“enhancing animal welfare under foot” · Natural tyre rubber, the SureFoot® Cushion Mat is a...

Sales Hotline: 1800 255 943 www.surefootmat.com.au RPS Industries Pty Ltd - 4 Wills Street, Warragul, Victoria 3820Fax: (03) 5623 3397

“enhancing animal welfare under foot”

Applications

Treadmill entry and exit Horse float

Training pool Washdown bay

Laneway / breezeway Stall

Sales Hotline: 1800 255 943 www.surefootmat.com.au 4 Wills Street, Warragul, Victoria 3820Fax: (03) 5623 3397

FEEDLOTS

c Technical Specifications Page

c Testimonial

c Product in Focus SureFoot® Mat SureFoot® Cushion Mat Parade Mat Equine Surface Horse Float Insertion Roll Matting SureFoot® ‘Easy-Fix’ System

c Racecourses / Turf Clubs Morphetville Racecourse Cranbourne Training Centre

c Stables / Trainers McEvoy Mitchell Racing Graeme Gathercole “Graebar Park” Mileshan Nominees Carlee Knight

c Selling Complexes Ingis Equine Sales Facility

c Transport Transmend Floats, Trucks and Trailers MCF Specialist Trailers

RACECOURSES / TURF CLUBSSTABLES / TRAINERS

SELLING COMPLEXES

TRANSPORT

surefootmat

Quick Reference Index


Technical Specifications

SureFoot® Mat Technical SpecificationsThickness 18mm

Length 1800mm

Width 1220mm

Weight 50kg per mat

Material Rubber (shore hardness 65+2)

Installation holes 16 per mat

Method of fixing RPS concrete fasteners; steel fasterners or timber fasteners


Here’s what a leading animal welfare organisation have to say about the RPS SureFoot® Equine Mat !

Here’s what a leading animal welfare organisation has to say about the RPS SureFoot® Mat“The RSPCA has seen RPS SureFoot®

mats in use in major traffic areas at various locations. The RSPCA believes that SureFoot® mats have the potential to improve the welfare of horses in a range of situations, e.g. in laneways, stalls, on trucks and floats, and any other areas where horses are required to stand for longer periods. For horse mats to reduce the discomfort or injury caused by prolonged standing or horses slipping and falling on hard surfaces, they must be made of an appropriately yielding material while at the same time providing sufficient grip – particularly when the mat is wet. SureFoot® mats should be well maintained and need to be replaced as soon as they no longer provide the secure footing for which they were designed”.RSPCA Australia

Testimonial


SureFoot® MatThe SureFoot® Mat improves ‘Welfare for animals and

people’ by providing a safer surface under foot!

How the SureFoot® Mat solves the problem1. Reduces the OH&S risks to jockeys by

providing a ‘safer’ surface;2. It provides a soft and ‘forgiving’ surface

that reduces impact and protects the hoof’s soft tissue from unnecessary trauma and damage;

3. It’s rubber compound improves the grip available to the animals, reducing slippage by as much as 89%;

4. The unique diamond pattern helps provide a secure footing for the animals, significantly reducing the incidence of slippage and catastrophic tendon damage;

5. SureFoot® mats are also quicker and easier to clean - saving valuable water and time.

Slipping and SpreadingAsphalt, concrete or other unstable surfaces in equine facilities can be very slippery and dangerous. Combined with the use of metal horse shoes it is a significant concern for operators. Impacts include:- Potential injury to jockeys when horses

fall over- Spreading as they attempt to get up

causing catastrophic damage to leg tendons and lower spine

- Destruction of the animal (replacement cost)

- Distress caused to other horses in the surrounding environment

Easy InstallationSureFoot® Mats are easily installed over any concrete, metal or timber surface using SureFoot® fixing products.

A Good InvestmentSureFoot® Mat is a simple, yet powerfully effective product that helps operators maintain a high level of safety without the need for ongoing management or intervention.

Once installed, SureFoot® Mats continue to deliver financial and facility management benefits for many years.

