From: Janis
Dear Jessica. I always appreciate your newsletter and learn so much from you. Thank you for providing such assistance to horse owners.
I looked into the archives to find the answer to my question but feel I need more clarification. I just purchased a "new to me" 3 horse slant with a ramp. I am thrilled with this trailer and my horses have been willing to walk up the ramp. However--I discovered last night, in the rain, how slippery the mat on the ramp is. The mat is very heavy duty--but gives no traction to their footing--and now, I"m sure my horses are feeling a bit nervous after some slipping last night.
I read your suggestion about coconut matting--but have never seen that in our local stores. Can you tell me more about it--and are there other types of mats that can purchased at the basic tractor/feed store which would provide the secure footing my horses need?
Thank you so much for your help. Janis
Hi Janis! For traction and horse security, you need mats that offer non-slip footing and will stay in place VERY well. I'm sure that there are rubber mats that meet these criteria, but you may not be able to find exactly what you want at your local tractor/feed store.
Coconut matting - coir matting, actually, since it's made from the husk of the coconut - is reasonably lightweight and easy to handle, and I don't think there's anything better for traction. I can give you the contact information for a firm that handles such mats in the USA:
Dandy Products, Inc.
3314 State Route 131
Goshen, OH 45122
Toll-free telephone: 888-883-8386
Email: dandypro@aol.com
Website: dandyproductinc.com
Their coconut mats are available in quite a few different widths and lengths, so with any luck, they'll have one that's right for your trailer. Good luck!
Jessica
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