Horse stables are typically built for the sole purpose of housing horses, so the floors in these stalls must be sturdy enough to withstand the weight and movement of a horse. This makes choosing materials a very important decision.
There are many options available, which makes it challenging for a barn owner to find the best choices. This blog post will tell you all about the best flooring for horse stalls and provide some suggestions on what could work well for your horses.
What is the Best Flooring for Horse Stalls?
There are many different options when it comes to what type of flooring you should install in your horse’s stall. The best flooring for horse stalls is the one that meets both the needs of your horses and your needs.
There are a few things to consider before you make your final decision, such as the type of horses, your budget, availability of materials, your time commitment, and the climate.
Horses come in all different sizes and breeds, which means they need stall floors that can withstand their weight and movement.
If you have an older horse or one with joint pain and arthritis, then it may help to install a softer floor. Horses that are stabled for long periods of time should have the best type of stall flooring to keep them comfortable and safe while they stay in their grooming stalls.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common suitable flooring materials and their benefits:
Concrete Flooring
Concrete is the most common type of flooring material for horse stalls. A concrete floor has a few benefits such as being long-lasting and durable, which makes it an economical option in some cases. However, many horses tend to avoid concrete because they sense that it’s cold and can be quite slippery when wet.
Pros
- Low cost
- Easy installation
Cons
- Can be cold and hard on the horse’s feet in the wintertime
- Difficult to clean (horse waste can build up underfoot)
- Not very comfortable for horses that need to lay down for long periods of time
Wood Flooring
Wood was historically the most common type of flooring in horse stables likely due it being non-slip when dry and requiring minimal maintenance. Most of the other options are more difficult on a horse’s legs compared to wooden surfaces.
Wood flooring is a more comfortable option for horses that are kept off of their hooves all day. It also has the added benefit of being very attractive which can improve your horse’s stall visually and make it seem less like a cell.
Pros
- Attractive
- Easy installation
Cons
- Can be slippery when wet
- Not very durable
- Wood absorbs moisture (can lead to hoof damage in the wintertime)
- Holds odor
Asphalt Flooring
Asphalt is a popular option for horse barns because it’s durable, easy to clean, and doesn’t get slippery when wet. It also has the advantage of being more affordable than other types of flooring materials.
Asphalt is prone to chipping over time. Based on how well it actually works and how thick the layer you initially placed was, asphalt will most likely need to be resurfaced after several years.
Like concrete, asphalt will require a second layer because it is still very firm and can be slicken with time. Porous asphalt installation would almost certainly necessitate the assistance of a professional to ensure that it is done correctly and lasts long.
Pros
- Durable
- Easy installation
- Low-cost
Cons
- Can be hot on a horse’s feet in the summertime
Rubber Flooring
As far as durability and cost go, rubber is one of the most economical types of stall flooring. It’s also easy to clean and won’t absorb moisture in wet conditions. This sort of flooring is usually installed on top of another form of flooring.
Although rubber mats are pricey, they do give additional padding on top of your existing flooring, particularly if it is concrete. Durable rubber matting made exclusively for a horse facility is ideal when installing this type of flooring.
Pros
- Durable,
- Low-cost
- Easy installation
Cons
- Can be slippery when wet (dangerous for horses that are loose in the stall)
- Can be a tripping hazard
- Collects dust and mud making stall cleaning harder
- Not very attractive
Bedding Flooring
This type of flooring is made up of a layer of bedding materials, such as straw, shavings, or sand, which are laid down on top of your stall base. It provides an excellent cushioned surface for horses that need to be off their feet all day due to injury or illness.
It is also comfortable for the horse and easy to clean. However, the downside is that this type of flooring isn’t very durable and can require frequent re-bedding or other mixes with bedding for adequate bedding.
Pros
- Comfortable for the horse
- Urine drains easily
- Inexpensive option
Cons
- Can be hot on a horse’s feet in the summertime,
- not long-lasting or durable,
- requires frequent replacement of bedding material,
- uneven surfaces,
- Dust and mud can collect in bedding
Dirt Flooring
Dirt is probably the cheapest type of floor available. It’s also easy to clean, provides a good cushion for horses, and isn’t slippery when wet. Dirt floors aren’t attractive or durable but they are good for horses that don’t need to be on their feet all day.
A dirt base is gentler on a horse’s legs compared to the other flooring options. Using dirt floors is also simple enough for the majority of barn owners to install themselves which adds to its attractiveness.
Generally, layers of dirt are a wonderful alternative for safe stall flooring and are used in many barns.
Pros
- Less-expensive options
Cons
- Not very durable
- Not attractive
- Can collect dust and mud
- Not slippery when wet but does hold moisture so isn’t ideal in wintertime
- Dirt floors aren’t recommended for horses that need to be on their feet all day
Conclusion
Horses are animals that require a lot of care and maintenance, and this needs to be taken into consideration when choosing the flooring for their stall.
What type of stall flooring systems do you use for your horses? Is it safe? Is it comfortable? These are all questions people ask themselves before deciding on what type of flooring to put in their horse’s stall or if you are thinking about making some updates to your horse’s stall.
Hopefully this blog post has provided you with a helpful overview of the best flooring for horse stalls that would best suit the needs of your horses.