Archive for the ‘Horse Stalls’ Category

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What Are The Alternatives To A Dirt Floor In Horse Stalls? Is Rubber Matting The Best Alternative?


2010
08.14

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Having a dirt floor, as you will know if you have one, can be a lot of work. They take a lot of maintenance, especially when used with a straw bed. Have you ever thought how much easier your life would be if there was another choice. So what are the alternatives to a dirt floor in horse stalls? And what are the advantages of these alternatives?

Cost, ease of cleaning, level of maintenance, benefits to you and your horse are all issues you have to bear in mind when you are considering making any changes to your horses bedding arrangements.

Despite the initial expense of rubber matting an increasing amount of horse owners are using it. Despite the initial outlay it will pay for itself over time and the other benefits of matting may make the decision to install it an easy one.

Rubber matting lasts for a long time, if you look after it and keep it free of the ammonia from horses urine then it can last for years. If you add up how much you would spend on straw or wood shavings in that time then you can see that in the long run it can be economically viable.

Rubber flooring is dust free and therefore is very good for horses (and humans) who have allergies or respiratory problems. This can save on veterinary bills and add to your time having fun with your horse when he is fit and well, rather than struggling with health problems.

Some horses can become ill if they eat their bedding, which some horses like to do. Rubber matting stops this problem if you do not add any additional bedding, therefore preventing weight gain and possible ill health. As well as frustration for the owner!

In order for your horse to be extra comfortable in the winter, despite the fact that rubber flooring can be surprisingly warm and comfortable, you can add an extra layer of your chosen bedding. Adding a thin layer of bedding can absorb pools of urine too.

Possibly the biggest advantage to having rubber flooring is the ease of cleaning. Gone are the days of getting up 2 hours early on a freezing cold winters morning to go and clean out your horses filthy stable with a pitch fork and a wheel barrow. Gone are the cold hands and sore backs that go hand in hand with deep beds in stalls that need cleaning out!

All you need to clean your rubber matting is a hose pipe. You sweep out any bedding that you have put on the rubber matting and then clean the matting with water and a mild cleaning agent to ensure your matting does not get damaged by urine laying on it. Make sure you rinse the cleaning agent thoroughly to avoid adverse effects for your horse.

Although your current bedding arrangements are probably adequate for your horses needs. Given all the continued advantages of rubber mats, you might find it well worth looking into.

Looking for a cost-effective stall flooring for your horses? These environmentally-friendly rubber mats may be just what you need. Rubber stall flooring provides comfortable support for your horses, and helps to relieve joint pressure by absorbing shocks.

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Reasons Why You Should Buy Horse Stall Mats


2010
08.08

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Ever thought about what if you really could use horse stall mats? That identical thought has occurred to many people. Some have already done it. Most others have gotten bogged down within the negatives somewhere and never started.

Let’s not get hung up in the negatives before we begin. It is time to get analytical here. Let’s consider the Pros as well as the Cons about how exactly we could use horse stall mats and consider them.

First of all, for the “Pro” side, I might explain that horse stall flooring protect your horses feet and prevent lameness and injury. All right, I acknowledge your objection, on the “Con” side, and I agree you have a valid point as you say one piece horse stall mats are a pain to lay in stalls and to move around. But I would like to additionally mention that horses hooves are delicate, and need to be protected. This isn’t only about comfort- it makes good business sense too and cuts down on vet bills.

Secondly, you truly should consider that both interlocking mats and one piece horse stall mats make great flooring options. And, likewise, horse stall flooring keeps your animals in shape and ready for fun, by reducing stress Plus, better yet, quality equestrian products like these rubber mats provide an easy surface for cleaning.

And Third, you will get reduced odor and flies because your bedding stays dry and lasts longer. This means that lower vet and farrier bills, in addition to lower barn costs. And added to that, you will have more time to enjoy animals when they’re not lame or tender!!

Within all of the above info lies a very good list of reasons in support of use horse stall mats. What’s your opinion?

Consider this seriously for a moment. Maybe you actually should get horse stall mats.

Discover some ways to pick up and clean horse stall mats by visiting my horse stall mats web site at http://www.horsematting.org.

