Back to main site Rubber - The Reality by Linda Chalker-Scott Ph.D. Equine Surfaces Home Product Information Customer Testimonials Natural Rubber Rubber - The reality by Linda Chalker-Scott Ph.D. All Weather Construction Round Pen Surfacing The Northern Racing College Enquire Here about our Riding Surface The Society for the Welfare of Horses and Ponies Linda Chalker-Scott, Ph.D., Extension Horticulturist and Associate Professor, Puyallup Research and Extension Center, Washington State University The Myth of Rubberized Landscapes “Recycled rubber mulch is an environmentally friendly, non-toxic choice for landscapes” The Myth Discarded rubber tyres are the bane of waste management; according to the EPA, we generate 290 million scrap tyres annually. Scrap tyre stockpiles can pose significant fire hazards, such as the 1983 Virginia tyre fire that burned for 9 months. Obviously finding a market for these slow-to-decompose materials is desirable, and many innovative uses have been developed, including rubberized asphalt, playground surfaces, and landscape mulches. From an engineering standpoint, crumb rubber as a soil amendment has performed favourably in reducing compaction to specialty landscape surfaces such as sports fields and putting greens. Rubber mulches are touted by manufacturers and distributors as permanent (“doesn’t decay away”) and aesthetically pleasing (“no odour” - “looks like shredded wood mulch” - “earth tones and designer colors” - "special fade resistant coating”) landscape materials. Furthermore, we are told that rubber mulch is “safe for flowers, plants and pets” (though it “doesn’t feed or house insects”) and “dramatically improves landscaping.” It seems to be an environmentally-friendly solution to a major waste disposal problem. The Reality Rubber mulches have not proved to be particularly good choices for either horticultural production or landscape uses. In comparison studies of several mulch types, rubber tyre mulch was less effective in controlling weeds in herbaceous perennial plots than wood chips. Similarly, sawdust made a better mulch for Christmas tree production in terms of weed control, microbial biomass, and soil chemistry. Another comparative study found rubber to be less effective than straw or fibre mulch in establishing turfgrasses. Not only do rubber mulches perform less effectively in the landscape, they possess an additional, unwanted characteristic. Compared to a dozen other mulch types, ground rubber is more likely to ignite and more difficult to extinguish. In areas where the possibility of natural or man-made fires is significant, rubber mulches should not be used. “Permanence” of rubber mulch Far from being permanent, rubber is broken down by microbes like any other organic product. Many bacterial species have been isolated and identified that are capable of utilizing rubber as their sole energy source. Such bacteria have been found in a variety of environments, including the cavity water of discarded tyres. Although some of the additives used in tyre manufacture are toxic to rubber-degrading bacteria, there are white-rot and brown-rot fungal species that can detoxify these additives. While isolating these microbes has been beneficial in developing natural mechanisms to recycle rubber products, it also points out the fallacy of assuming that rubber mulch is “permanent.” Furthermore, it alerts us to the very real possibility that car tyres leach toxic compounds into the landscape. “Non-toxicity” of rubber mulch Current research at Bucknell University indicates that rubber leachate from car tyres can kill entire aquatic communities of algae, zooplankton, snails, and fish. At lower concentrations, the leachates cause reproductive problems and precancerous lesions. A similar study exploring the use of tyres as artificial reef substrates also found rubber leachate to negatively affect the survival of various seaweeds and phytoplankton. Marine and other saline environments are less sensitive to tyre leachates, however, and the greatest threat of contamination appears to be to freshwater habitats. Part of the toxic nature of rubber leachate is due to its mineral content: aluminum, cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, selenium, sulfur, and zinc have all been identified in laboratory and field leachates. If rubber products