Professional Wall Protection for Equine Transport
Transporting horses demands a focus on safety, hygiene, and weight management. Metal trailer partitions and concrete stable walls are inherently hard, increasing the risk of rubs, abrasions, and impact injuries during transit or while stabled. This 2-pack of 10mm EVA wall mats is engineered to provide a shock-absorbing barrier that protects your horse’s coat and legs while preserving the structure of your trailer or stable.
At Welcome Step, we recognize that professional horsebox operators must manage payload weights carefully. Unlike heavy, traditional rubber matting that adds unnecessary bulk, these EVA mats weigh only 3.5kg each. This allows you to outfit your horsebox, trailer, or stable walls with comprehensive impact protection without compromising your towing capacity. By creating a cushioned, impact-resistant interior, you ensure your horse remains comfortable and secure, reducing the stress often associated with travel.
The Advantages of EVA Foam Over Traditional Rubber
Using EVA foam for wall lining is a deliberate choice for equine professionals. EVA is characterized by its "soft-touch" resilience; it compresses slightly upon impact to absorb the energy of a kick or a lean, rather than deflecting it back onto the animal. This energy-dampening property is vital for preventing common issues like capped hocks and coat rubs.
Beyond impact protection, these mats serve as an essential thermal insulator. Horses are sensitive to the temperature fluctuations experienced in trailers and uninsulated stables. These mats create a barrier against cold surfaces, helping maintain a more consistent environment within the stall or box. Furthermore, the material is non-porous and easy to sanitize. It does not harbor moisture or bacteria, which is critical for maintaining high hygiene standards in confined transport spaces.
Expert Installation and Care
These mats are designed for straightforward installation, whether you are lining a professional horsebox or retrofitting a stable wall. However, achieving a long-lasting, professional finish requires attention to the material's physical properties. Because EVA is a resilient foam, it reacts to ambient temperature and pressure.
You must not install these mats flush against all walls. It is a strict installation requirement to leave a 1cm to 2cm expansion gap around at least two sides of each mat. This buffer provides the necessary space for the foam to dissipate energy and expand naturally when the horse leans against it. If this gap is neglected, the mats will have no room to move, which will inevitably cause them to push against each other and eventually lift or curl at the seams. When installed with this essential spacing, the mats will remain flat, secure, and effective for years of service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 10mm thickness the standard for wall protection?
10mm provides an ideal balance of cushioning and low-profile installation. It absorbs significant impact energy to protect the horse without taking up unnecessary interior space, which is critical in narrow horsebox or trailer stalls.
Is this mat suitable for horsebox use?
Yes. Its primary advantage is the lightweight construction (3.5kg per mat). This allows you to line interior walls and partitions without adding excessive weight, ensuring you stay within your vehicle's payload limits.
Does the mat require special fixings?
Because the material is lightweight, it is relatively easy to fix to wood or metal substrates. You can use standard screws or rivets with washers to secure the mat firmly against the wall.
Why is the expansion gap mandatory for installation?
EVA foam expands slightly under the weight and pressure of the animal. An expansion gap of 1-2cm allows the material to shift and dissipate this energy; without it, the mats will buckle, lift, or curl at the edges.
How do I clean and disinfect these wall mats?
Maintenance is simple. The EVA material is non-porous and non-absorbent, so it does not trap moisture or bacteria. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth or a spray with an animal-safe disinfectant is sufficient to keep them hygienic.
Can these mats be used on concrete stable walls?
Yes, they act as an excellent protective layer. They shield the horse from the hardness of concrete walls, provide thermal insulation to keep the stall warmer, and prevent rubbing or injury.
Can I cut the mats to fit custom trailer shapes?
Absolutely. While the EVA is durable, it is easy to trim using a sharp, heavy-duty utility knife. This allows you to achieve a perfect, flush fit even in trailers with curved walls, pillars, or non-standard corner dimensions.
Do these mats retain urine or odors?
No. Unlike crumb rubber or porous wall lining materials, EVA does not soak up waste. This makes them a more hygienic choice for stables and trailers, as they do not harbor the bacteria that cause ammonia odors.
How durable is the surface against kicks?
The material is highly resilient. It is specifically designed to absorb the energy of kicks and leaning, protecting both the horse’s legs from abrasions and the trailer/stable walls from dents and structural damage.
Do I get two mats in this order?
Yes. This listing is for a 2-pack of mats. Each mat measures 6ft x 4ft (1.82m x 1.22m), providing a total coverage area that is ideal for lining individual stalls or a set of trailer partitions
Product Specifications
Specification
Details
Quantity
2 Mats
Dimensions (Per Mat)
6ft x 4ft (1.82m x 1.22m)
Thickness
10mm
Material
High-Grade Super Soft EVA Foam
Weight
~3.5kg per mat
Colour
Black
Application
Horsebox interiors, trailer walls, stable lining
Key Properties
Impact protection, thermal insulation, lightweight
Installation
Easy to fix/mount