Table 1 summarizes the attributes of common flooring materials that will be described in more detail. For example, concrete may meet most of your stall flooring criteria, but more bedding or solid rubber mats will be needed to protect the horse's legs. Material selection depends on which disadvantage you are willing to work with. No one type of material seems to offer all the attributes of an ideal floor. Opinions differ on which type of stall flooring material is the best, but there is one thing most owners agree upon: a good floor is important to the horse's well-being. Water flow paths within and out of a stall Stall Floor Materials With either type of stall flooring, often enough bedding is used to absorb excess water and urine so actual liquid runoff is minimal except after a stall washdown.įigure 1. Even impervious floors have a few inches of sand or fine gravel underneath for material stability and drainage of subsurface water. Impervious floors may be sloped toward a drain so that urine and water can run out of the stall. Porous floors will have an underlying foundation of sand and/or gravel to aid water movement down into the ground below the stable. Floor construction, from the ground up, will depend on what type of material is chosen. The two major categories of stable flooring materials depend on whether the material is porous or impervious to wetness (Figure 1).
Subfloor construction and drainage features are presented as these strongly influence floor integrity. The objective of this bulletin is to provide information on stall and stable flooring materials, including flooring material attributes and options for overcoming some deficiencies. Fortunately, there are many options for suitable floors in a horse facility.
The most suitable floor is highly dependent on management style, while personal preferences can have a strong influence. The fitness of a horse's legs and feet can be greatly affected by the type of stall flooring chosen.
The importance of good flooring becomes more evident as a horse spends more time in his stall.
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