have been exposed to contaminants during their useful lifetime, such as lead or other heavy metals, they will adsorb these metals and release them as well. Of these minerals, rubber contains very high levels of zinc - as much as 2% of the tyre mass. A number of plant species, including landscape materials, have been shown to accumulate abnormally high levels of zinc sometimes to the point of death. One USDA researcher who has studied zinc and other metals in soils and plant materials for decades strongly believes that ground rubber should not be used “in any composting, or in any potting medium, or casually dispersed on agricultural or garden soils” because of zinc toxicity. Acidic soils and aquatic systems are particularly sensitive, since heavy metals and other positively charged elements are less tightly bound to the soil and more available to plant and animal uptake. Rubber Ieachates are complex solutions. They include not only the minerals and organic building blocks of rubber, but also various plasticizers and accelerators used during the vulcanizing process. In high enough concentrations, some of these rubber leachates are known to be harmful to human health; effects of exposure range from skin and eye irritation to major organ damage and even death. Long term exposure can lead to neurological damage, carcinogenesis, and mutagenesis. Some of these materials break down quickly, while others are known to bioaccumulate. One of the more common rubber leachates is 2-mercaptobenzothiazole, a common accelerator for rubber vulcanization. In addition to its known human health concerns, it is highly persistent in the environment and very toxic to aquatic organisms: its environmental persistence may cause long-term damage to aquatic environments constantly exposed to rubber leachates. Another family of organic leachates under scrutiny are the polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These compounds, used as rubber softeners and fillers, have been repeatedly demonstrated to be toxic to aquatic life. PAHs are released continually into solution, and after two years in a laboratory test leachates were shown to be even more toxic than at the study’s inception. It is abundantly clear from the scientific literature that rubber should not be used as a landscape amendment or mulch. There is no question that toxic substances leach from rubber as it degrades, contaminating the soil, landscape plants, and associated aquatic systems. While recycling waste tyres is an important issue to address, it is not a solution to simply move the problem to our landscapes and surface waters. The Bottom Line • Rubber mulch is not as effective as other organic mulch choices in controlling weeds • Rubber mulch is highly flammable and difficult to extinguish once it is burning • Rubber mulch is not permanent; like other organic substances, it decomposes • Rubber mulch is not non-toxic; it contains a number of metal and organic contaminants with known environmental and/or human health effects Linda Chalker-Scott Ph.D. Footnote from Ransfords Rubber mulch is simply rubber crumb made from shredded tyres. Arenas and gallops have drainage underneath so in using a riding surface with any form of rubber content you need to ask yourself if you want this hazardous waste on your property and in your water courses. Telephone: 01588 638331 or email: pnoble@ransfords.co.uk or use our Customer Enquiry Form . previous page | back to top | next page All site content is © of Charles Ransfords| Website design is © Ambrow Limited || View our live statistics Advertise Today Private advertising Display Advertising Trade Listing Equestrian Property Navigate Home Equestrian News Latest Adverts Classifieds Horses For Sale Ponies For Sale Youngstock and Broodmares Stallions At Stud Horses Under £1000 Horses for Loan Horses Wanted Horseboxes For Sale Trailers For Sale Dogs for sale Cats for sale Specialist Breeds Welsh Cob For Sale Arabs Appaloosa Connemara Thoroughbred Warmblood Dutch Warmblood Hanoverian Irish Horse Irish Sport Horses Welsh Section A Welsh Section B Welsh Section C Welsh Section D Friesian Disciplines Show Jumping Horses For Sale Show Jumping Ponies For Sale Event Horses For Sale Event Ponies For Sale Showing Horses For Sale Showing Ponies For Sale Allrounder Horses For Sale Allrounder Ponies