Selecting the Right Flooring for Your Horse Barn

By Classic Equine Equipment

When deciding on the right flooring for your horse barn, there’s no single answer. That’s because depending on your barn design and operation, there are several options available to help promote comfort and safety for horses, as well as more efficient maintenance. And when building a new horse barn, it’s important to plan ahead for the flooring systems, as they can impact the overall layout and design of your barn. Here are flooring considerations for three main areas of your barn, including the stalls, wash bays and aisleways.

Horse Stalls

• • Stall mats — Whether you choose a dirt, crushed stone or concrete floor, stall mats provide an effective covering to create a safe, comfortable environment for your horses. Select a premium interlocking design that will be easier on your horses’ legs and make the job of cleaning up much more efficient. Avoid cutting corners with low-cost stall mats that can curl and separate, which not only results in a potential tripping risk for horses and handlers but can also allow shavings and urine to slip underneath the mats, promoting bacterial growth. Having an optimal stall mat can also be used to solve a variety of other common barn problems.

• • Mattress system — Another stall option is a waterproof stall mattress system, which mimics a natural pasture. A comfortable wall-to-wall surface enables horses to walk, rise and lay down without fear of slipping. The system consists of two main components — a multi-celled mattress and a durable top cover — to provide the equivalent of a large rubber carpet. Mattress systems cost more than stall mats but offer long-term savings, since less shavings are needed and are mainly used for absorption of urine. Thus, muck-out time is also greatly reduced.
  • Grid systems — Because it offers good drainage, an interlocking stall grid system makes cleaning stalls easier and prevents accumulation of mud throughout the farm. This system, which can be used inside or outside of barns, is very efficient in stabilizing the ground in and around the barn. If planned for inside use — an application typically used in a more arid environment — it is recommended that the barn has proper drainage or is designed to promote good airflow to avoid the buildup of odors. The most common use for the grid system is exterior application, typically in high traffic areas prone to mud, such as waterer locations, stall paddocks and gate openings, just to note a few.

Stall beddings, such as shavings, can also help provide a softer place for horses to stand and lay on, as well as absorb urine and make cleaning manure easier.

Wash bays
Interior wash bays typically have a concrete floor with a drain. As a floor covering, an interlocking rubber mat is an ideal option because it can easily be pulled up for cleaning and disinfection. A half-inch-thick mat will provide good traction and functionality for you and your horses. Lower-cost mats are available but have a tendency to need replacement as they are prone to curling.

The same recommendations hold true for outdoor wash bays, whether they utilize concrete or crushed stone surfaces. A grid system can also be an effective alternative to a concrete floor.

Aisleways
Concrete, asphalt and crushed stone are common options for barn aisleways. While concrete and asphalt are practical industrial options, one drawback is that they can create a slipping hazard for horses. Rubber mats or a concrete heavy broom finish can help reduce that risk, although a finish can wear down over time. Interlocking rubber pavers can also provide a safe, nonslip barn surface. And for many owners, a plain dirt aisleway with a rubber mat is a popular choice.

Plan Ahead
As noted above, there are several flooring options for you to consider, and there is not one concrete answer. When building a new horse barn, identify the type of flooring options you prefer to install for each section of your barn. You will need to take into consideration the overall layout of stalls and aisleways since various flooring options require different requirements, such as for mattress thickness or curb dimensions. Even if you are unable to install the desired flooring immediately based on budget, be sure to factor in these components at the outset so that nothing is overlooked when it comes time to install them. A professional stable flooring provider can help guide you in the best options for your equestrian program and stall barn design.

About Classic Equine
From horse stalls to barn doors, stable flooring and entrance gates, Classic Equine Equipment offers the widest, high-quality product lines in the industry. Working closely with you and your architect or builder, we can help create an environment that you’ll be proud of — one that is stylish, that will allow you to care for your horses in an intuitive way and that gives you the peace of mind that comes from knowing your horses are protected by the finest equipment available. Our sales team is knowledgeable about everything from horse barn design to equine stall systems and readily available to assist you in planning your barn. For more information, visit classic-equine.com.