Hooves and cement

Cait · 10-26-2009, 08:26 AM

Well, after a lot of work, my dad has discovered that our pump doesn't work at the barn where we are currently keeping our horses. Since we don't have a lot of funds at the moment, my dad wants to move the horses up to the barn by our house. The problem is, the run-in there was made for cows. Therefore, has cement floor.

The horses would still be able to get outside whenever they pleased and we would put straw down for them so that they aren't laying on cement. We would also feed their hay outside to make them get out off of the cement. But is this ok for them to do? I know that cement can be hard on their feet, and I don't want to have to put them on cement this winter if their feet won't be able to take it. If we absolutely have to, we are going to build another lean to but would prefer not to because of financial reasons.

What do you guys think? Will they be ok?

CowhorseGal · 10-26-2009, 08:32 AM

If it were me i would put rubber mats down on the concrete and not worry.. since you are not going to force them to stand in there all the time they will be fine.. I don't think the straw alone will provide enought padding..

pippy · 10-26-2009, 08:39 AM

I had a similar situation at our old residence- concrete floor because the building (pole shed) had been made for cattle. Money was tight, mats were expensive for such a large area, so we put a layer of clay (which came from a hole we dug on our own property) on top of the cement- this lasted for about 9 yrs before it wore down from cleaning. Any way- then we just used bedding as usual on top of the clay.
So, if the rubber mats are to expensive and you have free access to clay, you may want to give that a try- it made a nice buffer between the cement and horses feet.

CowhorseGal · 10-26-2009, 08:50 AM

Pippy-
that is a great idea! How thick did you make the clay? Did you get a compactor to pack it down?

Cait · 10-26-2009, 08:53 AM

And yea, I didn't plan on using the straw as padding, more just for if they wanted to lay down they wouldn't be laying on cement.

I didn't think of clay either! I will have to ask my dad if we can get some as our family friend is a excavator...great idea! And yes, how thick did you make it?

I will also look into rubber matting. Sometimes people have it used on craigslist...

redboy · 10-26-2009, 08:54 AM

I was thinking 'peat moss' as a buffer between the flooring and the top layer of bedding also??

Joker · 10-26-2009, 09:00 AM

I have never had a problem with cement we have a old cattle barn and it had cement floor and we used cement blocks for walls, we just use shaveings the horses are turned out days and in at night in the winter and out 24/7 summers unless they are shown then they are in on sunny days or night before a show. I like it never have holes to refill or mats to move no one has been sore or hurt from it. there is also a pad in the studs turn out and he can stand on it or on dirt I think it is ok as they have free choice where they want to stand Mats might get expensive unless you can find some used ones clay or sand will work too for the larger area esp if it is under cover/ roof.

Amy · 10-26-2009, 09:07 AM

I ahve a barn set up as a run-in that is partly cement, partly dirt. I just don't worry too much about it, they get fed hay on the cement slab to help prevent sand colic. 9 times out of 10 they lay outside when they sleep anyway.

singing tree · 10-26-2009, 09:59 AM

I agree with all the above. As long as they aren't trapped on it 24/7, it should not be a problem, especially with mats or clay....

greygirls · 10-26-2009, 10:40 AM

I'm in the same boat as you. I had a cattle barn or pig barn to choose from...both have cement flooring

. I bedded it heavily until I could afford stall mats. I know you said finances are an issue here but believe me, stall mats are way cheaper in the long run than the cost of the bedding that you will need to provide enough cushion. Mine paid for themselves in less than 3 months!!!

Horselady44 · 10-26-2009, 03:50 PM

I really like the clay idea...how cool is that...and very inexpensive if you have access to it...I would def check into that first if it were me

EquineAlberta · 11-08-2009, 10:13 PM

My main concern about the cement would be that it will get slippery, particularly if the hooves get filled with balled snow. If you get mats, then I would get textured ones. I think the clay idea is a smart one.