For Sale Dressage Horses For Sale Dressage Ponies For Sale Performance Horses Performance Ponies Miniatures Ride and Drive Show Hunter Horses Show Hunter Ponies Pony Club Equine Services Equestrian Arenas Equestrian Clothing Equestrian Equipment Equestrian Gifts Equestrian Jobs Equestrian Laundry Equestrian Property Equestrian Property To Let Equestrian Property Overseas Fencing Contractor Field Shelter Haylage Horse & Equine Health Horse Bedding Horse Betting Horseboxes For Hire Horse boxes & Trailers Horse Feed Horse Insurance Horse Riding Holidays Horse Riding Lessons Horse Rugs Horse Stables Horse Tack Horse Transport Horse Trailers Wanted Livery Yards Miscellaneous Paddock Maintenance Rubber Matting Saddleries & Tack Shops Competition Competition 2 Articles Shop Testimonials Horse Trailers Insurance Horse Riding Resources Affiliate Programme Associations Contact Us View Adverts: 1-10 11-10 Equestrian Arenas Equestrian Services UK Price: Location: Reference Number: 9212t "Equestrian Services UK offer the following services - Design and planning service Internal partition stables wood / steel Outdoor stables Mobile and static field shelters Hay and storage sheds American barns Indoor and outdoor riding arenas Fencing Landscaping Groundworks and drainage Earth moving Yard and car park construction OUR POLICY IS TO ENSURE AN OUTSTANDING RESULT EVERY TIME For a free quotation, site survey or advice please contact us." email friend Tel: 07970 411880 Mob: 07717 783577 tim@equestrianservicesuk.com www.equestrianservicesuk.com Equestrian Arenas RUBBER MANUFACTURING SERVICES Price: Location: Cheshire Reference Number: 4078T "We have been selling rubber mats, used in various applications for more than 20 years, and pride ourselves in stocking and supplying only the very best quality mats. All of our mats are made from solid non-porous, and 100% revulcanized rubber that, unlike other similar types of mat, will not split, tear, break up, spread, nor absorb liquids. SUITABLE APPLICATIONS Stable flooring, horse box and trailer flooring, tack rooms Cow cubicles, cattle wagons Gymnasium, weight rooms Walkways, boats Anti-fatigue/workstation mats Play areas Horse Walkers PRODUCT FEATURES Hygienic non porous solid rubber, will not absorb moisture (unlike crumb mats) Reversible, can be laid either way up depending on application Protects against cold, damp concrete Non-slip finish on both sides Reduced bedding costs High tensile strength, will not split or tear Heavy weight, will not move around " email friend Tel: 01270 767717 Mob: 07794 363562 info@rubbermattinguk.co.uk www.rubbermattinguk.co.uk Equestrian Arenas SUSSEX LAND WORKS Price: Location: West Sussex Reference Number: 1895p "Based in West Sussex, Sussex Land Works offer a high quality service in construction and maintenance for agriculture, equestrian and garden. Our services include:- Fencing Paddock Maintenance Loddon Approved Stable Erection Hedging, Ditching Land Clearance Grass Cutting Garden Clearance Call now and quote “Horse Trader Online” for a 10% discount and a FREE No Obligation consultation and estimate" email friend Tel: 01730 810463 Mob: 07950 035997 info@sussexlandworks.co.uk www.sussexlandworks.co.uk Equestrian Arenas MAPLE ARENAS Price: Location: Nottinghamshire Reference Number: 1185T "With over 15 years experience in ground stabilisation and equestrian surfaces, and through working closely with the country's leading arena builders and stabilisation specialists, Combi-Ride are able to provide a complete range of surfaces and surface enhancement products, throughout the U.K. and into Europe." email friend Tel: 0870 606 068 Mob: 07764 922 046 info@maneges.co.uk View Video Equestrian Arenas www.eastanglianstabling.com Price: Location: Norfolk Reference Number: 5256T "We are a family run business manufacturing timber framed stables, shelters and most other equestrian buildings. Having been involved with horses for many years, we realize that people want the very best for their horse at an affordable price. Based in the west of Norfolk we cover most of East Anglia including Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire with the occasional trip further afield offering a bespoke service that will fit both your needs and purse. As a family business we offer you a friendly and reliable service that will make