Field gateways, paddock entrances, water troughs and walkways churn into deep mud every winter. Heavy duty rubber grass mats spread the load of hooves and vehicles, give horses and handlers firmer footing, and let the grass recover through the holes. Pair them with rubber stable mats for a warm, non-slip floor inside the stable, and turf reinforcement mesh for tracks and turnout areas.
Reversible rubber stable mats: 6ft x 4ft, bubble top on one side and hammer top on the other, in 12mm and 18mm, plus an 18mm interlocking version that locks together without gaps.
Turf reinforcement mesh: for larger areas such as field access tracks, turnout pens and track systems, rated for vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes.
Stopping poaching at gateways
Poaching starts where horses stand and wait: at the gate, by the trough, around the hay feeder. Rubber grass mats spread the hoof load across the whole mat so the soil is not pushed into mud, and the open holes drain and let the grass regrow. Lay mats two or three rows deep on the worn side of the gate – a 12ft gate usually takes four mats per row – and peg every corner. On a track system, matting the corners and the water station keeps the whole track usable through winter.
Stable flooring
A standard 12ft x 12ft stable takes six 6ft x 4ft mats on a level, well-drained concrete base. Mats insulate against a cold floor, give grip when a horse gets up and noticeably cut the bedding needed. Interlocking mats remove the gaps that catch straw and urine.
Laying tips
Lay gateway mats in spring to early autumn if you can, so the grass establishes before winter – but they will stop the mud immediately whenever they go down.
If the gateway is already poached, level it as well as you can first so the mats sit flat.
Peg every mat and cable-tie neighbouring mats so hooves cannot shift them.
Quick answers
Are they suitable for shod horses? The textured rubber surface is designed to give grip for shod and unshod horses, as well as people.
Can a tractor or horsebox cross them? Yes – the 23mm mats take farm vehicles and horseboxes, which is why they are also laid at yard entrances and along access tracks.
Yard manager, livery or equestrian centre? Call 01282 270214 or email us for trade pricing on multiple gateways or stables.