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3 Reasons You Should Buy Horse Stall Mats


2010
08.07

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Did you ever daydream that you could buy horse stall mats and improve your life? Plenty of people have already done that. Most never get past the daydream stage. Many lacked the will to look into, learn and then get going, so are even now just dreaming.

Let’s just hold on here now. We looked at plenty of negatives at the start of this, all the why nots. Let’s consider three reasons why you should use horse stall mats.

First of all, on the “Pro” side, I would point out that rubber mats protect your horses feet and prevent lameness and injury.. All right, I acknowledge your objection, for the “Con” side, and I agree you have a legitimate point as you say one piece horse stall mats are a pain to lay in stalls and to move around. But I’d like to additionally show that horses hooves are delicate, and need to be protected. Don’t run up your vet bills by thinking this is a comfort luxury- it’s a smart business move too.

Second, you should think about that interlocking mats can make a very solid floor, even better than one piece horse stall mats. Likewise, horse stall flooring keeps your animals in shape and ready for fun, by reducing stress. As well as, quality equestrian products like these rubber mats provide an easy surface for cleaning.

And Third, you get reduced odor and flies because your bedding stays dry and lasts longer. This means that healthier horses and lower barn costs. And in addition to that, you more fun with your horses!

Within all of the above info lies a pretty good set of reasons in support of use horse stall mats. What is your opinion?

Look at this seriously for a moment. Perhaps you really, in all seriousness, should get horse stall mats.

Discover some ways to position horse stall mats by visiting my horse stalls web site at http://stallmats.org.

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What Are The Alternatives To A Dirt Floor In Horse Stalls? Your Questions Answered.


2010
07.15

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Posted in Horse Stalls | 3 Comments »

Having a dirt floor, as you will know if you have one, can be a lot of work. They take a lot of maintenance, especially when used with a straw bed. Have you ever thought how much easier your life would be if there was another choice. So what are the alternatives to a dirt floor in horse stalls? And what are the advantages of these alternatives?

Cost, ease of cleaning, level of maintenance, benefits to you and your horse are all issues you have to bear in mind when you are considering making any changes to your horses bedding arrangements.

An increasing number of people are using rubber matting in their horses stall. So whats all the fuss about? Rubber matting is very cost effective in the long run, although the initial outlay may seem expensive, it pays for itself over time.

If you look after it by cleaning it thoroughly and on a regular basis rubber matting can last for years. Damage done by the ammonia in horses urine will ruin the matting quicker than anything else but by following a cleaning regime this can be avoided. If you compare how long the matting will last to how much you would spend on straw or other alternative bedding you can see the cost advantage in the long run of rubber matting.

Rubber mats are dust free and therefore is very good for horses (and humans) who have allergies or respiratory problems. This can save on veterinary bills and add to your time having fun with your horse when he is fit and well, rather than struggling with health problems.

For many horse owners who have an animal who will eat anything, anywhere, finding suitable bedding can be a nightmare. Horses can become very ill if they eat to much of their bedding. Rubber flooring is the perfect solution to this. Unless your horse develops a liking for rubber!

You can add a layer of your preferred bedding in winter if you wish. This will ensure that your horse is extra comfortable when the weather turns very cold. Although the matting on it’s own is quite warm and comfortable for horses to lie on.

Fed up with getting up 2 hours early on those cold dark mornings to clean out your horses stall? Fed up with chaffed hands and sore backs after lifting heavy wet bedding? If you are then the biggest advantage to you about rubber matting will be how easy it is to maintain and keep clean.

A mild cleaning agent and water are all you need to keep your matting clean. You will need to clear any extra bedding from the surface, which should have absorbed any urine, then wash the matting down. Make sure you rinse any cleaning fluid thoroughly to avoid any damage to your horse.

If you like the idea of the comparative ease with which rubber matting can be maintained then it is something that might be worth looking into for you. Your horse is most likely happy with his current bedding arrangements, but he might be even happier with matting.

Looking for a cost-effective rubber mats for your horses? These environmentally-friendly rubber mats may be just what you need. Rubber stall flooring provides comfortable support for your horses, and helps to relieve joint pressure by absorbing shocks.