things easy for you and offer those add-on services such as ground works and concrete bases that so may other companies try to avoid. Our stables are constructed from selected presure treated timber which is guaranteed against rot and infection so providing long term protection for your peace of mind. The roof covering is usually black onduline corrugated bitumus roofing sheets , however you can choose other colours, red, green, brown and you can also have a transparant sheet to allow extra light in. Or we can adapt the roof construction to take other forms of covering." email friend Tel: 01362 692 388 Mob: 07914 691425 eastanglianstabling@gmail.com www.eastanglianstabling.com Equestrian Arenas "WILLIAMS AND WILLIAMS AREA, GALLOP, AND IN DOOR RIDING SCHOOL" Price: Location: Devon Reference Number: 5175T "David Williams is the son of a farmer who started riding at the age of six and attended the local pony club. He diversified into all weather arenas many years ago. He has many years experience and specialises in good drainage and attention to detail. His numerous satisfied customers include top class equestrian riders, both event and dressage riders, including horse trainers who use our all weather gallops. Through experience, we realised that conventional riding surfaces were becoming outdated. They rode deep and involved high maintenance. We decided to make a range of surfaces that used silica sand pre-mixed with various synthetic fibres and small rubber granules that give a root like structure that holds the horse on top. Our experience with Manéges and All Weather Gallops stems from a combination of over 20 years knowledge in land drainage and 15 years of horsemanship including dressage and show jumping. This together with attention to detail and using the latest laser levelling equipment and with our own dedicated workforce you can be sure that your Manége, Arena or Gallop will give you trouble free use for many years. We never sub-contract out any work, Resurfacing work undertaken, Friendly independent advice on all surfaces, All our work is covered by a 5 year guarantee, For a free site visit or a no obligation chat, Call David Williams Freephone 08000 717 911. We are able to work in area south of Birmingham." email friend Tel: 0800 0717911 Mob: 07976 630464 davidwilliams123@compuserve.com www.williams-and-williams.co.uk Equestrian Arenas Mainland Aggregates - Equestrian Rubber Chippings Price: Location: Reference Number: 4385T "Selecting the correct top dressing is of critical importance if you are planning to create the ideal riding arena, menage, gallop or lunging area. Many people choose inferior products such as wood chip as a menage surface due to the cost saving only to find the surface is soft and waterlogged during winter or dusty and compacted during the summer. The correct balance of firmness and cushioning needs to be achieved to avoid damage to your horses tendons and ligaments. Our recycled rubber chippings/chip are made by the recycling of car tyres. The product consists of rubber and canvas fibre to give a product that is both firm and elastic. 99.99% of metal is removed by a specialised shredding process incorporating very powerful magnets to remove any contamination. The angular nature of the rubber and fibre mix ensure that the menage surface remains frost free and workable in all but the most extreme conditions." email friend Tel: 01234 831108 Mob: 07989 562 989 Fax: 01234 420 304 info@mainlandaggregates.co.uk www.mainlandaggregates.co.uk Equestrian Arenas Mainland Aggregates - Equestrian Silica Sand Price: Location: Reference Number: 4386T "Equestrian Silica Sand is a must when constructing riding arenas, gallops and lunges. Many choose to use an inferior sand only to find the surface 'rides too deep' causing joint/tendon problems for your horse or that the surface is not as 'all weather' as anticipated due to frequent waterlogging. There are many types and grades of silica sand available from various locations in the UK. However, only a handful are true washed silica sand and these are the only silica sands Mainland Aggregates Ltd will supply. Many suppliers claim to be able to offer equestrian silica sand at rock bottom prices. All of our equestrian silica sand products are washed and graded to remove clay and silt to give a consistent angular