Positive Occupational Health & Safety StandardsThe use of the SureFoot® Mat significantly increases the safety to jockeys, trainers, stable hands and other people working around horses.Data collected from facilities that use the SureFoot® Mat shows outstanding improvements to a safer operating environment.

Cleaner EnvironmentThe use of SureFoot® Mats provides exceptional improvement for a cleaner environment. The level of dust from dirty surfaces and the harbouring of harmful bacteria in bedding products is completely eliminated.

Hard Wearing Rubber CompoundThe SureFoot® Mat is manufactured using a hard wearing and extremely durable rubber compound which has been especially formulated for this purpose. The compound blend of recycled and new virgin rubbers also features superior shock absorbing properties which provides outstanding protection for animals.

Cost SavingsUsing SureFoot® Mat in an equine facility costs significantly less for bedding and labour.

Applications include:• Breezeways / laneways• Crossover tracks• Underpasses• Equine swimming pools• Loading ramps• Racing complex day stalls

Product in Focus


Product in FocusSureFoot® Cushion Mat

RPS’s SureFoot® Cushion Mat providesexceptional cushioning and durability,

and dramatically improves youranimal’s welfare under foot.

The RPS SureFoot® Cushion Mat is a revolutionary surface solution which ensures animal welfare under foot.

Benefits• Greater animal comfort - provides a soft

& warm floor that insulates your horse against cold and dampness.

• Eliminates bedding which can generate harmful dust and costly man hours in mucking out stalls. Bedding can also be displaced leaving exposed floors.

• Unique ‘3 step cushion’ design allows for exceptional drainage and superior ventilation - inhibits bacteria growth.

• High quality rubber compound which is incredibly long lasting.

• Easy to install - no fasteners required and can be placed onto concrete or crushed rock surface.

Environmental BenefitsBeing manufactured from reclaimed SBR/Natural tyre rubber, the SureFoot® Cushion Mat is a ‘green’ product and reduces the carbon foot-print.

Applications:• Horse stables• Exercise areas• Breezeways• Vet bays

SureFoot® Cushion Mat Technical Specifications

Thickness 30mm

Width 1800mm x 1200mm

Weight 60kg

Material Reclaimed SBR & natural rubber‘3 Step Cushion’ under surface Top surface


Product in Focus

Parade MatEquine Surface

RPS’s Parade Mat Surface can be installed in a single day,

resists tearing, and provides years of service!

Benefits• A one piece ‘closed cell’ rubber system

which is longer lasting than alternative wet-pour rubber surfaces

• Premium quality EPDM rubber surface which provides exceptional fade resistance

• Highly resistant to horse shoes

• Installed one day, use the next

• Shock absorbing energy return track system which is fantastic for horses and people

Applications:• Racetrack parade areas

• Laneways / breezeways

• Anywhere hoof protection is required

Technical Specifications

Material EPDM rubber surface supported by an ultra high quality natural & SBR rubber base

Track Thickness 13mm

Shock Absorption 34 to 40%


Product in FocusHorse Float

Insertion Roll Matting“A hard wearing horse float mat that

is dimensionally stable, resists tearing and is good for horses...”

The RPS Horse Float Insertion Roll is specifically designed to be applied to horse float floors in a single piece avoiding the need for joins.

Benefits• Shock absorbing properties - provides

outstanding protection for horses• Textured surface which ensures a safer

floor surface by delivering extra grip.• Non-porous so will not absorb fluids, nor

support bacteria growth. It’s also very easy to clean.

• High quality rubber compound which is Incredibly long lasting.

• Wide rolls - NO JOINS !A single piece can be applied avoiding the need for time wasting butt joins.

Environmental BenefitsBeing manufactured from reclaimed SBR/natural tyre rubber, the Float Insertion Mat is a ‘green’ product and reduces the carbon foot-print.

Applications:• Horse floats• Goose necks & horse trucks

Technical SpecificationsThickness 6mm and 10mm

Widths 1.65m and 2.0m

Sure Hardness 3.5mpa

Material Reclaimed SBR & natural rubber


Product in Focus

SureFoot®‘Easy-Fix’ SystemNo Concrete? No Problem!

