Both HIT Top Clean and HIT Step Mat are proven ground stabilisation systems that help reduce mud, improve access and protect high-traffic areas. However, they are designed for different applications.
This guide will help horse owners, yard managers, equestrian facilities and landowners choose the solution best suited to their environment and intended use.
Feature | HIT Top Clean | HIT Step Mat |
Purpose: | Durable, grass free surfaces for horses | Ground reinforcement with grass growth |
Ideal for: | Gateways, paddocks, feeding stations, horse tracks and field shelters | Walkways, access routes, parking, event areas, machinery routes and overflow areas |
Material: | Recycled plastic | Recycled plastic |
Mat Size: | 810 x 1140 x 45 mm | 500 x 500 x 55 mm |
Coverage per unit: | 0.92sqm | 0.25sqm |
Weight: | 24.5kg | 9.3kg |
Install method: | Masonry pattern | Interlocking |
Best suited for | Large areas | Small or irregular shapes |
Grass growth | No, maybe some around edges | Yes the mat has holes |
Ease of handling | Larger/heavier - fewer units required | Small/light, easy to handle |
Ground prep | Level ground | Level ground |
Vehicle use | Yes with a sub base | Yes with a sub base |
Horse suitability | Yes | Yes |
Which Should I Choose?
Choose HIT Top Clean if you want to:
- Create a permanent grass-free surface
- Improve muddy gateways, feeding stations or horse tracks
- Cover large areas efficiently using fewer mats
- Install larger individual mats without interlocking
- Create a robust equestrian surface specifically designed for horse traffic
Choose HIT Step Mat if you want to:
- Reinforce existing grass while maintaining a natural appearance
- Improve smaller or irregularly shaped areas
- Install an interlocking modular system
- Extend or reconfigure the area in the future
- Provide stable access for pedestrians, horses, vehicles or machinery
Good to Know
Both systems are designed to improve ground stability and reduce mud caused by heavy use.
For the best performance:
- Install on reasonably level ground.
- Remove large stones or obstructions before laying.
- Where regular vehicle or machinery access is expected, install over an appropriate sub-base.
- Both products are manufactured from durable recycled plastic and require minimal ongoing maintenance.
Still Unsure Which Product is Right?
The right choice depends on how you intend to use the area.
Choose HIT Top Clean for creating robust, grass-free equestrian surfaces in high-traffic horse areas.
Choose HIT Step Mat where you want a flexible modular solution that reinforces the ground while retaining a natural grass finish.
If you're unsure which system is best for your project, the Jelka team will be happy to advise based on your site, intended use and ground conditions.
Can I use both products on the same site?
Yes. Many equestrian facilities use HIT Top Clean in permanently muddy horse areas such as gateways, feeding stations and tracks, while using HIT Step Mat to reinforce grassed parking areas, event spaces or vehicle access routes. Using both products together allows you to select the best solution for each part of your site.