Why Equimats Are the Best Horse Stall Mats for Both Mares and Foals in Foaling Stalls

It’s foaling season!

You are eagerly awaiting the results of all your hard work: selecting the stallion to sire your foal, getting a pregnancy, caring for your pregnant mare these past 11 months.  Now is the time to ensure your broodmare and the new arrival get the best start in life.

When it comes to preparing a foaling stall for a mare, every detail matters. From proper ventilation to adequate space, ensuring a safe and comfortable environment is essential for both the mare and her newborn foal. One of the most critical components of a well-prepared foaling stall is the flooring. This is where Equimats stand out as the best choice for horse stall mats.

Here’s why Equimats are the superior option for foaling stalls.

1. Superior Comfort and Cushioning

Foaling is a strenuous process for mares, requiring a stall floor that provides ample cushioning to reduce stress on joints and pressure points. Equimats are designed with high-quality, shock-absorbing materials that provide excellent support and comfort. The cushioned surface helps prevent fatigue and promotes overall well-being, making it easier for the mare to lie down and get up safely.  Importantly, this stall flooring is not TOO soft, offering uniform support and excellent traction.   Equimats are the top recommendation for professional and novice breeders alike for uniform support and the right amount of cushioning.

2. Non-Slip and Safe Surface for Mare and Foal

Newborn foals are unsteady on their feet, making slip-resistant flooring a must-have in a foaling stall. Equimats feature a textured, non-slip surface that offers exceptional traction, reducing the risk of slips and falls for both the mare and foal. This ensures a safer environment during and after foaling.  Importantly, Equimats are non-abrasive.  Rubber and recycled tire surfaces can damage the sensitive newborn's skin and be very rough on the tender, soft material of the newborn's immature hooves.

3. Hygienic and Easy to Clean During All Stages of Foaling

Sanitation is paramount in a foaling stall to protect both the mare and foal from harmful bacteria and infections. Equimats are non-porous, which means they do not absorb moisture or odors. They are easy to clean and disinfect for both the pre- and post-foaling stages.  Foaling involves water, afterbirth and blood in addition to the management of feces and urine.  With Equimats it is very easy and quick to maintain a healthy, clean environment at all stages of foaling. A sanitary foaling stall reduces the risk of infections and diseases.

4. Durability and Longevity

Foaling stalls take quite a hammering so a flooring that can withstand heavy use without deteriorating is essential.  Our breeding customers report on the longevity and economy of using Equimats; Equimats are performing as well for current year foaling as they have for the previous two decades!  In fact, many owners report moving their Equimats with them when they have relocated as they just keep performing year after year.  The durable, high-quality materials that are the secret formulation of Equimats last for years , easily handling the  the weight and movement of large horses. Unlike traditional rubber mats that can curl, crack, or shift over time, Equimats maintain their integrity, providing consistent support and protection.  Your newborn will have the best stall flooring conditions for their arrival.  Your mare will enjoy the best conditions during the foaling process.

5. Temperature Insulation for Year-Round Comfort

Extreme temperatures can be uncomfortable and even dangerous for a mare and her newborn foal. No matter how well we prepare, Mother Nature may deliver unexpected weather and temperature conditions at the critical foaling time. Equimats offer excellent insulation properties, keeping the stall floor warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. This added comfort ensures a more stable and stress-free environment for foaling mares and their foals.

6. Interlocking System for Foaling Stall Floor Stability

One of the standout features of Equimats is their innovative interlocking design. Unlike traditional stall mats that can shift or separate, Equimats fit together seamlessly, preventing gaps that could cause tripping hazards. This is important for your mare during her repeated standing and lying down process during foaling, often including considerable thrashing and striking out while passing the foal and then the afterbirth.  

Of critical importance is that the newborn have a firm yet soft uniformly stable floor to take make that first stand and then those awkward first steps.  Newborn foals often fall repeatedly while trying to get their balance, clearly demonstrating the importance of a soft, but firm tredplate to push against during those first efforts - and support the inevitable first wobbly falls.

7. Cost-Effective Investment

While the initial investment in Equimats may be higher than standard stall mats, their durability, ease of maintenance, and overall benefits make them a cost-effective choice in the long run. They reduce the need for excessive bedding, cut down on cleaning time, and provide long-term reliability, making them a worthwhile investment for any foaling stall.When it comes to foaling, the value of Equimats are priceless for all the potential damage they avoid, such as skin abrasions on the fragile newborn's skin.  Anyone who has experience sores from abrasive flooring on a newborn know how difficult it is to heal and care for these unnecessary wounds.

Conclusion - Invest in the Best

Providing the best possible foaling stall environment is essential for the safety and well-being of both the mare and her foal. Equimats offer unmatched comfort, safety, durability, and hygiene - the premium choice for foaling stalls. Equimats are an investment in the longterm health and safety for both your mare and foal. Happy foaling!