sand that compacts firmly while still aiding drainage. When used in combination with our rubber chip you are able to create a surface that is all weather providing a comfortable cushioned ride whilst still maintaining firmness" email friend Tel: 01234 831108 Tel: 07989 562 989 Fax: 01234 420 304 info@mainlandaggregates.co.uk www.mainlandaggregates.co.uk Equestrian Arenas ARENA MATE GG ENGINEERING (Euro Ltd) Price: Location: Doncaster Reference Number: 8312T "So you have just spent thousands on your new arena. Make sure you purchase the right leveler to keep it in tip top condition. ARENA MATE can be used on Sand, gel sand, rubber, plastic, wood chip, turf float; in fact most surfaces. ARENA MATE can be towed by ATV, 4WD, Tractor or sit on lawnmower either ball, pin or Three Point Linkage .ARENA MATE is very easy to use, has several height adjustments.is powder coated, stored easily, but most important is GUARANTEED TO LEVEL YOUR ARENA. We deliver to your door ourselves and demonstrate on your OWN ARENA so you can actually see it working before you part with your hard earned cash ARENA MATE costs £460 + VAT + DEL which includes a demonstration. We are in your area every week - ASK FOR A DEMO Established agent NOW IN IRELAND NEW ARENA MATE mk11 for long thin flat rubber (Alruba)" email friend Tel: 01427 728700 Mob: 07775 607339 lyndatay@gmail.com www.arenamate.co.uk Equestrian Arenas Quality equipment at discount prices Price: Location: Somerset Reference Number: 8378T "The Paddock Vacuum is a welcome alternative if you are picking up your animal poo with a wheelbarrow and shovel - the hard way! Try one of our Paddock Vacuums and it will instantly become the easy way! The Paddock Vacuum will pick up virtually any waste material, even water. 3 prime reasons to use one of our Paddock Vacuums .Our machines clean up better, They assist with parasite control, They improve pasture recovery. Muck-trucks™ are essential pieces of equipment for builders, landscapers, gardeners, plant hire shops, local authorities and horse owners. They make light work of heavy tasks from loading rubble into skips to carrying blocks through narrow accesses such as doorways. Muck-trucks™ go up 45° slopes fully loaded easily - places you would never be able to push a wheelbarrow. We are pleased to be the Authorised UK Dealers for the new 2008 Mitsubishi compact tractor range . We class the paddock toppers we sell as being the best on the market. The compact tractor toppers we supply are extremely well built in the UK and are far superior to other toppers and will consequently last longer. We supply only top quality paddock and field rollers , competitively priced and made in the UK. All the paddock and field rollers we sell are built to an extremely high standard. We supply a comprehensive range of arena and menage levellers from a variety of manufacturers to suit all applications and budgets.The chain harrows we supply are manufactured in the UK from high quality carbon steel ensuring that the harrow is extremely strong and durable. Please mention Horsetraderonline when making enquiries"" www.mitsubishicompacttractors.co.uk www.paulshelspaddockvacuumsales.co.uk www.paddocktoppers.co.uk www.chainharrows.co.uk www.paddockrollers.co.uk www.arenalevellers.co.uk www.paulhelpsmucktrucksales.co.uk" email friend Tel: 01458 850 084 Mob: 07770 838681 sales@paddockequipment.co.uk www.paddockequipment.co.uk www.mitsubishicompacttractors.co.uk www.paddocktoppers.co.uk www.chainharrows.co.uk www.paddockrollers.co.uk www.arenalevellers.co.uk www.paulhelpsmucktrucksales.co.uk View Adverts: 1-10 11-10 Adverts » stats home :: horses for sale :: competition :: shop :: testimonials :: terms & conditions :: privacy policy :: resources :: associations :: advertise :: contact us :: Articles :: Bedding :: Haylage :: Equestrian Property :: Horse Stables :: Horse Arenas :: Horseboxes © Horse Trader Online 2005. All Rights Reserved. Site by Xyone Search Engine Marketing || Rubber Manufacturing Services Rubber Matting and Sheeting Photo Gallery Visit Us Contact Us Conveyor / Feeder Belts Rubber Gaskets / Rubber Seals RUBBER MATS BUBBLE TOP / BROAD RIB RUBBER MATS CLICK MATS EVA FOAM WALL MATS HAMMER TOP / BROAD RIB RUBBER MATS INTERLOCKING EVA STABLE MATS INTERLOCKING RUBBER MATS CROC TOP INTERLOCKING RUBBER TILES MOULDED RUBBER RAMP