From lighter evenings and summer grass to cooler mornings, wetter weather and muddy gateways – autumn has a habit of sneaking up on us.
One minute you’re wondering whether your horse really needs another fly rug, and the next you’re standing in the feed room wondering where all the hay has come from!
September is a time of transition for horses. The weather can change dramatically from one day to the next, turnout routines may start to shift, grass growth changes and many horses begin moving towards a different workload or living arrangement.
So, how can you help your horse make the transition comfortably?
1. Don’t wait for autumn to arrive before making changes
The biggest mistake with seasonal changes is treating them like a switch.
Your horse’s routine, diet and management are better changed gradually wherever possible. If your horse is going to spend more time stabled over the coming months, start introducing this gradually rather than suddenly changing from 24/7 turnout to long periods indoors.
The same applies to feed and forage. Any significant dietary changes should be introduced progressively, allowing your horse time to adapt.
Think of September as the “transition month” rather than the month when everything changes overnight.
2. Keep an eye on weight – autumn grass can be deceptive
The grass may not look as lush as it did earlier in the year, but that doesn’t necessarily mean your horse is getting fewer calories.
Some horses can maintain or even gain weight during the autumn, so regular monitoring is important. Feeling your horse’s condition, using a weigh tape and keeping an eye on changes can help you spot trends before they become a problem.
And remember: not every horse needs feeding up just because winter is coming.
A good-quality forage supply may be exactly what one horse needs, while another may need careful calorie management.
Every horse is different, so resist the temptation to copy what the horse in the next stable is having.
3. Prepare for the return of stabling
For many horses, autumn means more time in the stable.
That means less natural movement, less grazing and potentially more time eating conserved forage.
Make the transition as positive as possible. Think about your horse’s access to forage, opportunities for movement and social contact with other horses.
If your horse becomes unsettled when coming in, take things slowly. Increasing stable time gradually can make the transition much easier.
And don’t forget that boredom is a management issue too. A horse spending more time indoors needs an environment that encourages natural behaviours such as eating, resting and interacting with other horses where possible.
4. The rug debate is officially back…
Ah yes. The annual question:
“Is it rugging weather yet?”
The answer isn’t necessarily the same for every horse.
A native pony with a magnificent winter coat may be perfectly comfortable while your finer-coated, clipped competition horse is shivering at the thought of a chilly morning.
When deciding whether your horse needs a rug, consider:
- Temperature and weather conditions
- Wind and rain
- Whether your horse is clipped
- Breed and natural coat
- Body condition
- Age
- Workload
- Access to shelter
- Time spent indoors and outdoors
The BHS advises considering the individual horse rather than simply rugging because the humans on the yard are cold. It also recommends checking horses regularly and avoiding over-rugging, particularly when temperatures change significantly throughout the day.
So before reaching for the heavyweight, take a moment to think about your horse, not your own jumper collection.
5. Don’t forget the changing workload
For competition horses, autumn can mark the end of a busy summer season.
Some horses may be coming back from a break, while others are moving into winter training. Your horse’s nutritional requirements should reflect their workload rather than simply the time of year.
A horse doing less work may need fewer calories, while a horse continuing to train and compete may still need nutritional support appropriate to their workload.
It’s also a good time to review your current feeding routine.
Ask yourself:
Is my horse still getting what they need for the work they are doing now?
If the answer is no, speak to your nutritionist, feed advisor or vet about making appropriate changes.
6. Keep supporting the basics
Seasonal change is a good reminder that supplements should sit alongside good overall management – not replace it.
Good-quality forage, appropriate nutrition, fresh water, regular exercise, dental care, farriery and veterinary care remain the foundations of horse health throughout the year.
At Vetro Collection, our range has been developed to support horses across different stages of life and workloads, making it easier to build nutritional support around the individual horse.
Whether you’re looking to support your horse during a change in workload, maintain their nutritional routine or provide targeted nutritional support as they head into the cooler months, choose products according to your horse’s individual needs.
7. Check those hooves and legs!
Autumn usually means one thing is guaranteed:
MUD.
And lots of it.
As fields become wetter, keep checking your horse’s legs and feet regularly. Mud, standing water and changing ground conditions can all make daily management more challenging.
Make checking legs, hooves and skin part of your everyday routine – particularly if your horse is coming in from wet turnout.
It takes a couple of minutes and can help you spot changes early.
8. Keep an eye on water intake
As temperatures fall, some horses may drink less than they did during the warmer months.
That doesn’t mean their water requirements disappear.
Make sure your horse always has access to clean, fresh water and keep checking troughs and buckets regularly.
If your horse is spending more time stabled, make sure their stable water supply is clean and topped up.
Your autumn horse checklist
Before the weather really turns, why not work through this quick checklist?
✓ Check your horse’s weight and body condition
✓ Review their current feed and forage
✓ Start planning any changes to their routine gradually
✓ Check rugs are clean, waterproof, correctly fitted and ready to go
✓ Make sure stable and field equipment is ready for wetter weather
✓ Check hooves and legs regularly
✓ Keep fresh water available
✓ Review workload and nutritional requirements
✓ Keep up with routine dental, veterinary and farriery care
✓ Make sure your horse has appropriate shelter and forage
Autumn doesn’t have to mean a complete overhaul
The changing seasons are part of life with horses, and a little preparation can make the transition much easier.
Rather than waiting for the first really cold morning, the first muddy field or the first clipped horse to appear in a heavyweight rug, use September to look at what your horse needs now – and what they are likely to need next.
Because when it comes to horses, there is rarely a one-size-fits-all answer.
The best approach is to watch, monitor and adjust.
And if you’re wondering whether your horse is ready for autumn, remember: they probably noticed the change in season long before you did.
Discover the Vetro Collection and find nutritional support designed around your horse’s individual needs.