thick, and weigh 18.5 kg. Trimming them is possible with tools like a circular saw or jigsaw. A crucial factor is the correct base on which to place the tiles. The ideal base is a hard, level surface (such as concrete) with a 2-3% slope to allow easy drainage of urine and moisture. Never place stable tiles on a damp, muddy base, as they can get clogged.
Easy Cleaning
Mucking out the stable should still be done daily. However, since little to no straw is needed, this task will take much less time, which is certainly good news! It’s recommended to thoroughly hose down the tiles every four months. Major cleaning should be done annually, including disinfecting the tiles. For this, remove the stable tiles so that the undersides can also be cleaned.
Benefits for both rider and horse
Your four-legged friend will stand on an insulating, shock-absorbing, non-slip floor. You’ll have less work and save money, needing up to 80% less or even no straw at all. Additionally, mucking out will take significantly less time.
Stable tiles are suitable for horse stables with slopes and drainage, wash areas, breeding stations, and walkways within stables.
Benefits
Up to 80% less or no extra bedding (like straw or flax) needed
Less stable waste
Clenaing is easier and faster
Lower ongoing costs since extra bedding is unnecessary
Insulating (no cold floor), shock-absorbing, and non-slip
No more odours thanks to the drainage properties of the tiles