Caring for your horse this Autumn

Embracing Autumn: Stabling and Grooming Your Horse

Autumn has arrived, bringing with it a palette of warm colours, crisp air, and the sound of leaves crunching. For equestrians, this season offers a unique opportunity to bond with their horses, as stabling and grooming become an essential part of daily care. In this blog post, we’ll explore the joys and challenges of looking after your equine companion during the autumn months. Read below for more on caring for your horse this Autumn.

The Comforts of Stabling

As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, stabling your horse often becomes a priority. While horses are incredibly resilient creatures, providing them with a warm and sheltered environment in autumn is ideal for their well-being.

Protection from the Elements: Autumn in the UK often brings unpredictable weather, including rain, wind, and chilly temperatures. Stabling your horse at night and during harsh weather conditions ensures their comfort and health.

Nutritional Needs: With the changing season, the availability of fresh pasture may decrease. This is the perfect time to adjust your horse’s diet, offering them a balanced and nutritious feed while stabled.

Protection from the Elements: Autumn in the UK often brings unpredictable weather, including rain, wind, and chilly temperatures. Stabling your horse at night and during harsh weather conditions ensures their comfort and health.

Grooming in Autumn: A Bonding Experience

Grooming is an integral part of horse care, and autumn presents a unique set of grooming challenges and delights.

Moulting Season: As the temperature drops and daylight hours decrease, horses start to shed their summer coats in preparation for the colder months. Regular grooming sessions help remove loose hair and dirt, promoting a healthy coat.

Healthy Skin and Hooves: The wetter weather can make hooves susceptible to moisture-related issues. Regular cleaning and checking for signs of thrush or other infections is crucial. Similarly, keep an eye on your horse’s skin for any signs of rain scald or mud fever.

Warm Blanketing: Autumn is the time to invest in good-quality horse blankets. Ensure your horse is appropriately rugged to keep them warm and dry when turned out or stabled.

Fall Riding Tips

Autumn offers excellent riding opportunities, with cooler temperatures and stunning Welsh landscapes. However, it’s essential to take some precautions:

Visibility: With shorter daylight hours, visibility becomes a concern. Always wear high-visibility gear and equip your horse with reflective equipment when riding on the roads.

Terrain Awareness: Be cautious of slippery or muddy terrain, especially after rain. Adjust your riding plans accordingly and consider using studs for added traction.

Warm-Up Routine: Before riding, spend extra time warming up your horse’s muscles to prevent stiffness, especially on colder days.

Check Tack: Autumn weather can affect leather tack, making it prone to drying out and cracking. Regularly clean and condition your tack to keep it in good condition.

Autumn Reflection

As the leaves change colour and the countryside transforms, autumn is a time for reflection and gratitude. Spend quality time with your horse, appreciating the beauty of the season and the bond you share. The equestrian community knows that autumn is not just a season; it’s a time of renewal and connection with our equine companions. So, embrace the changing weather, the cozy stables, and the joyful grooming sessions, and make the most of this beautiful time of year with your beloved horse.