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Cattle Mats and Horse Stall Mats FAQ

By Paige Cerulli

Created: Jan, 2018 - Modified: Oct, 2024

Stall flooring is an essential factor to consider when planning for the perfect conditions for horses and cattle. It makes a more significant difference in health and safety than many people realize. Although there are many options out there, rubber stall mats are an ideal flooring choice for cattle and equine environments. Below, you will find answers to some frequently asked questions about stall mats for horses and cattle.

What is Rubber Stall Matting Used For?

rubber stall mats
In general, horse mats and cow mats are most useful in any place the animals spend an extended amount of time in, such as stables and stalls, barn aisles and wash bays. Some stall mats are portable and can be easily packed away and taken to animal shows. A number of users also utilize stall mats for vehicles and trailers to make transporting animals safer and more comfortable.

What Are Stall Mats Made of?

Rubber is the most common and popular material for horse mats and cow mats, primarily because it is remarkably long-lasting and durable. It holds up under intense use and extreme weights. Rubber stall mats come in various shapes and sizes - from lightweight, interlocking tiles to large rolls.

Can Rubber Matting Increase My Animal’s Comfort?

Yes, stall mats can keep your animals comfortable. Cow and horse mats provide a supportive yet softer surface to lie on, leaving animals at less risk for body, joint, and limb injuries, including arthritis.


It is extremely important that cows, in particular, spend a significant amount of time lying down. If they do not have a comfortable surface, they will not spend as much time lying down, which decreases circulation and can affect their overall productivity. Cattle mats can offer the comfort needed to encourage cows to lie down.

Can Cow Mats and Horse Mats Make a Slick Surface Safer?

Investing in stall mats can help make your facility safer for your animals. Mats provide a significant amount of traction that prevents animals from slipping and falling. At the same time, mats provide an even surface for livestock to walk across, so they are at less risk of tripping. Plus, a comfortable surface reduces hoof wear and tear, foot rot, and heel warts.

Where Can I Use Rubber Matting in My Barn?

rubber mats for wash stall
There are nearly countless potential uses for rubber stall mats and matting throughout your stable and ranch. Mats are ideal for use in stalls, but can also make a barn aisle safer for animals and handlers. Mats can create an anti-slip surface in a horse or cattle trailer and are an excellent choice for use in grooming stalls and as flooring for wash stalls. Mats can be used in dairy facilities, animal run-in sheds, and more.

Can Stall Mats Make A Barn More Hygienic?

Maintaining hygiene in a barn environment can be difficult, but it is extremely important. Bacteria and disease must be warded off with fine hygiene practices, and using stall mats is a great start. They are easy to clean and disinfect, and some products are even anti-fungal and antibacterial, which is why many equine hospitals and clinics use stall mats. Stall mats are easily maintained by sweeping, vacuuming, or hosing down. For a deeper clean, one can use a pH-neutral cleaner to scrub stains.

Are There Any Stall Mats That Are Easy To Transport?

portable horse and cow mats
Yes, portable horse stall mats are a lightweight alternative that is designed to be easy to pack up, transport, unload, and use. These mats are an ideal choice for traveling to shows, clinics, and other settings where you need to temporarily add comfort and safety to a stall while you’re away from home. These mats are easy to clean off and load back into your trailer once you’re done.

Are Stall Mats Eco-Friendly?

Most rubber stall mats are made from recycled rubber. Using recycled rubber products helps cut down on tire waste in landfills, and many rubber stall mats can contribute to LEED building points.

How Do Stall Mats Compare To The Alternatives?

Stall mats are a smart alternative to concrete, asphalt, and other hard flooring surfaces because they are far more comfortable and supportive. Concrete and asphalt will tear up hooves and are not comfortable for animals to lie down on. Unlike stall mats, concrete and asphalt can get slippery and unsafe when moisture is present. Wood also gets very slippery when wet.

While other materials like topsoil, clay, and sand may be easier on limbs and joints, they are not nearly as long-lasting or durable as stall mats. Clay, sand, and topsoil need to be replaced far more frequently and are overall more high-maintenance than rubber horse and cattle mats.

Cow mats and equine mats can be more expensive than other materials, but the investment pays off. Mats will remain intact and in great shape even years down the line, whereas other materials often require further investment and time to replace materials.

How Much Do Stall Mats Cost?

At Greatmats, barn mats range in price from around $1.65 per square foot to $11 per square foot depending on size, thickness, material, and style.

How Do I Choose The Right Cow Or Horse Stall Mats?

At Greatmats, we offer stall mats that maximize comfort, durability, safety, and hygiene in your barn. These mats are available in several different styles, as well as in numerous different dimensions. Plus, we prioritize affordability and quality.

Contact the Greatmats customer service team today - we’re happy to help you choose the suitable stall mats for your needs. If you are on a budget, we can help you find a quality product that won’t break the bank. If you need something portable, we can help you find mats that are lightweight and simple to install and remove. No matter the size or location of your barn, stall, wash bay, or vehicle, we will help you find the perfect fit.