The golden light, crisp mornings and colourful leaves (and waving goodbye to flies) all make autumn a favourite season for many of us. For horse owners, it also signals shorter days, wetter weather, dark mornings and the return of the dreaded mud. Luckily, with a little preparation, you can make the transition smoother for both you and your horse and even set them up well for the winter months ahead.
Your horse’s autumn needs
Feeding and condition
As grass quality declines, your horse may need a little bit more nutritional support to maintain condition. Keep an eye on weight and body score and consider whether forage needs to be topped up or changed. Horses that tend to lose weight in colder weather may benefit from additional fibre or oil in their diets, while good doers who end up standing in a stable might need soaked hay or cleverly controlled rations to prevent autumn weight gain.
Clipping and rugs
Cooler mornings often lead to warmer afternoons, so it is worth planning your horse’s first clip and having rugs ready to suit different temperatures. Thin-skinned horses may need a lightweight turnout rug sooner than others, while natives with thick coats can often be left un-rugged until the weather turns, and even throughout winter if you prefer. Having a selection of rugs washed, repaired and ready to go will save stress once the rain arrives. Remember, we offer a rug washing service here at Thorpe Farm.
Hoof care
Wetter ground means hooves are at greater risk of thrush and abscesses. Keeping up with regular farrier visits is essential, and picking out feet daily helps prevent problems from building up. A dry standing area in the field or dry and supportive bedding in the stable can also make a real difference to hoof health when the mud arrives…
Fitness and routine
If your competition season is winding down, it’s worth thinking about how you’ll start to adjust your horse’s workload. Maintaining a level of fitness helps support soundness and prevents stiffness, even if goals shift from competing and high levels of fitness to hacking and slow work through the winter. We definitely recommend that you make the most of the lighter evenings while you can because those long dark evenings are coming soon. When the ground gets muddy, the gallops here at Thorpe Farm are an excellent way to keep horses working safely. You don’t have to gallop or do fast work – you’ll find that your horse being more forward going means it’s the perfect place to practise transitions or lateral work! The water treadmill provides gentle, low-impact cardio and is ideal for dark evenings as an alternative to endless circles in the school.
Preparing your yard for autumn
Stable checks
If your horse is set to spend more time indoors, give your stables a thorough clean now. Check for leaks, draughts and any sharp edges that might cause injury, clear away cobwebs and dust and make sure windows, drinkers and door latches still work. Good airflow is vital for equine respiratory health, so balance warmth with ventilation.
Bedding
Autumn is a good time to review bedding choices and stock up on what you need for winter. Dust-free options can help horses prone to coughs, whereas straw can be a popular choice for bedding down youngstock barns or field shelters.
Lighting and safety
As evenings draw in, test your yard and school lights and replace any bulbs. Having a reliable torch and headlamp to hand will also make dark mornings and evenings easier, especially if you’re turning out or bringing in horses in the gloom. And, you’ll be very thankful for a headtorch if you have a power cut when you’re in a hurry and need to feed or muck out!
Storage and supplies
Have a good tidy and clear up of any storage areas while the ground is (mostly) dry and the days are light. That might mean sweeping out hay barns and feed rooms, clearing up rug piles and sporting out tubs of supplements and medications.
Muck management
Wet conditions can make muck heaps harder to manage and you don’t want to risk nasty run off getting into the water courses. Whether it’s arranging more regular collections or creating a new storage area, it’s easier to stay on top of things before the ground becomes muddy.
Horse health and wellbeing
Autumn can also bring seasonal challenges such as coughs from dust or stiffness from colder temperatures. The salt therapy chamber is particularly helpful when horses spend more time stabled, as it supports respiratory health by counteracting stable dust from bedding and dried forage. It can also benefit coat health, which is valuable for horses with sensitive skin under rugs or those clipped out for the season. Alongside this, gentle physiotherapy or stretching routines may be useful as exercise patterns change.
Top tips for owners
The shift in season often means extra yard work for you too. Keeping a diary to track feeding, rugging and fitness progress can help you stay organised and spot small changes before they become bigger issues. Try to see this time as an opportunity to reset routines, prepare for winter and spend quality time with your horse. And don’t forget to look after yourself! The shorter days and more stable jobs – often done in the dark and cold – can feel overwhelming, so small steps like keeping waterproofs ready and planning your own downtime matter too.
If you decide you need some winter sun to rest and recharge your batteries, our holiday livery diary is open through to the New Year…