The SureFoot ® ‘Easy-Fix’ System enables you to gain

all the benefits of the patented SureFoot ® Mat without having

to first lay a concrete base.The SureFoot® ‘Easy-Fix’ System can be installed directly over dirt and is specifically designed to provide a practical, durable and cost-effective solution for high traffic pressure points such as laneways and loafing pads.

Benefits• Enhances animal welfare and reduces

lameness

• Easy to install, maintain and clean

• Prevents erosion in high traffic areas

• Cost effective - no need to lay a concrete base

• Reduces cross contamination between surface areas

• Excellent load bearing capacity

Applications:• Laneways

• Crossovers

Technical SpecificationsThickness 78mm

Mat width 1220mm

Mat length 1830mm

Crush strength 225t/m2

Another SureFoot ® solution . . .

Can be laid directly over dirt! No concreting required!

An ‘easy-fix’ to a difficult problem . . .

The SureFoot ® Easy-Fix System - it’s cost effective and it works!


RACECOURSES / TURF CLUBS

Case Study

Morphettville Racecourse, South AustraliaSureFoot® Mat for Multiple Applications

Morphettville Racecourse is the premier track of South Australia and home to the South Australian Jockey Club.

The club holds up to 60 race meets a year with in excess of 5,500 starters annually. Up to 400 horses use the facility each day for 6 days per week.

The variability of the current surfacing prompted further research into a more viable and durable product able to withstand the demands of intensive use and to importantly, provide exceptional safety benefits to horses and riders.

Parallel trials were undertaken in an intensive use area for a period of 12 months using the RPS SureFoot® Mat and an alternative product. The results spoke for themselves as Jason Paech – Operations Manager explains … “the SureFoot®

matting showed superior durability and slip-resistance, which were the two primary KPI’s critical to the decision”.

Jason Paech, Operations Manager – had this to say;

“The Surefoot® matting has a significant difference to other products we have used in the past at our venue. It’s ridged ‘diamond’ design provides excellent traction for horses travelling in all directions and in all conditions; however feels very different underfoot.

In an environment where change can often be questioned, this new product is rapidly gaining acceptance by a very discerning group of stakeholders as a result of how well it ‘wears in’ and acknowledgement, or realization over time, that it is indeed providing an improvement to safety in a high-risk environment.

We would go out of our way to recommend these products for similar applications…. we were impressed by the ‘can-do’ attitude and innovative solutions offered in response to concerns raised throughout our investigation…. The proactive approach adopted, was a welcome surprise… We believe we have the most efficient and cost effective solution available”.

In response to the high performance, cost benefits and versatility of the SureFoot® Mat, Morphettville Race Course installed approximately 2000m2 of SureFoot® matting in various areas throughout the facility including walkways, horse stalls, race day stalls, wash down areas and walk-on / walk-off areas of the equine pool.

Stakeholder confidence in the SureFoot® Mat product and the ability of RPS Industries to deliver ‘real solutions’ to complex problems has resulted in proposed further works to be undertaken. These works will address cross-contamination issues identified on a section of crossing between training tracks whereby sand was being transferred between surfaces via the horses’ feet as they crossed over.

It is anticipated the SureFoot® Mat ‘Easy-Fix’ System will be installed to “provide a firm-surface ‘buffer’ to knock sand trapped in horses’ feet before walking over the Pro-Ride, without compromising safety”.


RACECOURSES / TURF CLUBS

Case Study

Cranbourne Training Centre, VictoriaSureFoot® Matting in Underpass

Cranbourne Training Centre the largest Horse training facility in the Southern Hemisphere accommodates up to 800 horses per day.

An underpass which leads horses onto the centre of the ground previously had some old matting which was made up of laid pieces. These rubber pieces moved around, provided trip points, and were often slippery particularly when wet which made the underpass unsafe.

The facility considered several options and had some specific requirements, mainly the surface needed to be rubber and easy to clean.

For some years RPS rubber matting products had been used in other areas of the facility and therefore was approached to forward a proposal on a suitable product for this application.