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Work Smarter: Tips To Decrease Horse Stall Maintanence Time


2010
06.21

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Anyone who has horses knows that cleaning stalls takes the longest out of any barn chore to complete. Are you looking to cut down your hours of cleaning and increase your quality time with your pet? Here are a few tips to decrease horse stall maintanence time!

Set your box up to where it is most convenient to keep disinfected. One of the best ways to do this is to install rubber mats. This is great whether you have a concrete or dirt or clay base. A mat is porous, provides great traction, is durable, and really cuts down on the labor involved in going through stalls. They are also great for your horse’s legs if he is in a lot, and is extremely cost-effective.

Your choice of bedding is also important. Certain materials are more likely to soak up urine and are more simple to pick through. For instance, shavings are great because they absorb wetness well, but are still easy to sift through. Pellets and sawdust are both also good choices in terms of making the area easier to keep maintained while also doing its job well for your equine. Either of these beddings combine well with horse mats.

Obviously when you go into your facility to do chores, you want it to go by quickly. This means having the right tools as much as having the right stall design! Use picks that have the prongs spaced out properly for the type of horses you have. Pony-sized picks are available so you can grab their smaller-sized poop with ease! Have lightweight wheelbarrows that are easier to maneuver. If you use muck tubs, buy a cart for them so you can get them around easier. The smallest things add up in determining how long you are working!

Keeping a box sanitary is also extremely important to your equine friend’s health. Standing in a built-up space can have very adverse effects. Respiratory, leg, and skin problems can arise quickly. In addition, it becomes a breeding ground for both flies and mosquitoes. Definitely something you want to avoid!

One of the biggest detriments to not keeping a proper sanitized area is the increased likelihood of thrush in your horses! This is a terrible fungal infection that eats away at the foot, and it is caused by too much trapped moisture. It creates a horrible stench and is very uncomfortable for your mount. If left untreated, you could be looking at a lame animal. Avoid this altogether by keeping his stall clean. Use the tips mentioned to cut down on your effort spent doing that, this way you are more likely to do it right!

Finally, employing some of this knowledge to your barn will save you a lot in the end. You are looking at less cost to maintain. It can drastically lessen either your own time and effort or that of your hired labor, which also puts more money back in your pocket! After all, in the horse world, extra cash is never bad!

There you go! Start using a few of these tips to decrease horse stall maintanence time today! Spend less time working and more time riding!

Looking for cost-effective stall flooring for your horses? These environmentally-friendly horse mats may be just what you need. Rubber stall flooring provides comfortable support for your horses, and helps to relieve joint pressure by absorbing shocks.

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Tips To Decrease Horse Stall Maintanence Time And Why It’s Important


2010
06.14

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Posted in Horse Stalls | 5 Comments »

Keeping clean stalls can be one of the most time consuming chores in the barn for some people. Would you love to spend more time with your horses and less cleaning their boxes? Check out some of these tips to decrease horse stall maintanence time!

You really want to design your stall to where it is easiest to maintain while also being good for the animal. The most common way to do this is to pick up some rubber mats and install them. Don’t worry about your base, a mat will do its job on both a dirt or concrete-based area. The traction they provide is very beneficial to your mount and his legs. These products are also incredibly durable and very porous, allowing for proper urine drainage with less mess. You will find that these can save you a ton of effort in upkeep.

The next thing you should think about is what type of bedding you use. There are several options here, and they are all different. Look for something that offers good footing, absorbency, and is easy to sift through. Shavings, sawdust, or pellets are the most recommended to fill those needs. Using straw is a sifting nightmare and can really increase how long it takes to cleanse the space.

It’s pretty difficult to fly through the chore list when you don’t have the right tools! Make especially sure that you have the proper array of picks and wheelbarrows and that they are kept well . This makes as much of a difference as having your stall designed right. Don’t underestimate how much the smallest things can pile up and make your job harder!