Karen

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10-26-2009, 08:26 AM
Cait Halter broke Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Michigan Posts: 144	Hooves and cement Well, after a lot of work, my dad has discovered that our pump doesn't work at the barn where we are currently keeping our horses. Since we don't have a lot of funds at the moment, my dad wants to move the horses up to the barn by our house. The problem is, the run-in there was made for cows. Therefore, has cement floor. The horses would still be able to get outside whenever they pleased and we would put straw down for them so that they aren't laying on cement. We would also feed their hay outside to make them get out off of the cement. But is this ok for them to do? I know that cement can be hard on their feet, and I don't want to have to put them on cement this winter if their feet won't be able to take it. If we absolutely have to, we are going to build another lean to but would prefer not to because of financial reasons. What do you guys think? Will they be ok? __________________ Proud owner of: Molly's Way "Stella"- 6 year old Thoroughbred Lena- 7 year old Thoroughbred

10-26-2009, 08:32 AM
CowhorseGal Long Yearling Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 1,047	If it were me i would put rubber mats down on the concrete and not worry.. since you are not going to force them to stand in there all the time they will be fine.. I don't think the straw alone will provide enought padding.. __________________ Quality Peformance horses with foundation breeding http://blackcanyonpaints.webs.com/

10-26-2009, 08:39 AM
pippy Started Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: minnesota Posts: 2,298	I had a similar situation at our old residence- concrete floor because the building (pole shed) had been made for cattle. Money was tight, mats were expensive for such a large area, so we put a layer of clay (which came from a hole we dug on our own property) on top of the cement- this lasted for about 9 yrs before it wore down from cleaning. Any way- then we just used bedding as usual on top of the clay. So, if the rubber mats are to expensive and you have free access to clay, you may want to give that a try- it made a nice buffer between the cement and horses feet. __________________ "It's never to late to live happily ever after."

10-26-2009, 08:50 AM
CowhorseGal Long Yearling Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 1,047	Pippy- that is a great idea! How thick did you make the clay? Did you get a compactor to pack it down? __________________ Quality Peformance horses with foundation breeding http://blackcanyonpaints.webs.com/

10-26-2009, 08:53 AM
Cait Halter broke Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Michigan Posts: 144	And yea, I didn't plan on using the straw as padding, more just for if they wanted to lay down they wouldn't be laying on cement. I didn't think of clay either! I will have to ask my dad if we can get some as our family friend is a excavator...great idea! And yes, how thick did you make it? I will also look into rubber matting. Sometimes people have it used on craigslist... __________________ Proud owner of: Molly's Way "Stella"- 6 year old Thoroughbred Lena- 7 year old Thoroughbred

10-26-2009, 08:54 AM
redboy Started Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Eastern Shore of Maryland Posts: 2,754	I was thinking 'peat moss' as a buffer between the flooring and the top layer of bedding also??

10-26-2009, 09:00 AM
Joker Weanling Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 324	I have never had a problem with cement we have a old cattle barn and it had cement floor and we used cement blocks for walls, we just use shaveings the horses are turned out days and in at night in the winter and out 24/7 summers unless they are shown then they are in on sunny days or night before a show. I like it never have holes to refill or mats to move no one has been sore or hurt from it. there is also a pad in the studs turn out and he can stand on it or on dirt I think it is ok as they have free choice where they want to stand Mats might get expensive unless you can find some used ones clay or sand will work too for the larger area esp if it is under cover/ roof. __________________

10-26-2009, 09:07 AM
Amy Yearling Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Chino Valley, AZ Posts: 562	I ahve a barn set up as a run-in that is partly cement, partly dirt. I just don't worry too much about it, they get fed hay on the cement slab to help prevent sand colic. 9 times out of 10 they lay outside when they sleep anyway.

10-26-2009, 09:59 AM
singing tree Long Yearling Join Date: May 2009 Location: Hartville, Ohio Posts: 1,025	I agree with all the above. As long as they aren't trapped on it 24/7, it should not be a problem, especially with mats or clay....

10-26-2009, 10:40 AM
greygirls Coming two Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Ontario Posts: 1,850	I'm in the same boat as you. I had a cattle barn or pig barn to choose from...both have cement flooring. I bedded it heavily until I could afford stall mats. I know you said finances are an issue here but believe me, stall mats are way cheaper in the long run than the cost of the bedding that you will need to provide enough cushion. Mine paid for themselves in less than 3 months!!! __________________ I cannot avoid compassion for all that is called life. That is the beginning & foundation of morality. -Albert Schweitzer

10-26-2009, 03:50 PM
Horselady44 Started Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Montana Posts: 2,401	I really like the clay idea...how cool is that...and very inexpensive if you have access to it...I would def check into that first if it were me __________________ A happy horse equals a happy rider!

11-08-2009, 10:13 PM
EquineAlberta Kid Safe Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 6,006	My main concern about the cement would be that it will get slippery, particularly if the hooves get filled with balled snow. If you get mats, then I would get textured ones. I think the clay idea is a smart one. Karen __________________ New Hillside Website The Art of Praise