Simon Hodgson Tracks & Facility Manager had this to say;

”Its’ normally very difficult to get projects up and running, but working with RPS was fantastic. They worked around us and met the timeframes we needed to stay to.

When you’ve potentially got about $80 million of thoroughbred racehorses training around here, if one slips and does a tendon it makes it a very expensive mistake.

It was costing us about $40,000 per year to sand the tunnel to stop slipping, but now with RPS SureFoot® matting I’m saving that money and more importantly, the riders and horses are safer.

I couldn’t be happier with the project outcome and have recommended RPS to others”.

Based on the experience and success of RPS’ SureFoot® mats Cranbourne Training Centre installed a trial area. The mats provided immediate improvement by eliminating the slippery surface as well as any drainage problems associated with sand which was previously spread over the existing mats for traction and in turn, blocked up the drains.

From this positive outcome Cranbourne Training Centre engaged RPS to complete the entire area of 1000 sq.m. in the SureFoot® Mat.

Since the installation the feedback from riders has been unquestionably good and the cleaning of the surface has taken significantly less time and without clogging up drains.


STABLES / TRAINERS

Case Study

McEvoy Mitchell Racing, South AustraliaMatting for Steep Laneway

Kildalton Park is a multi-faceted state-of-the-art training facility located in Angaston in the heart of the Barossa Valley. It is home to McEvoy Mitchell Racing and accommodates up to 80 racing thoroughbreds.

The horses that are trained within the complex represent a substantial investment to the owners and shareholders and providing a safe and progressive environment for both the animals and facility staff is paramount in the complex’s commitment in protecting these assets.

The undulating topography of the centre presented some challenges, particularly in wet weather when the surfaces were prone to becoming slippery.

Spokesperson Dave Gordon – had this to say;

“SureFoot® matting provided an outstanding solution to a horse welfare and work health safety risk when we used it to recommission a steep bitumised path that had become slippery due to wear.

With SureFoot® matting both horse and handler can now access the route with confidence.”

The proactive approach of McEvoy Mitchell Racing in the installation of the SureFoot® Equine Mat has ensured that the potential risk to horses and handlers has be substantially reduced.

McEvoy Mitchell Racing became aware of the SureFoot® Mat through their association with the Morphettville Race Course. They were impressed with the quality of the SureFoot® matting which RPS had installed at the racing club and initially contacted RPS to enquire about matting for their training pool.

During the consultation process, a potentially hazardous area between the stables and walker was identified and in accordance with their risk management strategy, a decision was made to install the SureFoot® Mat. The result has been increased traction, smoother transition between areas and reduced risk to staff and horses.


STABLES / TRAINERS

Case Study

Graeme Gathercole ‘Graebar Park’, VictoriaSureFoot® Matting in Thoroughbred Complex

Graeme Gathercole a long time breeder and owner of racing thoroughbreds recently installed RPS’ SureFoot® matting in his Mornington Peninsula thoroughbred complex.

The home of more than 45 horses required upgrading of some of its surfacing which was tired, worn and deteriorated to be non-effective. The areas of importance included the entry and exit to the tread mill, the wash down bays and several stalls mainly used by younger horses.

RPS met with Graeme and made some recommendations to improve the facilities surfacing and in turn ensure the areas are safe and more comfortable for the horses.

Graeme Gathercole ‘Graebar Park’ owner had this to say;

”After installing the RPS matting the younger horses are now happy to lay down more on the rubber surface because of the comfort. The matting also gives good cushioning and the horses don’t slip over which can cause injury.

The outcome was as expected and what RPS said they’d do, actually happened !

I would use RPS again and recommend them to others”.

Based on the previous experience and success of RPS’ SureFoot® Mat for providing exceptional grip, the Tread mill entry and exit surfaces were installed with this product. This eliminated any chance of horses slipping and provided better control than the existing concrete surface. The wash down bays were installed with the same product to provide a similar outcome.

Within the stalls the Cushion Mat was used. This provides fantastic comfort and reduces the need for other bedding.

As younger horses mainly use these stalls it is particularly important they stand on a surface which provides grip, but also ensures comfort when lying down.


