Published : 10/06/2025 | News, Stabilization mats

Stabilisation slabs: the sustainable solution for muddy ground

Summary

Why mud is a problem in our stables

Every winter, the same scene repeats itself. 🌧️

The paddocks turn into battlefields, the horses trudge through the mud, our boots sink in, and wheelbarrows get stuck.

This “chronic mud” is the nightmare of every stable owner or rider who goes to fetch their horse from the pasture. And no matter how much sand or gravel we add, or how many times we redo the access areas... A few rains are enough to ruin everything.

The ground is impassable, the hooves get soggy, and it becomes difficult to move around with machinery. The result: rotten hooves, mud fever, and painful daily logistics.

Fortunately, there is a solution: stabilisation slabs.

Good to know

Muddy ground is not only unpleasant: it directly jeopardizes the well-being of horses and the profitability of your farm.

The consequences of unstable ground on equine welfare and the profitability of your business

Beyond being a simple nuisance, mud ends up being costly.

💸 Tons of materials purchased each year (sand, wood chips, gravel).

⏱️ Hours wasted on maintenance, drainage, and cleaning.

🩺 Veterinary costs for preventable illnesses.

On top of that, muddy access areas tarnish the image of the stable: it's difficult to convince an owner to entrust their horse to a facility whose pastures become impassable as soon as it rains.

Equestrian stabilisation slabs: how do they really work?

Equestrian stabilisation slabs (also known as mud-control grids) are designed to create stable, well-drained, load-bearing ground in all seasons.

They work on a simple principle:

Distribute the horse's weight over a large surface area to prevent sinking.

- Allow natural drainage of rainwater.

- Prevent mud from rising to the surface.

💡 At Tékidé, ÉKI Cob and ÉKI Shet tiles are made from 100% recycled and recyclable raw materials sourced locally.

They interlock and feature an anti-lift system, ensuring high structural stability.

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Good to know

ÉKI Cob and ÉKI Shet stabilisation slabs are certified Origine France Garantie (Guaranteed French Origin). They are manufactured in France in the ÉKOFAB Group's workshops.

The concrete advantages of anti-mud tiles for stables

1. Stable, dry ground all year round

No more muddy puddles, sucked-in boots, or horses wading through mud. The slabs guarantee firm, well-drained ground, even after several days of rain.

2. Better horse health

By eliminating stagnant moisture, you protect hooves and limbs and reduce the risk of thrush and mud fever, among other conditions. Joints are less stressed and horses move more easily.

3. Unparalleled working comfort

Access points, areas around water troughs/feed racks, and stall entrances remain clean and accessible. Replenishing hay and water and accessing shelters for feeding is much easier and faster.

4. A sustainable investment

The installation pays for itself in less than two years, especially when you add up the annual cost of “disposable” materials and the time spent on maintenance.

good to know

TÉKIDÉ stabilisation grids are manufactured according to the principles of the circular economy: eco-design, recycled and recyclable materials, sustainability.

Comparison: slabs vs. concrete, sand, and gravel


Solution	Initial cost	Drainage	Comfort	Durability	Maintenance
Concrete	💰💰💰	❌ None	🚫 Too hard	⚙️ Long	🧽 Hard
Gravel / sand	💰	⚠️ Average	✅ Good at the beginning	⌛ Low	🔁 To be repeated often
TÉKIDÉ mats	💰💰	✅ Excellent	🐴 Excellent	🔒 Excellent	🌿 Very low

Choosing the right stabilisation grids

Not all slabs are created equal. Some inexpensive models warp or break after the first winter.

At Tékidé, both models are suited to different uses:

🐎 ÉKI Cob: ideal for large areas (active stables, horse track systems, winter paddocks, paddock paradise).

🐴 ÉKI Shet: perfect for smaller areas (grooming areas, small paddocks, hay rack areas, shelter fronts, etc.).

These recycled stabilising mats offer a real alternative to concrete and contribute to a sustainable and more environmentally friendly approach.

How to install your stabilisation slabs

👉 The installation method may vary depending on the type of soil (clay, sandy, well-drained, etc.) and the intended use (paddock, shelter, driveway, parking lot, etc.).

Each site has its own specific characteristics and sometimes requires a few adjustments to ensure the stability and durability of the installation.

To find out the best practices for your configuration, see our comprehensive guide here:

Good to know

If you have any questions about the stabilizing slab model and the type of installation to choose, please do not hesitate to contact our teams: contact@tekide.com

Sustainability, maintenance, and return on investment

Tékidé stabilisation mats require regular but minimal maintenance. Simply hosing them down or sweeping them is sufficient. They are also suitable for mechanical sweeping. They are resistant to vehicle traffic, temperature variations, and UV rays.

In terms of convenience, the benefits are clear:

⭐ Easy access for horses and their watering and feeding areas.

⭐ The ability to use tractors and motorized vehicles all year round (for transporting hay, water, manure, etc.).

⭐ No need to add extra material during the winter

⭐ Easier maintenance thanks to the possibility of mechanized sweeping

⭐ No veterinary costs related to mud-related pathologies.

→ Time savings, increased productivity, money savings, better working conditions. In short, many advantages for both humans and horses.

Take action!

Mud is not inevitable.

With Tékidé equestrian stabilisation slabs, you can enjoy clean, safe, and durable ground, while improving the well-being of your horses and the quality of life of your grooms.

🎯 Transform your paddocks into comfortable spaces that are accessible all year round.

📞 Need personalised advice? Contact the Tékidé team!