[Video] The Wilson Sisters Reduce Slips In Their Stable

Whangārei, Northland

Sisters, Vicki, Kelly and Amanda, had all witnessed horses slipping and falling on the concrete and knew they needed a high-grip solution to the problem.

With long days spent working in the stables, they needed it to be soft and forgiving on feet and legs, for both themselves, and the horses.

Early on, the sisters agreed that rubber matting would be the best solution to the problem. This was because they knew it would be easy to install, and would provide the softness and grip they needed underfoot.

As Kelly puts it, “Having a surface where the horses weren’t going to slip and injure themselves, like they were doing occasionally on concrete, was critical.”

After researching a few rubber matting companies the sisters contacted Numat who after a free consultation and site visit, recommended Unimat as the ideal solution.

“One of our favourite parts about it is the cushioning effect, it really saves the horses legs.”

- Amanda Wilson

Unimat is a precision-cut interlocking mat from Germany. The easy to install mat provides surety underfoot, and with its high-quality construction, lasts for years.

The installation of the mats was straight-forward, and it didn’t take long for the trio to start seeing results. Within hours they noticed the horses weren’t slipping and the stables were more comfortable and nicer to work in. According to Vicki, “Numat has added an incredible depth of quietness and warmth to the stables.”

Best of all, the sisters say the matting has had a big impact on reducing fatigue in their horses. As Amanda points out, “One of our favourite parts about it is the cushioning effect, it really saves the horses legs.”

The result has been a massive reduction in slips and a better working environment. Because rubber matting reduces the need for straw bedding by up to 80%, the sisters have also seen a significant reduction in cleaning and bedding costs.

Amanda says, “The difference between the matting and concrete is incomparable. It’s so much better quality and it’s a lot easier to keep clean.”

Numat’s Unimat continues to deliver superior grip and safety in the Wilson Sisters’ stables and they couldn’t be happier with the final look. Vicki sums it up, “It’s just completely changed it from how it was before. If I was to do any barn again, the first thing I would do would be to install Numat.”