MATS Pad-Lok Mats RING MATS RUBBER PLAY TILES SCRAPER BLADES Maxiscrape Conveyor Belting ROLLS OF RUBBER MATTING BROAD RIBBED RUBBER MATTING CHECKER PLATE RUBBER MATTING CIRCULAR STUDDED RUBBER MATTING CLEAR PVC PLASTIC SHEETING FINE RIBBED RUBBER MATTING GRIPTOP RUBBER MATTING INSERTION RUBBER SHEET (Smooth) PYRAMID RUBBER MATTING ROLL MAT Adhesives and Sealants STABLE MATS BUBBLE TOP / BROAD RIB RUBBER STABLE MATS HAMMER TOP / BROAD RIB RUBBER STABLE MATS INTERLOCKING E.V.A STABLE MATS ©Copyright Rubber Manufacturing Services 2010 Site Map Web Site Design by e-kinetics uk request more information print page Rubber Matting and Sheeting from Rubber Manufacturing Rubber Manufacturing Services Moss Lane, Elworth, Sandbach, Cheshire, CW11 3LD Tel: 01270 767717 Fax: 01270 766727 Email: info@rubbermattinguk.co.uk Established in 1973, Rubber Manufacturing Services is a family run business specializing in the fabrication, supply and wholesale of rubber products and materials for use in the Agricultural, Equestrian, Industrial, Canine, Leisure and many other sectors. We pride ourselves in supplying only the very best quality materials and products, and feel that in our 30 plus years of trading we have built up a very good reputation with customers old and new. Rubber Manufacturing Services is based in the small town of Sandbach in Cheshire within easy reach (10 minutes drive) of the M6 motorway via junctions 17 and 18. We maintain an extremely large stock of rubber mats, rubber matting, rubber sheeting, new and used conveyor belting, and replacement rubber scraper blades , along with many other rubber, plastic and foam products. Agricultural Scrapers One of our specialist areas is in the production and supply of replacement rubber yard scraper blades predominantly for use in the farming industry where yard scrapers are used for the clearing and removal of slurry. We can supply a replacement yard scraper rubber to suit any make or model of yard scraper whether it be an old or new branded make, or even a one off home made machine. Equine Rubber Matting and Flooring Another of our specialist areas is the supply and installation of rubber flooring and matting for use in Equine applications such as stables, horseboxes, horsewalkers and many more. We carry a huge stock of various different types of rubber and E.V.A mats for use on stable/horsebox floors and walls, and can offer you our professional mat fitting service, just give us a call with the number of stables, the sizes, and your location and we will endeavour to meet you requirements. Conveyor Belts We can produce new and replacement belts for use on conveyors, feeders, balers, potato pickers etc, or we can make repairs to old damaged and worn belts, whether it just needs a new fastener or replacement piece fitting in. Bespoke Rubber Gaskets and Seals If you require a bespoke rubber or plastic gasket, seal or component we can produce your requirements using any one of our five swing beam hydraulic presses in conjunction with a purpose made cutting form fabricated to your own design. Some of the other services that we offer to customers are: Dog Matting: Grooming tables, Dog transport cages, Kennels, Ramps, Agility classes and clubs, Car boots etc Agricultural rubber: Scrapers, Cow cubicle mats, Door strips, Feeder belts / Baler Belts  / Potato Belts, Carrot croppers, Silage sheets, Feeder paddles, Squeegee rubbers, Gaskets, Parlour matting, Mud flaps, Walkways etc Leisure & Home rubber: Children’s play areas, Patios, Under paddling pools, Garage floors, Gymnasiums, Boats, Car boots, Pickup load beds, Access ramps, Door mats, Grass mats, Beer cellars, swimming pools etc Industrial rubber: Conveyor belts, Anti-fatigue mats, Clear door strips, Work tops / Counters, Entrance mats, Walkways, Gaskets, Seals, Technical rubber sheeting, Equestrian rubber: Stable floors & Walls, Horse boxes and Trailers, Horse walkers, Walkways, Wash down areas, Rubber fencing strips Select a type of rubber matting Conveyor / Feeder Belts Rubber Gaskets / Rubber Seals RUBBER MATS SCRAPER BLADES Conveyor Belting ROLLS OF RUBBER MATTING Adhesives and Sealants STABLE MATS || Translate Home Why Stablesoft? Contact Us Special Offers Privacy policy Safe Step Flooring System Sealed Rubber Stable Flooring Stable Comfort Stable Mats Wallsoft Stablesoft Foal