When you do it every day, especially if you have a larger herd of horses to care for, it can become harder to want to spend the time doing it the right way. Implement some of these suggestions to help yourself out. The consequences of poorly maintained stalls can be dire for your equine. They can develop skin diseases from the bacteria, as well as respiratory issues from the ammonia. Something else to worry about is the breeding of mosquitoes in the buildup. They can carry West Nile virus, among others, and we all want to avoid that!

Thrush is also a harmful effect of dirty horse-boxes. This is an infection caused by bacteria in your pony’s foot. This fungus is brought on by standing in wet areas and having too much moisture. It eats at the frog of the hoof, and can be painful for the animal. Thrush emits a very bad odor, and if it is not treated quickly, can cause more problems and lameness!

Using some of these tips, particulary horse mats will help you in many ways. It will cut down on time and effort of either yourself or your employees, which saves you money. There will be less cost to start with in terms of prolonged maintenance. Who doesn’t want a little extra money when they own horses?!

Horses are great companions. While they do require a lot of work and attention, there is no reason it has to be an overload. Hopefully these tips to decrease horse stall maintanence time will help you out!

Looking for a cost-effective stall mat for your horses? These environmentally-friendly rubber mats may be just what you need. Rubber stall flooring provides comfortable support for your horses, and helps to relieve joint pressure by absorbing shocks.

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How to Choose the Right Horse


2010
03.11

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Many horse lovers have an idea in their mind as to what type of horse qualifies as their “dream” horse. Sometimes these ideals are very realistic for new horse owners, but other times, their ideals might not be the smartest choice. If you’ve decided that horse ownership is for you, it’s important to consider a few factors before purchasing your first horse.

Age
Every horse is different and each has its own individual personality. Sometimes young horses are more calm and levelheaded than older horses. Other times, older horses are more steady and reliable than a young horse. Generally speaking, age is directly related to level of experience. What this means is that if you’re a beginner rider, it’s unwise to partner yourself with a horse that is also a beginner.

Many people feel that buying a young horse will give them the opportunity to make that horse their own and learn together with their horse. Unfortunately, this rarely works and paring a beginner rider with a green horse can have disastrous consequences. Instead of choosing a 2- or 3-year old for your first horse, consider a middle aged to older horse that has prior riding experience. This ensures at least one out of the two individuals – horse and rider – knows what they are doing. It also offers greater potential for success in learning how to ride.

Color
Color is a relatively common consideration when purchasing a first horse, but it should not be your first priority. There is an old saying – “There is no bad color for a good horse.” Remember this when looking for your horse. Everyone wants one that is pleasing to the eye, but don’t overlook the perfect horse just because you don’t like his coat color.

Temperament
Temperament should be your primary focus when shopping for your first horse. Often overlooked in the horse buying process, many people fall prey to the idea that they want a horse with “spirit.” Keep in mind though, that spirit without respect is dangerous.

When looking at horses, watch how they interact with you and their current owners. Do they pin their ears back when you approach them? Are they difficult to catch or do they seem pushy? These are characteristics you want to avoid in a first horse, as they will slow your learning process and possible lead to dangerous situations. Instead, look for a horse that is friendly and approachable without being pushy. Also, ask the owner to catch the horse, saddle him and ride him in front of you. If the owner struggles with this after working with the horse for awhile, it’s likely that you will struggle too.

Breed
Breed is another important consideration when purchasing your first horse. For example, you may admire the beauty and athleticism of the thoroughbred, but given their large size and generally “hotter” temperament, they may not be a good first horse for you. Before choosing the right breed for you, read up on various breeds you are interested in. Doing a little research on your breed of choice will help determine if it is right for your needs and
level of experience.

Cost
Before purchasing your first horse, it’s important to decide upon a budget or general price range. Avoid purchasing a horse that is out of your budget or that you would need to make payments on. The costs of maintenance and upkeep of a horse such as worming, shots and farrier, is expensive enough without a monthly payment to consider. Instead, save the money before you look for a horse and only purchase one that is within your price range.

Finding the right horse to fit you should not be a snap decision. Try to look at several horses and compare their pros and cons. If you make the right decision, the purchase should result in a horse that is easy for you to handle and learn from.

This article was written on behalf of Triton Barn Systems, an Iowa-based manufacturer of horse barns and horse exercisers.