What Differentiates Premium Rubber Horse Mats from Cheaper Alternatives?
Selecting the right rubber flooring for equine facilities is a significant decision, and the Australian market offers a wide variety of options. Here’s a clear breakdown of the main product categories, their strengths, and their limitations, with a focus on why many industry professionals and facility owners consider REGUPOL to be the benchmark for quality and performance.
Budget Vulcanised Rubber Products:
Budget vulcanised rubber mats, often imported from Asia, are widely available and attractively priced.
Strengths:
· Low upfront cost for initial installations
· Readily available through various suppliers
Limitations:
· Environmental Impact: Vulcanised mats are produced using energy-intensive processes and harsh chemicals, making them less environmentally friendly.
· Odour: The use of harsh chemicals in some manufacturing processes can lead to strong, unpleasant smells.
· Traction: Harder, less elastic surfaces can become slippery when wet, increasing the risk of slips and falls.
· Instability: Budget vulcanised products are prone to curling, cracking, and hardening over time, causing seams to separate, creating tripping hazards and making the floor less forgiving.
· Short Quality Lifespan: Frequent replacements are common, with many products only lasting a few years before showing issues.
While the initial cost is low, maintenance and replacement expenses can quickly add up, often making these options less cost-effective over time.
Budget Tiles and Pavers:
Budget rubber tiles and pavers share many of the same concerns as other low-cost mats, particularly when manufacturing processes are not up to standard:
Strengths:
· Low upfront costs
Limitations:
· Product Defects: Variability in material composition and density can lead to cracking, curling, compression, or separation under horse or vehicle traffic.
· Sizes: Inconsistent sizing and thickness make installations difficult and can result in uneven, unsafe surfaces.
· Expansion and Contraction: Poorly controlled production means these products are more likely to shift with temperature changes, requiring ongoing adjustments or replacement.
· Premature Wear: Lower-quality materials tend to break down faster, leading to more frequent repairs.
Although these products may seem like a bargain upfront, the risk of defects and the cost of ongoing maintenance often outweigh the savings when compared to more reliable options.
Wet Pour Rubber Surfacing:
Wet pour rubber is sometimes chosen for its seamless, soft appearance and custom installation.
Strengths:
· Seamless, soft appearance.
· Low initial costs
· Customisable colours
Limitations:
· Installation Issues: As wet pour rubber surfaces are prepared on-site by hand, issues with density and binder/rubber dispersion are common.
· Density: Lower-density surfaces may develop cracks or become porous, allowing liquids to seep in, creating hygiene problems and, in some cases, flooring failure.
· Surface Degradation: Due to the soft, hand-installed nature of this flooring, general wear and tear can result in premature degradation, requiring partial or total replacement.
· Costly Repairs: Damaged areas often require patchwork or full re-pouring; repairs often result in mismatched colours and variable densities in the rubber surface.
Gym Mats & Multipurpose Tiles:
Gym mats and multipurpose rubber tiles are designed for human use and are sometimes repurposed for stables. However, they are not engineered for equine needs:
Strengths:
· Versatile for temporary or multi-use spaces
· Widely accessible through general retailers
Limitations:
· Incorrect Density: Too soft for use in equine environments, leading to premature wear and tear and replacement.
· Chemical Concerns: Cheaper options may emit strong odours due to their chemical composition and additives
REGUPOL Equine Rubber Flooring:
REGUPOL is widely regarded as the gold standard for equine rubber flooring in Australia and internationally. Here’s what sets it apart:
· Sustainable and Safe: Made with simple ingredients, granulated recycled rubber, and polyurethane binders, REGUPOL avoids harsh chemicals, making it safer for horses, handlers, and the environment.
· Permanently Elastic: The flooring remains elastic over time, providing consistent comfort and joint protection for horses and reducing the risk of injuries.
· Proven Track Record: REGUPOL has been used in Australia for over 40 years by major turf clubs, racecourses, and private stables, earning a reputation for reliability and performance.
· Specialised Adhesives: REGUPOL supplies adhesives specifically designed for equine environments, ensuring secure, long-lasting installation even in challenging conditions.
· Easy Maintenance: The mats are weather-resistant, easy to clean, and require minimal upkeep, making stable management simpler.
· German Quality: Manufactured in Germany by a family-owned company known for innovation and high standards.
· Comprehensive Benefits: REGUPOL flooring is highly slip-resistant, insulating, and frost-proof. It also helps reduce bedding needs, contributing to a comfortable, cleaner, quieter, and more cost-effective stable.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while budget vulcanised rubber, wet pour, gym mats, and low-cost tiles or pavers may offer short-term savings, their limitations in durability, safety, and maintenance often result in safety and comfort issues, and higher costs in the long run. REGUPOL’s purpose-designed equine flooring stands out for its safety, comfort, sustainability, proven longevity, and overall value, making it the preferred choice for facilities that prioritise horse welfare and reliable performance.