Cattle/Dairy Rubber Vet Box Flooring Wheel barrows & tack lockers Current projects Testimonials links Home Stable Mats Articles Stable Matting and Equestrian Rubber Save Stables Cash Any stable or horse-box is cleaner, more efficient and more comfortable with stable matting. Equestrian rubber has many benefits, the biggest of which is the money it can save. New forms of stable matting and equestrian rubber could dramatically cut the expense of housing a horse by as much as 50 per cent, according to some estimates. Whether it's a large stable training racehorses for rich owners, or just someone keeping a few horses for themselves and their kids, people who keep horses will tell you that it is an expensive business. Even before thinking about the cost of saddle and tack, or the vet's bills likely to be incurred, one has to bear in mind that the horse is going to need somewhere to sleep. That in itself gets expensive when you consider the rising cost of bedding, and the time it takes to muck out. That’s where stable matting, equestrian rubber and other products come into their own. How Much Bedding Do You Use? The bedding traditionally used in most stables usually takes the form of straw or wood shavings (and sometimes shredded phone books or tea bag offcuts!). The problem with traditional bedding materials is twofold: a considerable depth is necessary to sufficiently cushion the horse as it sleeps, so a large amount is needed. This leads to the second problem – the amount of time it takes to muck out the horse and provide fresh bedding. Both problems can be lessened by installing stable matting. Equestrian rubber, because it is rubber, acts as a cushion between the horse and the hard concrete beneath, meaning that the amount of traditional bedding can be effectively halved, without any discomfort to the horse. Time is Money – and Stable Matting Saves Time Halving the amount of bedding used can halve the time needed to clean a stable, especially when it comes to noticing damp bedding that needs to be replaced, as it stands out clearly on top of the stable matting. Equestrian rubber is, of course, waterproof, which makes mopping up fluids a quick and easy process. All this means owners can spend more time and money enjoying their horses, and less time cleaning up after them. When Used in Stable Matting, Equestrian Rubber Protects Your Horse Apart from the savings a stable could make from the installation of stable matting, equestrian rubber makes it easier for horses to get up and lie down, helping protect them from injury (and the owner from costly vet's bills). This is especially critical in the case of horses with sore joints or tendons, as the cushioning from the equestrian rubber underfoot can actually shorten recovery and recuperation times. Learn About Stable Matting, Equestrian Rubber and More at Stablesoft If you want to save time and money on your stabling costs, or just want to know more about stable matting, equestrian rubber, or any other aspect of modern stable flooring, speak to Stablesoft on 01823 461313. Unit 4H - Westpark - Chelston - Wellington - Somerset - TA21 9AD Created using it'seeze website design || Home | Contact Us | About Us | Newsroom | NBS Plus | REACH | Help My Basket > Items: | Subtotal: (exc. VAT) | View Basket Loose Lay Doormats Entrance Barrier Matting Flooring Floor & Boundary Marking Industrial Rubber Sheeting ESD Equipment Catering Leisure Equestrian & Livestock Fast Delivery Order with the confidence that your product will arrive professionally packaged and on time. Need Help? If your looking for product advice or have any questions click here to Contact Us , or click here for Help . Order Tracking Find out where your items are quickly and easily by using Order Tracking . Equestrian & Livestock See larger image Stablemat From £32.33 exc. VAT £37.99 inc. VAT Stable mats reduce bedding costs Mats increase speed and efficiency when mucking out Made from 100% high quality non-porous rubber Stable mats are dust-free for a healthier stabled environment Embossed top surface provides additional grip to reduce slipping Stable mats have grooved underside for effective drainage Soft enough for underfoot cushioning, yet firm enough to support standing horses Provides warmth and insulation in the winter Simple to install, stable mats fit neatly together