Preparing Your Horses for Fall

As the summer warmth fades and the crisp fall air sets in (depending on your locale), it's time for horse owners to start preparing their equine friends for the change of seasons. Autumn brings its own set of challenges and opportunities, and with the right preparation, you and your horse can enjoy this beautiful season to the fullest. Here’s your guide to getting your horse ready for fall.

Assessing Your Horse's Health

Regular Vet Check-Ups

Fall is the perfect time to schedule a vet visit as a thorough health check can ensure your horse is in top shape heading into the cooler months. You can focus on dental health, vaccinations, and deworming. These preventive measures can help stave off common seasonal health issues. Make sure you are stocked up on any medications like banamine and gas-x as drastic weather changes can increase the possibility of colic.

Monitoring Body Condition

As the season changes, so do your horse’s nutritional needs. Assess your horse’s body condition score and adjust their diet accordingly. Older horses have a harder time managing their body condition in colder climates. A well-balanced diet is crucial for maintaining optimal health. Focus on a mix of forage, grains, and necessary supplements to keep your horse healthy and happy.

Adjusting Diet and Nutrition

Fall Forage, Pasture Management and Nutritional Supplements

Pasture quality typically declines in the fall. Ensure your horse has access to quality hay to compensate for the reduced grazing. Rotating grazing areas can help manage pasture health and provide your horse with fresh forage.

With the changing season, your horse might need additional vitamins and minerals. Consult with your vet to determine if your horse could benefit from supplements like Vitamin E, selenium, or omega-3 fatty acids. These can support overall health and prepare your horse for the colder months.

Grooming and Coat Care

Shedding and Coat Changes

With the arrival of fall, your horse will start to grow a thicker coat. Regular grooming helps manage shedding and promotes a healthy coat. Invest in good grooming tools to make this process easier and more effective.

Blanketing Guidelines

As temperatures drop, consider when to start blanketing your horse. Not all horses need blankets and not all climates require them either. If your horse has adequate enough shelter to keep them out of the worst parts of the weather like heavy rains, sleet, hail and a blizzard, chances are they won’t even need a blanket. Blanket needs can change year to year as horses get older they have a harder time maintaining their weight in the colder months and will benefit from being blanketed so that they don’t burn extra calories trying to stay warm. Choose blankets that offer the right amount of warmth without causing overheating. It’s important to monitor weather conditions and your horse’s comfort level regularly as well as making sure to remove the blanket a few times a week to check that they are maintaining their weight and have no rub marks etc.

Another great thing to do this time of year is to re- waterproof your blankets. You can buy waterproof spray and spray it on the outside of all your blankets to make sure they are fully waterproof for the upcoming season.

Conclusion

Preparing your horse for fall involves a mix of health checks, dietary adjustments, and ensuring their mental and physical wellbeing. By following these tips, you can make the most of the fall season and keep your horse happy and healthy.

Subscribe to our blog for more tips and updates on horse care. Follow us on social media for inspiration and advice.

Share your fall horse care tips and experiences in the comments below!