Equestrian FAQs 

Your Questions Answered 

Here are answers to some of the questions often asked by our prospective customers: 

Does my stable have to have a drainage fall?  No. Kraiburg has two types of mats to suit stables with a fall and those without. To check the fall, throw a bucket of water over the bare floor and see how well it drains off.  Do I need to seal the mats? No. We do not recommend sealing - we believe it will cause problems in the long term as the seals tend tobreak up. It is never 100% effective anyway, making the mats difficult to lift for cleaning.  Don’t the mats get slippy when wet? No. The surface texture is specially designed to offer slip resistance to animal hooves, even when wet.  Do I have to use bedding with the mats?  We recommend the use of a thin layer of absorbent bedding – shavings or paper, for example – to encourage staling, soak up urine and keep rugs clean. However, the amount you use is down to personal choice, and some owners use no bedding at all. How often do I need to remove the mats for cleaning? You will only need to remove the mats if your stable has no fall. Typically this will be 2-3 times a year, depending on the amount of bedding used and the time your horse spends in the stable. If your stable has a fall and you use Kenmat with a drainable base, you can simply lift one corner and use a hose to clean underneath. This is the lowest maintenance system. I have heard that rubber mats are smelly – is this true? Solid non-porous Kraiburg mats correctly fitted and maintained will not cause a smell in the stable. Porous matting systems which absorb and hold urine like a sponge can become smelly – hence the rumour! What disinfectants can I use? Any agricultural or domestic disinfectant in the correct dilution will work with rubber.  Do I have to fit the mats myself? No. Kraiburg offers a nationwide delivery and fitting service.  Won’t my horse miss his nice thick bed? No! Most horses find their rubber mats soft and warm, and will lie down very happily. Remember, that nice thick bed may be very dusty, and contribute to respiratory problems.