STABLES / TRAINERS

Case Study

Mileshan Nominees, VictoriaMatting for Stable Complex

Mileshan Nominees, a high profile business in the Australian Thoroughbred industry recently turned to RPS Industries for a solution to their stable surfacing.

Mileshan CEO Mark Mastroianni had some concerning surface areas he wanted to improve, and called in RPS for some professional advice on how to improve it.

The first area which Mark wanted a solution for the horse stalls. The existing floor was concrete and there was very little warmth and no protection, and once the bedding was displaced it was a hard and cold place for the horses to rest. Considering the incredible value of some of these animals Mark knew this was a priority to improve it.

Mark Mastroianni, Mileshan Nominees CEO had this to say;

“I knew we needed rubber surfacing in our concerning areas RPS was fantastic at explaining the advantages of their products and recommended the right product for the right application.

Since installing the RPS rubber matting, the horses seem to be much more comfortable and don’t resist walking over it.

When using the loading ramp they are certainly more confident and don’t slip which makes loading so much easier.

I’m really happy with the new RPS matting, it lives up to expectations”.

RPS recommended its Stall Cushion Mat for this application. The Stall Cushion Mat features an underneath ‘multi-step’ cushioning function that provides superior comfort for the horse and durability to outlast other surfaces of its kind.

The second area RPS provided a solution for was the newly refurbished loading ramp. Previously when loading horses over this ramp and onto vehicles the ramp created a drumming noise which caused the animals to resist being loaded and consequently slip.

The SureFoot® Mat, ideally suited for this application was installed and eliminated any drumming noise. This provided the horses with greater confidence when being loaded and eliminated any chance of horses falling over and causing injuries.


STABLES / TRAINERS

Case Study

Carlee Knight, Bairnsdale, VictoriaSureFoot® Matting in Equine Exercise Pool

Carlee Knight a Bairnsdale horse trainer and horse centre retailer, recently moved her training operations to new premises. Following her philosophy and training regime, she believes it is essential that horses are exercised in a water filled swimming pool, so Carlee set out to build one.

Carlee’s swimming pool was built by excavating a 80 metre length channel and then by installing 15 metre long concrete entry and exit ramps at either end. At this point Carlee was unsure how to provide traction on these ramps so the horses wouldn’t slip over.

In the past Carlee had used RPS Industries to provide rubber surfacing in her stalls, so automatically she contacted RPS to see what solution could be provided.

Carlee had this to say;

”When dealing with RPS there is no stuffing around, they know their products and I was happy to go with whatever recommendation they made.

It was so easy…….. when I arrived home the new swimming pool ramp surfacing was all done and it looked fantastic!

The horses love it because they come out so much easier even when they’re tired and it’s so much safer too!

I’m really happy with the outcome and I wouldn’t hesitate recommending RPS to anyone”.

Based on Carlee’s past experience and success of RPS’ other rubber surfacing, her decision was completely left to RPS.

Within a matter of days the new rubber SureFoot® matting surface had been installed onto the ramps so Carlee could begin filling the pool with water and to begin using her facility.

On first use Carlee immediately noticed how much easier the horses exited the pool particularly when tired from the training.

From a safety point of view the matting had also eliminated any chances of horses falling over and causing injuries.


SELLING COMPLEXES

Case Study

Inglis Equine Sales Facility, VictoriaRubber Surfacing in Veterinary Facility

Established in 1867, William Inglis & Son Ltd are Bloodstock Agents and Auctioneers located in Newmarket NSW and Oaklands in Victoria. The Victorian sales complex set on 100 acres of prime land incorporates 8 stable blocks, a world-class indoor sales auditorium and a state of the art veterinary facility. The complex houses up to 800 horses at any given time.

Home to the annual calendar of ‘Inglis Bloodstock Sales’, the Oaklands complex was developed to accommodate the progressive Victorian market.

The company boasts a proven history of excellence in its field with many of the nation’s finest thoroughbreds passing through the facility. William Inglis & Son Ltd have been instrumental in the sale of many premium blood lines including the champion mare ‘Black Caviar’.

