6 Best Rust Proof Horse Step Stools For Coastal Farms That Outlast Salt Air
Salt air quickly rusts standard mounting blocks. We review 6 top rust-proof horse step stools, focusing on durable materials for coastal farm longevity.
That new steel mounting block looked great for about a month, until a fine layer of orange dust appeared after the first coastal fog rolled in. By the end of the season, it was a wobbly, rusted-out hazard you wouldn’t trust to hold a feed bucket, let alone your own weight. For those of us farming near the ocean, the relentless salt air is more than an inconvenience; it’s a destructive force that turns good equipment into scrap metal.
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Salt Air vs. Steel: The Coastal Farmer’s Dilemma
Living by the coast means accepting a constant battle against corrosion. The salt-laden moisture in the air is an electrolyte, dramatically accelerating the rusting process on any unprotected ferrous metal. A simple steel step stool that might last for years inland can become structurally compromised in a single season by the sea.
This isn’t just an aesthetic problem. A rusty weld is a weak weld, and a corroded leg is a failure waiting to happen. When you’re mounting a tall horse or reaching for something on a high shelf in the barn, the last thing you need is for your stool to buckle. Safety, not just longevity, is the primary reason to abandon steel in a coastal environment.
Choosing Materials: Aluminum vs. Molded Plastic
When steel is off the table, the choice typically comes down to two materials: aluminum and high-density molded plastic. Each has distinct advantages and disadvantages in the salt-swept barnyard. Aluminum is incredibly strong for its weight and naturally forms a protective oxide layer that resists rust. However, this layer can still be compromised by salt, leading to pitting and a chalky white corrosion over time.
Molded plastic, on the other hand, is completely inert to salt and moisture. It will never rust, corrode, or pit. Its main enemy is the sun. Over many years, UV radiation can make some plastics brittle, but modern, UV-stabilized polymers used in quality farm equipment hold up remarkably well. The decision often hinges on whether you prioritize the rigid strength of metal or the absolute weather immunity of plastic.
Horsemen’s Pride: A Lightweight, Rust-Free Staple
The classic three-step mounting block from Horsemen’s Pride is a common sight in barns for a good reason. Made from durable, molded polyethylene, it’s practically indestructible under normal use and completely impervious to rust. Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry from the tack room to the arena with one hand.
This portability is its greatest strength. You can toss it in the back of a truck, leave it out in the rain, or hose it down without a second thought. The trade-off is that its light weight can make it feel slightly less planted on soft ground compared to a heavier block. However, for everyday mounting and grooming tasks, its convenience and absolute resistance to salt air are hard to beat.
High Country Plastics: Stability for Uneven Ground
High Country Plastics takes a similar approach but often focuses on stability. Many of their mounting blocks feature a wider, more substantial base. This design is a significant advantage when you’re working on the uneven ground of a pasture or a gravel paddock, where a narrower stool might rock.
This added stability provides a greater sense of security, especially for less confident riders or when mounting a fidgety horse. The extra material makes them a bit heavier and less "tossable" than some other plastic options, but the trade-off is well worth it. If your mounting area isn’t a perfectly level concrete slab, a block with a wider footprint is the safer, smarter choice.
Werner Aluminum Stool: A Versatile Farm Workhorse
Sometimes the best equestrian tool isn’t an equestrian tool at all. A high-quality aluminum step stool, like those made by Werner, is an invaluable asset on any farm. These stools offer a high weight capacity and a rock-solid feel that plastic can’t always match. Their foldable design also makes them incredibly easy to store.
While not designed specifically for mounting, a two or three-step aluminum platform stool is perfect for braiding, clipping, and reaching high shelves. Because it’s aluminum, it won’t rust through like steel. It serves double duty for countless other farm chores, from fixing a fence line to cleaning gutters on the barn. This multi-purpose functionality makes it a wise investment for the resource-conscious farmer.
Porta-Grazer Mounting Block: The Heavy-Duty Pick
For those who want a permanent, bomb-proof solution, the Porta-Grazer mounting block is in a class of its own. Often made from the same super-durable, UV-stabilized plastic as their famous slow feeders, this block is designed to live outside and withstand anything. It’s heavy, wide, and built with a low center of gravity.
This is not a block you’ll be moving around casually. It’s the kind of equipment you place in your main grooming or mounting area and leave there. Its significant weight and solid construction mean it will not tip, slide, or budge, providing the ultimate level of safety and stability. It’s an investment, but it’s likely the last mounting block you’ll ever need to buy.
Plastic vs. Aluminum: Portability and Durability
The choice between plastic and aluminum ultimately comes down to your primary use case.
- Molded Plastic: Choose this for maximum weather resistance and portability. It’s the ideal "grab-and-go" option for moving between the pasture, arena, and wash rack. It’s unbeatable for a dedicated mounting block that will live outdoors.
- Aluminum: Choose this for multi-purpose use and higher weight capacities. It’s the perfect stool for the workshop or tack room, where it can be used for far more than just horse-related tasks. Its rigidity is a major plus for tasks requiring a stable work platform.
Think about how you’ll use the stool 90% of the time. If it’s for mounting a horse outside, plastic is the clear winner. If it’s for a variety of barn chores, with occasional use for mounting, a folding aluminum stool offers more versatility.
Extending Lifespan: Rinsing and Proper Storage
Even "rust-proof" materials benefit from basic care in a salty environment. Salt crystals left on any surface will attract and hold moisture, creating a corrosive brine. The single best thing you can do for your equipment is to give it a quick rinse with fresh water from the hose every now and then.
This simple step washes away the salt deposits that cause pitting on aluminum and prevents grime from building up on plastic. For plastic stools, storing them out of the intense, direct summer sun when not in use can also help prolong the life of the UV inhibitors, preventing the material from becoming brittle over the long term. A little bit of rinsing and thoughtful storage ensures your investment lasts for decades, not just a few seasons.
Choosing the right step stool is a small decision, but it’s one that impacts your daily safety and efficiency. By prioritizing salt-resistant materials like aluminum or molded plastic, you’re not just buying a piece of equipment; you’re investing in a reliable tool that will stand up to the unique challenges of a coastal farm.
