Black Equine Grade Rubber Mulch

Uncolored Black Equine Rubber Footing

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When rubber mulch is used in the equine environment, it is called "footing".

Mixing rubber mulch with sand reduces compaction and helps to keep the footing loose. It also absorbs shock and helps to keep the dust down.

Rubber Mulch is made from recycled tire rubber and comes in several sizes and grades. Our equine grade rubber footing material ranges in size, from 1/4" to 3/4". The rubber particles typically have a roundish, irregular shape.

This material is normally mixed with sand and used in horse arenas. The amount of rubber footing that is mixed with the sand can vary from 10% to as much as 60% of the total. Most users mix about 1" of rubber with about three inches of sand. A thicker layer of rubber may be appropriate for activities where the maximum amount impact absorption is desired.

Rubber mulch footing does not decompose the way organic materials will, so it can last a long time. In the equine environment, the rubber particles can become pulverized over time as the individual particles slowly break apart into smaller pieces. While this process is continuous, it is a function of traffic and is a relatively slow process.

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Within the broad category of equine rubber mulch or footing, there is quite a bit of variance in the product. Some manufacturers produce a small nugget, that is about 1/4" in size. Other materials can be larger, with 3/8", 1/2" and even 3/4" particles commonly used.

There are also different ways to manufacture equine rubber mulch.The most common way is to grind tires into small particles and remove all the exposed metal wire. This leaves some exposed fibers which are useful in retaining moisture and controlling dust.

Another manufacturing process uses cryogenics to freeze the rubber and then "shatter" it into the desired particle size. This method minimizes the appearance of exposed fibers.

A third method creates what are called "buffings". Buffings are small flat flakes as opposed to the roundish chunks which are produced by the other manufacturing procedures.

Since delivery costs are always a big part of the total cost, and we work with most of the major manufactures of this product throughout the US. Whenever possible, we use local or regional suppliers. This helps to keep the shipping costs as reasonable as possible.

Our regional suppliers typically only offer one kind of equine rubber mulch. As a result, the specific type of equine rubber that is available in any particular geographic region, will be limited to what the manufacturers in that region have on hand.

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