Sam Fitzgerald, Complex Manager had this to say;

“RPS is great to deal with and very helpful”. When asked if they had received any feedback or complaints his response was… “No feedback is good! No Complaints!”

In the course of discussions it was identified that “metal horse shoes on sloping concrete surfaces is a potential hazard for horses and handlers”.

RPS recommended the use of the SureFoot® Mat in these areas to minimize risk to animals and handlers. In response, William Inglis are currently working with RPS Industries to install the SureFoot® Mat on concrete rises throughout the complex. This will reduce the risk of slipping and injury to animals and staff.

The flooring within the veterinary facility was originally bare concrete which was unsuitable for animals being scoped and pregnancy tested.

Traditionally an alternative flooring such as straw or vacuumed shavings would be placed over the concrete however the rubber has proven to be more suitable and economical. These ‘loose’ fibres have the potential to cause respiratory issues in the horses, they move when walked on and are hard to contain within the stall, often flowing out into the laneways.

RPS Industries provided William Inglis with a low maintenance and durable solution which provided the animals with a comfortable and dust free environment.


TRANSPORT

Case Study

Transmend Floats, Trucks & Trailers, VictoriaFloat and Trailer Matting

Transmend Floats, Trucks and Trailers are a family owned and operated business which not only manufactures custom built and quality floats and trailers but also undertakes smash-repairs, conversions and refurbishment of existing carriers.

Using only the best steel and finishing products available Transmend trailers are attractive, strong and durable. Phil and Sue take great care in ensuring that every vehicle to leave the factory floor is of premium standard and safe for both horses and humans.

Sue Sporys, joint owner of Transmend Floats Trucks and Trailers had this to say;

“We chose RPS products because of the quality…

RPS is very efficient and provides good customer service… the products look nice and they do the job!

We’ll continue to use RPS matting moving forward and are more than happy to recommend the product to others.”

In her search for a quality rubber matting product which was to be used in around 80% of the trailers produced, Sue found RPS Industries via the internet and subsequently contacted us for further information and advice.

Impressed with the quality products, the expert advice and the customer service, Sue chose RPS matting products over other brands because of the superior quality. From this, a strong and lasting business alliance was formed and Sue commented that she has found “the Company’s approach and solution-focused recommendations to be ‘wonderful’.”


TRANSPORT

Case Study

MCF Specialist Trailers are manufacturers of premium gooseneck trailers for horses and motorsport and each trailer is custom designed to meet the specific needs of the client.

When their original supplier discontinued the supply of the rubber matting products used in the construction process, MCF Specialist Trailers sought out RPS to undertake their ongoing supply. RPS matting products are now used in over 70-80% of the total number of trailers produced.

MCF Specialist Trailers were looking for a product that not only met their requirements aesthetically but which provided the ‘right range’ of the ‘right quality’ at the ‘right price’.

Tony Moule, owner of MCF Specialist Trailers had this to say;

“We’ve used RPS matting for several years and the products complement the overall design of the trailers we produce.

The product sells itself and the service is good. We’ve have no issues and our clients are happy with the quality of the products we produce.

RPS is easy to deal with and we are happy to recommend them…. just this week we recommended them to one of our interstate business associates.”

As MCF Specialist Trailer’s supplier, RPS Industries is able to meet their premium matting requirements through products such as Hammer Groove insertion rolls, Tailgate mats and Horse Float insertion rolls for the construction of horse floats and Round Dot and Check Plate matting in motorsport trailers.

The anti-slip and cushioning effects of RPS rubber matting ensures that the risk of injuries to animals and damage to equipment and trailers is reduced.

The superior quality of RPS Rubber matting is complementary to the overall finish and contributes to the first-class quality of the end product.

MCF Specialist Trailers, VictoriaFloat and Trailer Matting

Case Study

Sales Hotline: 1800 255 943 www.surefootmat.com.au

Date post:	13-Jul-2020
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“enhancing animal welfare under foot” · Natural tyre rubber, the SureFoot® Cushion Mat is a...

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