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CONTACT US: CALL 07989 159064
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EMAIL: [email protected]
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RUBBER MATTING
RATIONALE
HippoTile Rubber Matting Information
After more than 10 years of HippoTile development, we have concluded that the OPTIMAL HippoTile installation includes the use of rubber matting.
However, 90% + of our HippoTile users are very happy with everything about their HippoTile flooring when used WITHOUT rubber matting.
We now recommend that HippoTile floors are used in conjunction with rubber matting in one of several ways.
There are significant advantages to this practice which are well supported by evidence.
MAXIMISED DRAINAGE SPEED
The speed of drainage of unprotected HippoTile is compromised and slows down. The drainage efficiency of HippoTile used under rubber matting remains
at optimal speed.
SUPERIOR AIR QUALITY
When rubber matting is laid on HippoTile, the horrible slime and smell which is associated with rubber matting in stables does not occur. Because the wet
drains clean away beneath the mat, no ammonia-based smells occur and there is no need to clean beneath it.
LONGEVITY
Unprotected HippoTile wears at varying rates depending on various factors. Protected by rubber matting, HippoTile is extremely durable and could last
indefinitely.
MUSCULOSKELETAL PROTECTION
HippoTile combined with rubber matting offers significant musculoskeletal protection. Capped hocks are prevented and lying down is encouraged.
HippoTile Rubber Matting Information
After more than 10 years of HippoTile development, we have concluded that the OPTIMAL HippoTile installation includes the use of rubber matting.
However, 90% + of our HippoTile users are very happy with everything about their HippoTile flooring when used WITHOUT rubber matting.
We now recommend that HippoTile floors are used in conjunction with rubber matting in one of several ways.
There are significant advantages to this practice which are well supported by evidence.
MAXIMISED DRAINAGE SPEED
The speed of drainage of unprotected HippoTile is compromised and slows down. The drainage efficiency of HippoTile used under rubber matting remains
at optimal speed.
SUPERIOR AIR QUALITY
When rubber matting is laid on HippoTile, the horrible slime and smell which is associated with rubber matting in stables does not occur. Because the wet
drains clean away beneath the mat, no ammonia-based smells occur and there is no need to clean beneath it.
LONGEVITY
Unprotected HippoTile wears at varying rates depending on various factors. Protected by rubber matting, HippoTile is extremely durable and could last
indefinitely.
MUSCULOSKELETAL PROTECTION
HippoTile combined with rubber matting offers significant musculoskeletal protection. Capped hocks are prevented and lying down is encouraged.
CASE STUDY SUPPORTING THESE FINDINGS
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Belinda Brereton has been a HippoTile user since 2009.
In 2021, a new HippoTile stable flooring was installed, and as Belinda already had experience of using rubber matting with HippoTile, we decided to fit drilled rubber matting over the whole stable as a Case Study. We have been delighted by our findings! The HippoTile flooring drains as well, if not better, than it does without rubber matting and there are no concerns about wear, slipping or capped hocks. Belinda’s Grand Prix dressage horse was in the stable 23/7 on box rest for three months and no drawbacks were encountered. Much reduced amounts of wasted bedding associated with HippoTile continued throughout and the vastly improved air quality was appreciated by residents and visitors alike. Even when the morning’s mucking out was still to be done, a visitor commented “these stables just never smell!” |
RUBBER MATTING SELECTION
There is no need to buy rubber matting specifically for the job; any suitable rubber matting already available can be used. The matting must be sufficiently heavy duty to remain in place when tightly fitted into the stable.
One of the most popular and suitable types of rubber matting for this purpose is the bubble pattern one side, ribbed pattern other side that is readily available. See photos.
There is no need to buy rubber matting specifically for the job; any suitable rubber matting already available can be used. The matting must be sufficiently heavy duty to remain in place when tightly fitted into the stable.
One of the most popular and suitable types of rubber matting for this purpose is the bubble pattern one side, ribbed pattern other side that is readily available. See photos.
In the photo’s above, the holes were drilled with a 10mm drill bit and they are at 10cm intervals alternately in each groove.
This concentration of holes works well in areas where general drainage is required.
Most horses urinate in the same place or places all the time. Adding more and bigger holes up to 20mm is recommended for these areas.
We have several “Rubber Matting Trial Sites” in progress to increase and share our knowledge and experience in this area.
DRAINAGE THROUGH RUBBER MATTING
Do not worry that the drainage holes will fill with bedding. They will continue to drain.
Some customers have laid their HippoTile floor with a very slight slope to aid drainage into the holes. (This is a detail that is not required.)
FITTING THE RUBBER MATTING
As with all rubber matting, it is important to fit it as tightly as possible.
Where possible, it is a good idea to allow space for the rubber matting within the secure framework. For example, if the secure framework is being provided by shuttered concrete, lay the HippoTile 12mm below the top of the con- crete so that the 12mm rubber matting will also be secured by the concrete edge. (18mm if you have opted to use 18mm rubber matting)
HippoTile WITHOUT RUBBER MATTING
There are many HippoTile users who have had HippoTile stable flooring without rubber matting in their stables for many years and are very happy with their results.
The practice above has been identified as the optimal practice to prolong the life of your HippoTile.
This concentration of holes works well in areas where general drainage is required.
Most horses urinate in the same place or places all the time. Adding more and bigger holes up to 20mm is recommended for these areas.
We have several “Rubber Matting Trial Sites” in progress to increase and share our knowledge and experience in this area.
DRAINAGE THROUGH RUBBER MATTING
Do not worry that the drainage holes will fill with bedding. They will continue to drain.
Some customers have laid their HippoTile floor with a very slight slope to aid drainage into the holes. (This is a detail that is not required.)
FITTING THE RUBBER MATTING
As with all rubber matting, it is important to fit it as tightly as possible.
Where possible, it is a good idea to allow space for the rubber matting within the secure framework. For example, if the secure framework is being provided by shuttered concrete, lay the HippoTile 12mm below the top of the con- crete so that the 12mm rubber matting will also be secured by the concrete edge. (18mm if you have opted to use 18mm rubber matting)
HippoTile WITHOUT RUBBER MATTING
There are many HippoTile users who have had HippoTile stable flooring without rubber matting in their stables for many years and are very happy with their results.
The practice above has been identified as the optimal practice to prolong the life of your HippoTile.
