Temporary Stall Mats on the Cheap

[Samondel]

Hi everyone, I’m going to my first multiday show in a while in about six weeks… Which is also likely to be my last multiday show ever (I’m planning to not show much after this year).

The stalls are on concrete, and while my horse is also on concrete at home, it’s with a very deep straw bed on top, which won’t be feasible. I’m planning to bed (deeply) with shavings.
I’ve seen all the various purpose-designed portable stall mats, and as nice as they are, I can’t justify the cost, plus exchange rate, plus a few hour drive into the States to get something I’ll only use for 2-4 days.

Would it be totally unreasonable to get three sets of https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BXTJDTP/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1 to cover the center of the stall (gelding, so that’s where the pee/standing about is going to be)? My horse is shod, but he’s not huge, and probably weighs in around the 1000lb mark.

[clanter]

I would first check to see if there a stall mat rental vendor for that show, many have a preferred vendor

[Incantation]

I tried using one of these as a temporary hoof pad in a boot once, as I had some for traction for the dogs. Crushed to nothing in a few hours. I think they would be a waste of money.

[Scribbler]

Also if they rip up and get stuck on a horse shoe overnight that will be a disaster and injury.

[trubandloki]

I know people who have used something like you linked for temporary stall mats.

They were not the easiest things to keep in place when cleaning but they certainly were not an issue to the horse.

I think the best answer is to see if there is a mat rental option for where you are going.

[LCDR]

I’d consider interlocking 1/2 inch thick, 3’ x 3’ wash stall mats (the mind with large drainage holes for weight saving). They are built to stand up to shod hooves and a concrete floor underneath them.

Later you can sell them or give them away to a friend with a horse barn, or better yet find a use for them at home in a garage or workshop.

$31.99 each at Tractor Supply. Nine should do nicely for the center of a stall - $288 plus tax total.

[Samondel]

Thanks for the suggestions, and the food for thought. I’m 99.9% sure that rentals are not available, unfortunately, as they would be the ideal solution.

[fivestrideline]

Hmm for one show, could you get access to bagged straw as well as shavings and just deep bed the stall? Might be cheaper and less hassle than mats.

I agree that the playroom mat and softer stuff just squishes down to nothing. Better to buy more bedding, IMO. And pack feet.

[LCDR]

Does the show stabling allow only certain types of bedding to be used? We have one show here that only allows straw bedding, as used bedding goes to a mushroom farm.

[Samondel]

Yes, there’s a Peavymart just down the road that should have Straw Boss chop straw (or I can deputize my mother to bring a few bags). I just find shavings more absorbent, and easier to keep a clean stall (grey horse problems).

At home, the barn uses regular straw with the deep bed (muck out once a week) method, which I don’t think will really work for a three day show!

[fivestrideline]

Yep, that’s why you could try straw base + shavings on top. The straw moves less and offers more cushion, the shavings can absorb and be picked out easier.

The cheap mats will either be too thin and squish down to nothing, or big, bulky, and heavy enough you might as well get the “real” thing IME. Especially for one show, I’d pack feet and deep bed with a combo. But that’s just me!