I love mats, they are an easy way of cleaning a stall, although you also want to put something on top of the mats for beding. I happen to like just plain shavings. I do not care for straw at all considering it takes too long to clean out, its messy, and does not aborb pee very well. Using just mats and nothing at all on top does not allow the horse any cushion and will create bed sores and also will not aborb pee at all.