Ortho Horse Stall Mats

Competition Success Begins in the Trailer

When it comes to equestrian competitions, talent and training may take center stage but true success often begins before you ever reach the arena. In fact, it starts the moment your horse steps into the trailer. For competitive horses, the journey is more than just travel, it's part of the performance. That’s why experienced horse owners understand that optimizing your trailer isn’t just good practice, it’s a strategic advantage.

How Horses Travel Matters

Whether you're hauling across a county or crossing state lines, the travel environment directly affects your horse’s readiness to perform. While trailers are often considered a mere link between barn and showground, the reality is that prolonged standing, road vibrations, and shifting balance can strain muscles, joints, and even your horse’s mental state.

Add to that cramped quarters, rigid flooring, and fluctuating temperatures, and you have a recipe for discomfort and stress, especially when combined with a demanding show season. Even the most skilled drivers can’t eliminate every bump in the road, but certain elements inside the trailer, like what’s beneath your horse’s hooves, is controllable and more critical that many realize.

Tips for Healthier Trailering

A few proactive choices can help ensure your horse arrives at their best, both physically and mentally:

  • Pre-travel movement: Light walking or lunging can help loosen joints and reduce stiffness.
  • Hydration and feeding: Allow time for proper hydration and digestion well before departure.
  • Ventilation: Maintain airflow without direct drafts to reduce respiratory irritation.
  • Scheduled stops: Pause every 3–4 hours on longer trips to offer water and assess your horse’s comfort.
  • Shock-absorbing flooring: Use a performance mat system like Dollamur Stall Mats, which help reduce muscular fatigue and impact stress

What Healthy Trailer Flooring Can Do

Traditional flooring systems can degrade over time, becoming slippery, rigid, and uneven. That’s where Dollamur Stall Mats raise the bar. Designed with a specialized orthopedic foam core, these mats are built to support horses in transit with:

  • Shock absorption: Protects joints, ligaments, and tendons from repetitive road impact.
  • Anti-fatigue performance: Reduces muscular strain, making it easier for your horse to balance.
  • Slip resistance: Textured surfaces enhance safety during loading, unloading, and travel.
  • Thermal insulation: Maintains a more consistent temperature underfoot in both hot and cold weather. 

They’re also easy to size, clean, and install thanks to their durable, closed-cell design that resists moisture and bacteria buildup. That means safer, cleaner travel with less wear and tear on your horse. 

Beyond the Trailer: Extend Comfort Anywhere

Once you’ve arrived at your destination, the benefits of Dollamur Stall Mats don’t stop:  

  • Use them as portable grooming and tacking stations
  • Place them under stalls or cross-ties for added stability
  • Create a rest zone for post-ride recovery
  • Set them up in wash racks or vet areas for slip-free footing 

Lightweight and easy to transport, these mats are built to go wherever you go ensuring that your horse gets consistent comfort no matter the venue.

Conclusion: Prepare for Success Before You Arrive

In competitive equine sports, performance starts long before your horse enters the arena. Comfort, stability, and health during travel lay the groundwork for peak performance. Upgrading your trailer with Dollamur Stall Mats isn’t just an equipment choice, it’s a commitment to your horse’s well-being and a proven edge in competition.

Your competitive edge begins in the trailer. Be sure you're equipped for it. 

For more information: https://dollamur.com/ortho-stall-mat