Autumn is a beautiful but challenging season for horse owners. As the leaves fall and the weather becomes unpredictable, routines shift and new priorities emerge — from adjusting feed and rugs to preparing stables for wetter days and longer nights. Whether you’re managing a competition horse or a much-loved companion, this is the time to focus on comfort, condition, and stable management before winter truly arrives.
1. Adjust their feeding routine
With grass growth slowing, many horses naturally move from grazing to forage-based diets. Monitor weight and body condition carefully — especially for good doers or those prone to laminitis, as autumn flushes can still occur on mild days. For horses in regular work, consider introducing fibre-rich hay or haylage to maintain digestive health and energy levels. Always make any dietary changes gradually to avoid upsetting the gut.
If your horse’s workload is decreasing as the season ends, adjust hard feed accordingly. Overfeeding stabled horses can lead to restlessness and weight gain, so balance energy intake with exercise. Supplementing with vitamins and minerals can also help maintain coat shine and overall condition as their diet changes.
2. Manage rugging sensibly
Autumn weather can be unpredictable — sunshine one day, downpours the next. Avoid over-rugging, as horses are well-equipped to regulate their own body temperature. A light turnout rug may be useful for clipped or thin-coated horses, but it’s important to monitor daily and adjust as temperatures fluctuate.
If your horse lives out, ensure rugs are waterproof, breathable and fit correctly to avoid rubbing. Regularly check under the rug for signs of sweating, sores or changes in weight. For stabled horses, a stable rug or fleece can keep them comfortable on chilly nights without overheating.
3. Prepare stables and shelter for wetter months
Before the heavy rain sets in, inspect stables, field shelters and fencing for wear and tear. Replace damaged boards, fix leaks, and clear gutters to prevent water pooling around entrances. Clean and disinfect stable floors, walls and buckets to minimise bacteria build-up over winter.
Good ventilation is vital as horses spend more time indoors. Stuffy or damp air can contribute to respiratory problems, so ensure airflow remains steady while keeping draughts to a minimum. Fresh, clean bedding that drains well — such as shavings, hemp or chopped straw — will also help keep horses dry and comfortable.
4. Check hooves regularly
Wet, muddy fields and fluctuating moisture levels can cause hoof issues such as thrush or cracks. Pick out feet daily to remove debris and inspect for soft spots or odour. Apply a hoof dressing if recommended by your farrier to help protect from excess moisture.
Book regular farrier visits even if the workload is lighter — healthy hooves are essential for maintaining soundness through the season. If turnout areas become particularly boggy, rotate paddocks or create a hard-standing area where horses can rest their feet on drier ground.
5. Maintain coat and skin health
Autumn is prime time for coat changes as horses shed their summer hair and grow thicker winter coats. Grooming is key to keeping skin healthy and encouraging circulation. A rubber curry comb is ideal for loosening dead hair, while body brushing removes dust and promotes natural oils.
Clipping may be necessary for horses in consistent work to prevent overheating during exercise. After clipping, provide appropriate rugging to replace natural insulation and always use clean, sharp blades to reduce the risk of irritation.
6. Keep exercise consistent
It’s easy to scale back riding as days shorten and the weather turns, but maintaining regular movement helps prevent stiffness, boredom and weight gain. If outdoor schooling becomes difficult, try groundwork or pole work in smaller spaces. Hill walking, in-hand hacking or lunge sessions can also help maintain muscle tone and fitness without overexertion.
Make use of reflective gear if you’re hacking during low light conditions — autumn mornings and evenings can get dark quickly. Safety is paramount when visibility drops.
7. Stay on top of worming and vaccinations
Autumn is a key time to review your horse’s worming schedule. After the first frost, target encysted small redworm with a product recommended by your vet. Faecal egg counts remain useful for monitoring burden levels and avoiding unnecessary treatments.
Check vaccination records too — flu and tetanus boosters may be due. With horses mixing at clinics, shows or on livery yards, maintaining immunity helps prevent disease outbreaks.
8. Manage mud fever and rain scald
Persistent damp and muddy conditions can lead to skin problems such as mud fever on legs or rain scald on the body. Prevention is easier than cure. Keep legs clean and dry, avoid excessive washing, and gently remove any scabs under veterinary guidance if they appear. Barrier creams can offer protection on clean, dry skin before turnout.
Providing a dry standing area or hard turnout patch helps reduce prolonged exposure to wet ground. Always towel legs dry after hosing off mud and never rug over damp coats.
9. Monitor hydration and water supply
Horses often drink less in cooler weather, which can increase the risk of impaction colic. Encourage drinking by ensuring constant access to clean, unfrozen water. Adding a splash of warm water or flavouring feed with soaked fibre like beet pulp can tempt fussy drinkers.
Check troughs and buckets daily for fallen leaves, ice or debris, and clean them regularly to avoid algae build-up. For stabled horses, ensure water buckets are scrubbed and refilled morning and evening.
10. Prepare for winter turnout
As fields become wetter, good management will help preserve grazing and reduce poaching. Rotate turnout areas, use track systems if possible, and provide hay in feeders to limit trampling.
Ensure rugs, headcollars and boots are all checked and repaired ahead of time — there’s nothing worse than a ripped rug in mid-November. Keep a small kit of essentials on hand for quick fixes, including spare clips, straps and waterproof tape.
Quick Autumn Horse Care Checklist
- Adjust feeding to balance grass intake and energy needs
- Avoid over-rugging; check fit and condition daily
- Repair and clean stables and shelters before winter
- Pick hooves daily and maintain farrier visits
- Support coat change with regular grooming
- Keep horses moving even in wet weather
- Review worming and vaccination plans
- Prevent mud fever and rain scald early
- Check water supply and encourage hydration
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Rotate turnout areas and prepare for mud management
