The W.K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Center has received a $150,000 grant from CalRecycle to give a new home to recycled tires. About 34,000 old tires will take on two new forms: a bark-like material to be used as pavement and rubber mats for the horse stalls.

The rubber bark and mats provide better traction and footing for the horses, says Dr. James Alderson, director of the Arabian Horse Center and professor of animal & veterinary sciences. The cushioned material also is kinder to the horses¿ joints.

¿This is a great grant because not only can we use the product, we¿re also taking 34,000 tires out of the landfill,¿ Alderson says. ¿This is the hottest new thing because it cuts down on dust, and you don¿t have to water it as much. Normally, you may find this stuff in high-end stables.¿

Over the next few months, staff will lay down the mats in the 100-some indoor and outdoor stalls and paddocks. The rubber bark, which has been dyed brown, will cover the main arena, courtyard and barns aisles.

The Arabian Horse Center offers monthly Sunday horse shows from October through May. The next show is Oct. 3 at 2 p.m. For more information, visit www.cpp.edu/equine/.

(Top photo: W.K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Center staff stand in front of the new rubber stall mats, which are made from recycled tires. Bottom photo: Megan Herr walks with CP Tatiana over the new rubber bark.)