for total floor coverage Colour: Black Size: 1.2m x 1.8m (4' x 6') Thickness: Quantity: Availability: In Stock Order by 12:00pm today and receive your goods before 16/12/2010. Usually the next working day. (Excludes products that are cut to order). See larger image Cobarib From £12.99 exc. VAT £15.26 inc. VAT Fine fluted multi-purpose rubber matting Available in 3mm and 6mm thicknesses 6mm: Ideal for horsebox floors, ramps, or lining stable partition walls 3mm: Ideal for protecting vehicle interiors from soiling Fluted surface provides grip and comfort for safer travelling Protects horsebox floors from wear and tear Helps to prevent cargo from slipping Supplied in rolls that can be easily cut to any shape Easy to clean and install Colour: Black Size: Quantity/Length: Availability: In Stock Order by 12:00pm today and receive your goods before 16/12/2010. Usually the next working day. (Excludes products that are cut to order). Please Note Products that are cut to length are non-refundable. Allow up to 10 days for delivery. Call +44 (0)116 240 1055 for more information. See larger image Cobarib Wide From £14.49 exc. VAT £17.03 inc. VAT Wide ribbed surface non-porous 100% rubber matting Available in 3mm and 6mm thicknesses Designed to withstand heavy-duty wear and tear Suitable for horsebox floors and ramps Ribbed surface provides additional grip for increased underfoot safety Comfortable ‘anti-fatigue’ standing surface for horses Easy to clean and install Colour: Black Size: Quantity/Length: Availability: In Stock Order by 12:00pm today and receive your goods before 16/12/2010. Usually the next working day. (Excludes products that are cut to order). Please Note Products that are cut to length are non-refundable. Allow up to 10 days for delivery. Call +44 (0)116 240 1055 for more information. See larger image Ringmat Octomat Just £66.99 exc. VAT £78.71 inc. VAT Heavy-duty ‘octagonal’ open holed 100% rubber mats Suitable for washdown areas, field shelters and for muddy gateways Ideal for wet areas – water disperses through the mat Increases safety and comfort underfoot for horses and their handlers Connectors available to link matting together for larger areas Can withstand extreme temperatures for outdoor use, including icy conditions Colour: Black Size: Quantity: - £66.99 exc. VAT Ringmat Accessories (Optional) Connectors (Required every 0.3m) - £1.99 exc. VAT Quantity: Availability: In Stock Order by 12:00pm today and receive your goods before 16/12/2010. Usually the next working day. (Excludes products that are cut to order). Ikon Key Product has anti-fatigue properties. What does this mean? Product is suitable for wet conditions Product is oil resistant Product is slip resistant Product is fire retardant Product is washable Product can be tumble dried Many equestrian establishments from racing and competition yards to riding schools and livery stables now use rubber stable mats from COBA. Rubber stable mats offer many advantages to horse owners in terms of cost-savings in bedding and labour, comfort to the horse as well as benefiting the general health and well-being of stabled horses and ponies . Rubber stable matting are non-porous and ‘butt’ tightly together to anchor them firmly in position. Less conventional bedding such as shavings, straw or sawdust is required reduces bedding costs for long-term savings. This also speeds up mucking out saving labour time too. Stable mats , being dust-free, provide a healthier environment for stabled horses, especially those prone to respiratory conditions such as COPD and coughing. The embossed ‘bubbled’ top surface also provides additional grip and the 17mm thick version makes standing more comfortable than on a concrete surface. Horses prone to leg swelling from standing in stables can benefit from matting. Stable mats provide warmth and insulation in the winter. Now widely used by all equestrian disciplines including show jumping , eventing , dressage , polo , showing and horse racing . Other livestock mats available as well as rubber matting for horseboxes , washdown areas and gateways. Call Us +44 (0)116 240 1055 - Helping you every step of the way Print page Top of page Help | Trade | Data Sheets | Returns and Refund Policy | Terms of Website Use | Privacy Policy | Terms of Sale | Sitemap ©2010 COBA Europe Ltd +44 (0)116 240 1055