As the leaves are turning and the nights are getting shorter, we as horse owners are starting to go through that transitional period. Getting the right thickness rug is a challenge, and we are all thinking about getting feed and bedding supplies ready for the winter months. With the change of seasons comes a new set of responsibilities to prepare for. We have put together this comprehensive guide to autumn horse care, designed to keep your horse in good condition throughout the season.
1. Adjusting the Diet: Preparing For Winter Weight
With the temperatures starting to drop, horses naturally burn more energy to keep warm so autumn is a critical time to adjust your horse’s diet according to their condition. For many horses, particularly those living out, supplementary feeding becomes quite important. Remember that slower grass growth may cause a shortage in forage, so feeding high-quality hay is important.
Ensure your horse also has free access to water, and remember they may drink less if the temperature dips so warming the water may encourage them to drink more. Supplement your horse’s diet with vitamins, particularly Vitamin E and Omega-3 oils to support a healthy coat.
2. Worming: Seasonal Parasite Management
Autumn is the perfect time to manage parasites, particularly with the risk of encysted small redworm which can lead to colic. Autumn is also the time when your horse can pick up tapeworms as they graze, so worming during this time of year is incredibly important. As well as testing your horse’s worm burden with a faecal egg count (FEC), you should also worm your horse after the first frost as this is when parasites are less active.
3. Caring For Their Coat
Autumn brings with it shedding season as horses start growing a thicker, more protective winter coat. Of course this is a completely natural process, but does result in a lot of loose hair so extra grooming is essential. A rubber curry comb is a great tool for loosening hair and debris from the coat. Brushing your horse regularly will also help to distribute natural oils in their coat.
If your horse is still in regular work then they may need clipping to help reduce sweating and speed up post-exercise cool-downs to avoid chills. If you do clip your horse, make sure they are rugged appropriately to compensate for the loss of their natural insulation.
4. Finding The Balance With Rugs
As temperatures fluctuate it can be incredibly hard to know when and how to rug your horse. Remember that each horse is individual and you know your horse better than anyone else. Factors such as age, body condition, breed and whether your horse is clipped will all influence your decision. It is important to avoid over-rugging as this will cause overheating and discomfort. Here are a few tips to help you:
- Monitor the weather closely and assess your horse’s comfort daily.
- Use lightweight turnout rugs during milder autumn days, and medium-weights as the weather cools a bit more.
If your horse is clipped you may need to rug the earlier to compensate for their loss of natural coat.
5. Hoof Care
Autumn usually brings with it a bit wetter weather, which unfortunately means more mud for us horse owners. Wet, muddy ground can lead to several hoof-related problems such as mud-fever, thrush and abscesses so regular care is key. Here is our autumn hoof care checklist:
- Pick out hooves daily, especially after your horse has been in a muddy paddock.
- Apply a hoof conditioner to prevent cracks and keep hooves healthy in wet conditions.
- If your horse is prone to thrush, use anti-thrush treatment particularly after prolonged exposure to wet ground.
6. Paddock Management
The chances of wind and rain increase through the autumn months so providing your horse with enough shelter is key. If your horse is kept out, ensure they have enough access to natural shelter like trees, or ideally a purpose-built field shelter.
Good paddock management is also important in autumn to ensure the land remains in good condition. Rotate fields if possible, and add hardcore to any wet or muddy gateways before they get too bad. It is also a good time to carry out fencing checks and repair these before the weather worsens.
7. Veterinary Health Checks
Autumn is the perfect time to carry out a health check on your horse, helping to prevent any undiagnosed conditions from being problematic during the colder months. It is also a good time to check your horse’s vaccinations and ensure these are all up to date. Cold weather can lead to a weakened immune system over the winter months, making horses more susceptible to illness.
8. Tack and Equipment Care
Autumn is a great time to take stock of all the equipment you have. Cooler weather often means damp conditions, which can cause leather to become moudly and damaged. Here are a few tack care tips:
- Clean your tack thoroughly after every ride to remove sweat and dirt which can all contribute to leather cracking.
- Apply a quality leather conditioner to prevent tack from drying out and to help keep it supple.
- Ensure all stitching and buckles are in good condition before winter work increases.
It is also a good time to check blankets, rugs and other equipment for wear and tear before winter truly sets in.
A Proactive Approach To Autumn Horse Care
By taking a proactive approach to your horse’s care during autumn you are being as prepared as possible for the winter season. Be sure to stock up on supplies including wormers, supplements and hoof care products on our website. With the right preparation, you will be able to set your horse up for a healthy and happy winter ahead.